Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. The park is in Swain and Haywood Counties in North Carolina. In Tennessee, the park is located in Sevier, Blount, and Cocke Counties.

The idea to create a national preserve in the area started in the late 19th century, either as a national park or national forest. The push for a national park became successful in the 1920s by supporters in Asheville, NC and Knoxville, TN. A compromise was reached and the park was located in between the two cities. In 1926, Congress passed a bill establishing the park, and fund-raising began to purchase the land. The state legislatures of North Carolina and Tennessee appropriated funds, as well as individuals, private groups, and even school children. The remaining money was donated by the Laura Spellman Rockefeller Memorial Fund. Free admission to the park was a stipulation of the money, and to this day, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the only national parks with free admission. The park was formally dedicated in 1940 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Contact Information:

Great Smoky Mountains National Park
107 Park Headquarters Road
Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Phone: (865) 436-1200

Areas of the Park:

Big Creek:

Big Creek is located in the northeast of the park on the North Carolina side and features camping and hiking in a more remote part of the park.

Clingmans Dome:

Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the park with a observation tower providing excellent views of the surrounding Smoky Mountains.

Points of Interest:

Waterfalls:

There are a number of waterfalls throughout the park.

1. Bear Creek Falls
2. Chasteen Creek Falls
3. Cliff Branch Falls
4. Gunter Fork Falls
5. Gunter Fork Lower Waterfall
6. Midnight Hole
7. Mouse Creek Falls
8. Rock Slab Falls

Wildlife:

Elk (Cervus canadensis), once common in the Southern Appalachians were hunted to near extinction.  These majestic animals were re-introduced to the park in 2001.  The best place to see them is Cataloochee Valley and near the Oconaluftee Visitor Center.  Maintain a safe distance at all times and view them with binoculars or a telephoto lens.

External Links:

National Park Service website: https://www.nps.gov/grsm/index.htm