Great Smoky Mountains National ParkEast of Nashville on the border between Tennessee and North
Carolina lies the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, covering
more than one and a half million acres; the largest national park
in the eastern United States, and the country's most visited park.
The park is a designated International Biosphere Reserve and a
World Heritage Site drawing millions of visitors every year to
enjoy the panoramic views, tumbling mountain streams, uninterrupted
forest and historic buildings it encompasses. The main route to the
park is via Knoxville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, all worth a
visit in their own right. Inside the park itself there are more
than 270 miles (435km) of road through the ancient mountains, which
are home to a variety of plant and animal life, many of the species
unique and rare. The American Black Bear is the symbol of the
Smokies and the most famous park resident, while some more rare
residents have been reintroduced into the area since the park's
inception include the r Website: www.nps.gov/grsm Telephone: (865) 436 1200 Transportation: No public transport accesses the park Opening Time: The park is open year round. Roads are subject to
closure, call (865) 436 1200 for updated road and weather
information Admission: Free |