Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, encompassing 800 square miles of which 95 percent is forested. It is the most visited national park in the United States, renowned for the diversity of its plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, the remnants of Southern Appalachian culture, and the depth of its wilderness.
The North Carolina side of the park is generally quieter than the Tennessee side. The road from Cherokee — the gateway town on the NC side — to Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the park, passes through some of the most spectacular scenery in the eastern United States. In autumn, the leaf colors here are extraordinary.
Hiking ranges from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry trails. Black bears, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and over 200 species of birds inhabit the park. The synchronous fireflies of Elkmont, which flash in unison during a few weeks each June, are one of the most magical natural phenomena in North America.
The surrounding mountain communities each have their own character. Robbinsville, to the south, offers access to remote forests and lakes with far fewer crowds. The Cherohala Skyway and the Tail of the Dragon (US-129) draw motorcyclists and drivers from across the country. This is a region where you can get genuinely lost — in the best possible sense.
