4 Reasons Everyone Falls in Love with the Smoky Mountains

It’s no secret that once you visit the Smoky Mountains, you’ll fall in love with the area. That’s why the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the country! With more than 850 miles of hiking trails, a variety of wildlife, and incredible scenic drives, it’s not hard to see why people love visiting. Check out these 4 reasons why everyone falls in love with the Smoky Mountains:

1. Gorgeous Views

Of course one of the best parts about the Smoky Mountains is the gorgeous views that surround you everywhere you turn. The Cherokee referred to the area as “Shaconage,” which means “land of the blue smoke.” The blue appearance of the fog makes the views even more incredible! One of the best spots to take in the views is from the Clingmans Dome Observation Tower. Clingmans Dome is the highest peak in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and offers panoramic views of the Smokies. On clear days, you can see for as far as 100 miles! Wherever you are in the Smoky Mountains, gorgeous scenery is sure to be nearby.

2. Diverse Wildlife

Another reason everyone loves the Smoky Mountains is because of the diversity of wildlife. Visitors enjoy wildlife viewing and having the opportunity to spot black bears, white-tailed deer, turkeys and more. The park itself has about 65 species of mammals, over 200 varieties of birds, 67 native fish species, and more than 80 types of reptiles and amphibians. One of the best spots to see wildlife is Cades Cove. Cades Cove is home to all of the animals listed above and more! If you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of a black bear, visit Cades Cove in the early morning or later in the evening when traffic isn’t as heavy. The Loop Road makes it easy to keep an eye out for wildlife from the comfort of your car! When looking for wildlife, remember to do it in a safe way. The park requires visitors to stay at least 50 yards away from animals at all times for both the safety of you and the wildlife.

3. Beautiful During Every Season

There is never a bad time to visit the Smoky Mountains! Whatever the season, you’re promised some spectacular scenery. The area is known for its stunning fall foliage, when the mountains are blanketed in vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows. During the winter, there are snow-covered mountaintops, icicles, and frozen waterfalls. In the spring and summer, enjoy more than 1,500 kinds of wildflowers! You’ll want to be sure to bring your camera with you whatever time of year you visit.

4. Something for Everyone

The Smoky Mountains have something for everyone, which is why everyone seems to love them! Those who are adventurous love exploring hiking trails that range from easy to challenging. Some popular hiking trails are Laurel Falls, Abrams Falls, Alum Cave Trail and Gregory Bald. Hikes are a great way to get up close to the natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains. If you don’t feel like exploring on foot, enjoy one of the many scenic drives! Scenic drives allow you to take in the beautiful sights from the comfort of your car. Some popular scenic drives are Cades Cove Loop Road, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail and Newfound Gap. If you love history, you’ll love seeing the many historic structures throughout the park. There are old cabins and homesteads, historic churches and schools, and even a grist mill! There is something for everyone to enjoy in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

We know that everyone falls in love with the Smoky Mountains once they visit, which is why we’ve created some special merchandise so you can show everyone just how much you love the Smokies! We’ve got everything — from hats, to coffee mugs, to t-shirts. Click here to check out all our Smoky Mountain products!