Are you interested in exploring wildlife, mountain hiking, fishing, and anything else that involves soaking in Mother Nature’s most exquisite gifts? If so, planning your next vacation to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the perfect way to fuel your passions.
Located in Tennefishissee, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is well-known for its diversity of activities, tourism, and animal and plant life.
More convincingly, the park offers stunning waterfalls, miles of wooded trails, countless 1990s historic structures, educational exhibits, and winding scenic drives.
It’s safe to say that the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most popular places to visit in the United States.
The national park has over 10 million visitors annually, which is impressive given that the Grand Canyon receives approximately 5 million tourists yearly.
Related Read: Things to Do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Furthermore, if you’ve been on the fence about whether or not you should plan your next trip to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, consider the following reasons as your guide:
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There are many outdoor activities
You may do many daring things while visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are countless trails to select from if you wish to go hiking.
You can even ride a horse or a bike on some of the pathways. Admire water? You can try your luck at fishing and go sunbathing in the natural water holes.
If you wish to stay a few nights close to the park, you can choose from several fantastic accommodation options.
Moreover, if you are traveling with the whole squad, consider choosing the smoky mountain large cabins from Large Cabin Rentals to help you find a cabin that’ll feature everything you need.
Related Read: Things to Do in the Great Smoky Mountain This Autumn
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It is free to enter
The fact that there is no entrance fee for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of our favorite things about it.
The park’s beauty is ours to enjoy without charge! Why is there no admission charge? North Carolina and Tennessee state governments provided funding for the road’s construction.
The states gave the federal government ownership of the national park when it was created. However, Tennessee stated in its deed that “no toll or license fee will ever be imposed” to use the route. Everyone can still visit the park, no matter their financial status, today.
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Many historical structures
One of the remarkable characteristics of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are the more than 90 culturally impressive structures that have been preserved or rebuilt.
Because the area was occupied for a considerable time before being designated as a national historic site, it is possible to find buildings in the park that date back hundreds of years, such as farms, grist mills, schools, residences, and schools.
One of the best places to see these structures is Cades Cove, home to many deserted churches and cottages.
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Beautiful waterfalls
What else about the Smoky Mountains do we love, you know? Breathtaking waterfalls galore! It is quite beautiful to watch the water cascade down the falls.
There are numerous waterfalls that you can hike to around the park. The 20-foot-tall Abrams Falls and the 100-foot-tall Ramsey Cascades are two of the park’s unusual waterfalls.
Rainbow Falls is yet another magnificent waterfall. On sunny days, the vapor from the falls produces a rainbow. A stunning ice structure develops close to the falls on cold and wet winter days.
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Various wildlife
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has the greatest diversity of life. It is home to over 56 mammal species, approximately 200 bird species, 80 amphibian and reptile species, and 67 native fish species.
Moreover, white-tailed deer, birds, and black bears are some wildlife that visitors most frequently encounter.
The wildlife is one of the many unique qualities of this national park. If you enjoy watching animals walk and fly, you must visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
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Let’s not forget: Cades Cove
Cades Cove deserves to be on our list by itself! With good reason, this national park region is the most visited. Cades Cove offers tourists a lot of attractions.
It features a variety of old buildings you may visit, it’s one of the greatest spots to see black bears and other animals, and it contains trailheads for well-known treks like Laurel Falls.
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You can visit the park in all four seasons
All seasons are suitable for visiting Smoky Mountain National Park. Weather allowing, primary highways are open every day of the week, all year round.
October and November bring spectacular colors of orange, gold, and red together with cool, crisp weather.
Wintertime attractions include snowy vistas, fewer tourists, and the gravity-defying phenomenon of freezing waterfalls.
While hundreds of thousands of flowers bloom from March through April, higher altitudes’ summertime highs rarely exceed 80 degrees.
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Everyone can find something
There’s something for everyone in the Smoky Mountains, which is why we believe they are so well-liked. While individuals seeking a thrill can engage in enjoyable pursuits, those seeking relaxation can take a picturesque drive or a short hike.
Also, are you an avid history lover? If so, you will love exploring the park’s historical and cultural structures. You can even ask one of the park rangers to tag along with you on your tour (if you are prone to have questions).
At the same time, nature lovers will adore the breathtaking mountain views, which people of all ages may congregate and enjoy.
Needless to say, the Smoky Mountains will be a blast for everyone, whether you have tiny kids or older kids. You may hike, play in the streams, observe nature with a friend, try fishing, take a horse ride, and much more.
You can even go camping for quality time with your family while enjoying the Smoky Mountain sky. Together, you’ll make priceless moments.
Conclusion
Whether you love hiking, driving through scenic landscapes, soaking in the fresh air, watching out for wildlife, or anything outdoorsy, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the surrounding towns have something for everyone, and don’t forget to bring souvenirs!
Whether you visit the park alone, with pals, or with family, you won’t forget the experience. The best thing about this destination is that the activities are endless, so there is always something new to see and do.
