How Big is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
800 square miles
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the United States. Spanning across parts of North Carolina and Tennessee, this protected area of land is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, diverse wildlife, and historic cultural sites. If you have ever wondered how big this park is, then you are in luck - this article will take a detailed look of all the vacation related great smoky mountains facts.
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Where Do the Smoky Mountains Start and End?
A fun fact is that the Smoky Mountain location is in the southeastern United States and part of the Appalachian Mountain chain. Spanning from Tennessee to North Carolina and encompassing an area of over 500,000 acres, these majestic mountains are a source of beauty and adventure for visitors from all around the world. But just where do they start and end?
The Smokies begin at Fontana Dam on the north side of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This spot lies along the border between North Carolina and Tennessee and is fed by several tributaries that flow into Fontana Lake. From there, the mountains stretch south through Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg in Tennessee before crossing back into North Carolina near Cherokee. The southernmost peak stands at Clingmans Dome, which rises 6643 feet above sea level - making it one of the highest points east of Mississippi.
Facts About the Great Smoky Mountains
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a nature lover's paradise. Stretching across the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, this majestic park encompasses over 800 square miles of wild forests and mountain peaks. With its abundance of wildlife, scenic vistas, and hiking trails, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has been a popular destination for adventurers since 1934. The best part of nature's beauty is when you can see a sunset after a hike. Here are some top ideas of places to spot a sunset.
Other facts about the smoky mountains include that the park is known for its lush vegetation including more than 130 species of trees. The misty blue haze that often covers the mountaintops is caused by airborne droplets of evaporating oil from evergreen foliage like spruce, fir, and hemlock trees. Cascading streams are dotted with wildflowers such as trilliums and trout lilies. Visitors can also spot black bears, white-tailed deer, brook trout and even elk in their natural habitats throughout the park grounds.
When was the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Established?
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a beloved natural gem among the American people. It was established in 1934, after an initial conservation movement to protect the area began decades earlier. The park straddles the Tennessee-North Carolina state line and covers over 800 square miles of land.
The national park's history goes back to 1925 when John D. Rockefeller Jr. purchased a large tract of land in North Carolina, with plans to donate it for preservation. On June 15th, 1926 Congress passed legislation authorizing the creation of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in both Tennessee and North Carolina. President Calvin Coolidge then signed off on it and officially made it part of America’s National Park System on May 22nd, 1934.
What State is Great Smoky Mountains National Park in?
A wilderness paradise located in the Appalachian Mountain range. Spanning over 800 square miles, it spans two states: North Carolina and Tennessee. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was established in 1934, making it one of the oldest national parks in America. Straddling the Blue Ridge Mountains and part of the Appalachian Trail, this park offers breathtaking views as well as camping, hiking, fishing and horseback riding opportunities.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park lies mostly within Tennessee and is a great destination for nature lovers looking to explore its lush forests, cascading waterfalls and picturesque streams. Its alpine meadows are home to some 1,500 species of flowering plants and more than 80 species of trees.
Recently, a newfound gap road has been discovered and it promises to be a great adventure for outdoor lovers. This road stretches from Tennessee to North Carolina and offers travelers an incredible scenic route through the mountains.
How big is this great smoky mountain? This road stretches for over 72 miles, making it one of the longest roads in the park. It winds along the crest of the Appalachians, offering stunning views as far as 50 miles away from either side. The terrain varies from challenging climbs to gentle descents, giving motorists plenty of opportunity to explore diverse landscapes.
Travelers will also find plenty of opportunities for hiking, camping and other recreational activities along the way.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Animals
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to some of the most diverse and abundant wildlife in the Eastern United States. This protected area of ancient mountains provides a variety of habitats for animals such as white-tailed deer, black bears, raccoons, wild turkeys and bobcats. In addition to these large mammals there are many smaller species like salamanders and chipmunks that inhabit this wondrous national park. These salamanders breathe through the walls of their tiny blood vessels.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park also hosts a variety of birds including hawks, eagles and owls as well as over 200 species of migrating songbirds each year. These birds have helped make this park one of the most biodiverse areas in North America.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Map
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States. It is located in the Appalachian Mountains and straddles the border between Tennessee and North Carolina. This park offers a wide variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, including camping, hiking, biking, fishing, and more. But before you plan your next outdoor adventure at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it's important to understand what roads and trails are available in this sprawling 816 square mile wilderness area. That's why we've compiled this guide to help you find your way around with a Great Smoky Mountains National Park map.
This official map of Great Smoky Mountain National Park provides detailed information on all roads that traverse within its boundaries and provides Smoky mountains directions from every angle.
Another fun fact:the Great Smoky Mountains are home to the spectacular Salamander Capital of the world. And it is considered one of the most biodiverse places on Earth! With over 200 varieties of salamanders living in its streams and forests, this mountain range is an ecological wonderland.
Here you can find a variety of unique creatures from the bright yellow Hellbender salamander to the rare Northern Slimy Salamander. No matter what species you are looking for, chances are it exists in these mighty mountains.
In conclusion,the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an immense area of land, encompassing over 4 million acres across the states of Tennessee and North Carolina. People from all over the world are drawn to this majestic wilderness, with its countless trails and breathtaking views. It is no wonder that the park is one of the most-visited in the United States, with over 11 million people exploring its vastness each year.
