A Detailed Guide To Great Smoky Mountains National Park For Backpackers

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park are one of the most-visited national parks in the United States. This park provides an exotic glimpse of the wild and attracts over 10 million tourists every year. It has great hiking routes, amazing views, and beautiful waterfalls. The smoke covering the mountain makes the place even more magical. The Smoky Mountains National Park is definitely a place one should visit if one wants to relax and spend time enjoying nature. It is an ideal getaway to escape the monotony of life and be surrounded by tranquil woods.

About Great Smoky Mountains National Park

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The Great Smoky Mountains National Park lies in the border between Tennessee and North Carolina. The park is almost 522,419 acres, which makes it one of the largest area that is under protection in the United States. This is also a certified UNESCO World Heritage site. People generally love going hiking and sightseeing here. Apart from that, fishing is also one of the most popular activities here.

There are also many historic and archaeological places within the park boundaries. The park has an array of flora and fauna. There are several waterfalls inside the park. The national park is famous for the bears and rare flowers which are difficult to find somewhere else. People can explore the place by trekking.

Best Time To Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park: One can visit the park throughout the year. During spring, the number of tourists is very high. In fact, the temperatures in different areas of the park might also differ depending upon the elevation levels. During the autumn, different shades of yellow, orange and green can be seen throughout the forest which makes the view even more beautiful. However, if one wants to visit when there is less crowd, September and November is the ideal time. It is advisable to pre-plan according to the climate and one’s own requirements.

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Where To Stay Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park: The LeConte lodge offers a place to stay on the second highest peak. One can hike up to the lodge and stay there for a couple of days while enjoying the blissful serene view from the top of the mountain. It is an amazing place to see the sunrise from. There are no modern amenities as it is situated amidst the forest but all your necessities will be looked after.

The National Park has maintained several camping sites for people who love nature and adventure. There are over 10 campsites where one can camp. It is ideal for living amongst nature and spending time in the wilderness. Every campsite has water, campfire site, and washrooms.

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5 Things To Do In Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The number of things to do and see in the park is limitless. Here are 5 things one can do in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park:

1. Ramsey Cascade: Visit

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It is the tallest waterfall of the park which is up to 100 feet high. It is known for the variety of salmon which is found in the pool. It is refreshing to see the sparkling water falling from atop and the diverse variety of fishes and flora. Make sure to stop by this spectacular place.

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2. USA: Explore The Rich Wildlife

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The national park houses flora and fauna exotic to USA like bears, fireflies, salamander, flame azalea and several other types of flowers. Exploring the flora and fauna of the region will surely be an enriching experience. One can simply observe the various types of trees and reptiles in the forest.

3. Rainbow Falls: Hike

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Fork motor train is a 6-mile long route that leads to Rainbow Falls, the region’s most popular waterfall. While walking along the road you can see an array of wildlife. The scenic beauty is breathtaking and one can witness the nature in its actual raw form. You’ll cherish this experience for life.

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4. Sugarlands Visitor Centre: Stop by

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This place offers a 20-minute film on the national park and it also houses exhibits. It is recommended to visit this place first as one can get detailed information about the park beforehand and then they can plan what places to visit. Make sure to stop by here.

5. Cades Cove

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It is a fertile land surrounded by mountains. There are several historic buildings too. Black bears, turkey, and deer can also be seen here. The settlers who had lived here before used to grow crops in this area. Also, several hiking tracks begin from here and it is one of the most recommended places in the national park.

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How To Reach Great Smoky Mountains National Park

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You can reach the Smoky Mountain National Park from the McGee-Tyson Airport in Alcoa, Asheville Regional Airport, Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport and Charlotte Douglas International Airport in Charlotte. One can hire a cab from the airport. There are several entrances and depending upon which airport you land, you can choose which park entrance will be the nearest. The tourists can drive or take a bike ride to the national park. However, there is no public transport to reach this area.

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The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an ideal place to visit if one wants to relax and spend time with nature. The mountains all around you covered with mist, the sound of waterfalls, the chirping of birds and the feeling of the gentle and fresh breeze is definitely difficult to come across in the daily city life. So, come take a break from your hectic schedule and fall in love with nature again by booking a trip to USA.

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