Blanketed in lush forests and shrouded by mist, the beauty of Great Smoky Mountains beckons visitors to explore the mysteries of these ancient mountains. Walk in the woods and stand beneath a cathedral of towering hemlocks. Feel the cool spray of a waterfall splashing against moss-covered boulders. Gaze upon ...

Established: The park was created in 1934 to protect the last of the southern Appalachian forest which once covered more than 4 million acres, but was virtually eliminated by logging and fire. Land Area: The park is 520,976 acres. Number of Visitors: More than 9 million people visit annually—the highest visitation ...

Getting to Great Smoky Mountains The beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway runs from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the southern entrance of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. U.S. 441, known in the park as Newfound Gap Road, is a high mountain road that cuts across the ridge near the center ...