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Sunset paints oranges and purples across the sky over autumnal tinged foliage
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
iStock / Ken Canning

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

There are trees here that stood before our forefathers ever came to this continent; there are brooks that still run as clear as on the day the first pioneer cupped his hand and drank from them.
— President Franklin D. Roosevelt
Ancient Mountains, Ancient Wonders
A truly living mountain range, the Great Smoky Mountains are constantly re-inventing themselves as wind, water, and erosion continuously shape these ageless mountains. Wander the tranquil woods and hills to appreciate what your support can do to protect our nation’s beauty.
America’s most visited national park, Great Smoky Mountains, is an ideal getaway. Hike, camp, and experience one of America’s oldest mountain ranges.

Established in 1926, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is comprised of ridge upon ridge of seemingly endless forest on the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. Called the Smokies due to the ever-present morning fog, this mountain range is world renowned for the diversity of its plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and its history of southern Appalachian mountain culture. With nearly 80 historic buildings, spectacular displays of wildflowers, and abundant wildlife, Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers myriad activities to enjoy.

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.

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