The Great Smoky Mountains National Park covers seven counties in North Carolina, with the northern fringe of the Smokies in Tennessee. The 520,000-acre park is one of the largest wilderness areas in the Eastern United States, covering more than 88 square miles. The park contains some of the highest peaks in the East, with elevations in excess of 6,000 feet. The Park is world renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, and the quality of Southern Appalachian mountain culture. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is America’s most visited national park. Activities include trails for hiking and horseback riding, bicycling, back country campsites, developed campgrounds, self-guided nature trails, viewing wildlife, wildflower hunting, self-guided auto tours, trout fishing, seeing historic buildings, and several visitor centers.

The Park contains 80 historic structures - houses, barns, outbuildings, churches, schools, and grist mills - which have been preserved or rehabilitated in the park. The best places to see the historic stuctures are, Cades Cove, Cataloochee, Oconaluftee, and along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year (weather permitting). For information or road conditions call 865-436-1200, extension 631. www.nps.gov/grsm