Scenic view of Great Smoky Mountains National Park with lush green forests and misty mountain peaks

Did You Know?

Did you know that the United States was the first country in the world to establish a national park? Yellowstone National Park, established in 1872, was the first national park in the United States and the world. It is renowned for its geothermal features, including the famous Old Faithful geyser.

Did you know that the largest national park in the United States is Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve in Alaska? Covering an area of approximately 13.2 million acres, it is larger than the country of Switzerland. The park features stunning mountains, glaciers, and diverse wildlife.

Did you know that the most visited national park in the United States is Great Smoky Mountains National Park? Located on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, the park attracts millions of visitors each year. It is known for its lush forests, scenic drives, and abundant wildlife.

Did you know that the Grand Canyon is not only a natural wonder but also a national park? Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona offers breathtaking views of the iconic, massive canyon formed by the Colorado River. It is one of the most famous and visited national parks in the United States.

Did you know that the national park system in the United States encompasses a diverse range of landscapes and ecosystems? From the towering cliffs of Yosemite National Park to the pristine beaches of Virgin Islands National Park, the national park system protects a wide variety of natural wonders, historical sites, and cultural treasures.

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Covering territory that lies within the states of North Carolina and Tennessee, 2,114 square metres (522,419 acres) measures Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Despite being known as Smoky Mountains, the park encompasses the Blue Ridge and Appalachian Mountains, and their famous hiking trails. Autumn is the perfect time to visit and enjoy the staggering fall colours. Remember to respectfully share the park with the black bears that inhabit it, and never approach them.

There are plenty of lodges and camping facilities at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and it’s a popular place, close to several large cities, and strikingly scenic, a favoured spot for weekend getaways.

Littered with streams and rivers, and in the higher areas, waterfalls, plus lush vegetation, including wildflowers year-round, the park offers a sense of civilized paradise, a superb place if you like to canoe or kayak, to paddle around Lake Fontane. All this beauty in one of America’s oldest mountain ranges. Bliss!