Gatlinburg, Tennessee is
best known as the western entrance to the Great Smokey Mountains
National Park. Gatlinburg is noted for its mountain handicraft
shops, and local points of interest include the Homespun Valley
Mountaineer Village and the Christus Gardens, a series of dioramas
depicting the life of Christ. But most come to see and enjoy the
Great Smokey Mountains.
The Great Smokey Mountains National Park is 20 miles wide and
some 54 miles long. The park was established in 1934 to preserve the
last remaining sizeable area of southern primeval hardwood forest in
the United States. It covers over 520,000 acres and it contains some
of the highest peaks of the Appalachian Mountains.
Summits and ridges are crowned with a forest of red spruce and
Fraser fir. In the open areas purple and pink blossoming
rhododendron can be seen. Hiking is the most popular activity,
whether a day trip or as part of a hike up the length of the entire
Appalachian Trail. Some of the families who first settled this area
have descendents who live and farm in much the same way as in years
gone by. The area containing those farms was designated a World
Heritage Site in 1983.
Visitors come to the Smokies, the most popular area administered
by the US National Park Service, to hike, fish, camp, ski,
whitewater raft, and enjoy this well-preserved national treasure.
There are world-class spas as well as theme parks and resorts
throughout the area. All of these draw their inspiration from the
abundant natural beauty.
