. The Great Smoky Mountains, part of the Appalachian Mountain Range, stretch over 800 square miles, from the western border of North Carolina to Gatlinburg, Tennessee. They got their name from the Cherokee Indians. They called the mountains, Shaconage, for the blue-gray haze that veils the summits.
Hikers and backpackers will appreciate the magnificent forests and breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains backcountry. Campsites, hiking trails, and backpacking shelters are open year round. The park has 10 developed campgrounds (3 are open year-round) and there are many private campgrounds outside the park. Overnight hiking parties will need a backcountry use permit. Backcountry shelters and rationed campsites require reservations through the Backcountry Reservation Office at 865-436-1297.
One of the largest protected land areas east of the Rocky Mountains, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has over 500,000 acres of forest. It has beautiful streams and numerous waterfalls, virgin forests of red spruce, and hundreds of miles of developed hiking trails. It is also home to more than 50 species of mammals, including black bears, white-tailed deer, foxes and bobcats. The Great Smoky Mountains rise from 800 feet to 6,643 feet, with Mount LeConte being the highest peak.
A popular spot is the Old Mill, a national historic site that’s more than 150 years old. It is one of the country’s most photographed mills. You can take a free tour of the Old Mill and see how corn meal is made. There’s an on-site restaurant and a craft village with over 30 stores. You’ll see works by local artisans and you can also buy mill-ground flours and grits at the General Store. They also sell country hams, an assortment of cheeses, and homemade baked goods.
The park offers something for everyone and is one of the most visited parks in the U.S. Every year, over 9 million visitors enjoy hiking, picnicking, fishing, horseback riding, bike riding, canoeing, whitewater rafting, river tubing, skiing and snowboarding. Accommodations range from rustic campsites and cozy cottages to private chalets and exclusive resorts.
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