The Great Smokies are part of an International Biosphere Reserve. The range is home to an estimated 187,000 acres (76,000 ha) of old growth forest, constituting the largest such stand east of the Mississippi River.The cove hardwood forests in the range’s lower elevations are among the most diverse ecosystems in North America, and the Southern Appalachian spruce-fir forest that coats the range’s upper elevations is the largest of its kind. The Great Smokies are also home to the densest black bear population in the Eastern United States and the most diverse salamander population outside of the tropics.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park region is divided down its length by the Tennessee – North Carolina border. Visitor centers—Sugarlands and Oconaluftee—mirror each other across the state line separated by many miles of deciduous forest. There are waterfalls throughout the park, with larger falls like Grotto, Laurel, Abrams, Rainbow, and Mingo drawing over 200,000 visitors per year.

Along with the Biosphere reserve, the Great Smokies have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The U.S. National Park Service preserves and maintains 78 structures within the national park that were once part of the numerous small Appalachian communities scattered throughout the range’s river valleys and coves. The park contains five historic districts and nine individual listings on the National Register of Historic Places

The history of the Appalachian Mountains is a precious thing and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park preserves this story. These mountains have been around for thousands of years from the prehistoric Paleo Indians to the 18^th century European settlements and loggers and Civilian Conservation Corps in the 20^th century. The protection of history, wildlife, and nature are very important to the park. There are many great attractions to see while visiting the park. The most popular attraction is Cades Cove. Others include:  Roaring Fork, Cataloochee, Elkmont, Mountain Farm museum and Mingus Mill at Oconaluftee. Don’t forget to watch out for Clingmans Dome, the highest point in Tennessee and the Smokies.

The cabins and chalets at Smoky Mountain Lodging are perfect for a family vacation or romantic weekend getaway. Whether its peace and tranquility of seclusion or being close to some of Pigeon Forge’s most popular attractions Smoky Mountain Lodging has a place for you! The cabins and chalets feature hot tubs, jacuzzi’s, fireplaces, kitchens, pool tables, high speed internet and washer and dryers. They have everything you need for a perfect stay.

Escape to the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains! The region surrounding the Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides a variety of accommodations to outfit your vacation plans, from spacious chalets to cozy cabins. Some have spectacular mountain views while others are set into natural woodlands that provide private, quiet and tranquil settings. Lodging, cabin and vacation rentals come in all sizes, with a variety of amenities, and with as many beds and bedrooms your family or group needs.

Whatever your vacation desires, the Great Smoky Mountains are your ultimate destination, and a few nights in one of the many cabins or chalets are the perfect way to experience them!

Seven Must-Try Foods in the Smoky Mountains

• Old-Fasioned Buttermilk Pancakes at the Pancake Pantry. …
• Kettle Korn at Dollywood. …
• Pit-Smoked Barbecue at the Hungry Bear. …
• Signature Corn Chowder at the Old Mill Restaurant. …
• Apple Fritters at the Apple Barn. …
• Old-Fashioned Taffy at the Smoky Mountain Candy Makers. …
• Original Moonshine from the Ole Smoky Distillery.

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad operates on the historic Murphy Branch Line, constructed from Knoxville, TN to Dillsboro, NC in 1883 and reached Andrews in 1890. Western North Carolina’s Premier Scenic Train began operations in 1988 as a tourist railroad, showcasing the beautiful scenery of the Great Smoky Mountains and entertaining with specialty event trains and continues today!