The Smoky Mountains National Park is the Most Visited Park in America!
While visiting Pigeon Forge, you must make a visit to the Smoky Mountains National Park. As the most visited national park in the United States, the Smokies receive over 9 million visitors a year. There is so much to do and see in the park including overlooks that give you a view of the beautiful mountain ranges, hiking trails, camping, fishing, historic sites and wildlife. There are five different forest types throughout the Smoky Mountains and over 4,000 plant species. Some sections of the park are actually classified as rain forests. The National Park is huge, totaling over 500,000 acres.
Most visitors to the Smoky Mountains National Park are there for a one day visit. However, if you enjoy the outdoors and enjoy camping, there is no better spot in the country to camp than the Smoky Mountains. The campgrounds in the park are primitive by design. There are ten campgrounds and all of them have running water, flush toilets and fire grills. There are fees for staying at these campgrounds but they are low cost. There are no camper hookups available at these campgrounds.
Hiking is another enjoyable thing to do in the park. Not only does it give you a chance to see the the great outdoors but also is a great way to exercise. There are over 850 miles of hiking trails in the Smokies. The trails range from less difficult half hour walks to strenuous trips. Many provide beautiful views, historic sites and waterfalls. The Appalachian Trail stretches 70 miles along the top ridge of the Smoky Mountains.
Wildlife sightings are excellent in the Smokies. Early morning and late evening are the optimal times to view wildlife. There are over 65 mammals living in the park with the Bear and Red Wolf being the favorite of visitors. Coyote and Bobcats are skittish and their sightings are rare while the Deer are the most commonly seen in the park. Other critters that you will see are red and gray squirrels, chipmunks, woodchucks, raccoons, opossums, red and gray foxes, skunks, and bats. Elk, river otters, beavers, wild hogs and of course snakes also inhabit the Smoky Mountains.
There are over 230 species of birds in the Smokies and 110 that breed in the mountains. As far as snakes, the Copperhead and the Timbler Rattler are the only poisonous snakes in the park but neither have lethal poison. The most common non-poisonous snakes are black rat, garter, and the common water snake. Other reptiles include frogs, toads and salamanders. The Smokies 27 types of salamanders make this area the salamander capital of the world.
Fishing is another thing to do in the park. Anglers 13 and over need a valid fishing license to fish in the Smokies which needs to be purchased before visiting the Smokies. The national park does not sell licenses. Fishing is allowed year round and there are more than 40 species of fish including darters, dace, suckers, bass, shiners, and trout. Brook trout are the only trout native to the Smoky Mountains. Stop by a visitors center for fishing regulations.
The weather in the Smoky Mountains can change quickly. The climate is moderate but because of the higher elevations, you can experience changes in the weather rapidly. Elevations in the Park range from 800 feet to 6,643 feet and the temperature can drop from 10 20 degrees from the lower elevations to the higher ones. Also just because it is sunny and nice when you leave for the park, doesnt mean it will stay nice weather through your entire trip. There is an average of 55 inches of rain a year in the lowlands compared to 85 inches of rain in the higher elevations of the Smoky Mountains. If you have questioned why the Smoky Mountains are Smoky it is a result of the rain and evaporation from the trees. The upper elevations of the Smoky Mountains are classified as rain forest.
If there is one reason why the Smoky Mountains should be classified as a national park it would be because of its plants. The vegetation is what makes these mountains so unique. Because of the various elevation levels, rainfall and temperature, these mountains provide a great habitat for over 1,600 different species of flowering plants, 100 species of trees and over 100 species of shrubs. The park is sometimes referred to as the Wildflower National Park. There are more species of flowering plants in the Smoky Mountains than any other North American park. And of course the changing colors of the autumn leaves in the park is absolutely beautiful!
There is no charge to enter the Smokies. Due to deed restrictions imposed when the Smokies were established it was decided that entrance fees would never be allowed. There is limited food and supplies available in the national park so it is best to pack a picnic and drinks and stop by one of the several picnic areas in the Smoky Mountains. Pets must be on leashes at all times and are not allowed on the hiking trails. Horseback riding and bike riding are also available in the park.
There are several visitors centers in the area to assist you about the park and offer tips on experiencing the most out of your visit to the park. Many offer exhibits about the history and culture of the Smoky Mountains. Many tours with guides are offered and most have restrooms and shops. The Sugarlands Visitor Center offers a free 20 minute Dolby Digital Surround Sound movie about the Smoky Mountains which is very interesting. There are several places to go in the Smoky Mountains to present to you the extraordinary nature and cultural history of the park. If you want to learn more about the culture of the early mountain settlers, then make a visit to the Mountain Farm Museum, Cades Cove, Cataloochee, or the Roaring Fork area. At these places you can tour homes, farms, churches and other buildings built by the early settlers. The best places to view wildlife because of the wide open spaces are Cades Cove and Cataloochee. For the most beautiful views of the Smoky Mountain range, head for the tops of the mountains at Clingmans Dome or Newfound Gap. For a stop in a cool shady forest location, you may want to stop by Deep Creek or Roaring Fork.
No matter what you want to do or see while visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you will be guaranteed a fun filled day. Plan your visit and be prepared to enjoy the majestic views of the mountains!
About the Author: The author, Terry, is one of the expert writers at Pigeon
Forge Vacation Guide. For more info on planning the perfect
Pigeon Forge vacation, kindly visit his latest website:
http://www.pigeon-forge-vacation-guide.com
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