Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The 522,427-acre Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in both Tennessee and North Carolina, with the state line running through its middle. From the Paleo Indians of prehistory to the European settlers of the 19th century, humans have inhabited the highlands for a very long time.
As one of the few free national parks in America, the park is now visited by more than 10 million visitors annually who take part in outdoor activities including hiking, biking, and fishing as well as beautiful drives to Cades Cove and along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.
Bring a lunch if you plan to cycle the Cades Cove Loop on Wednesdays between May and September when the road is closed to traffic or go on one of the breathtaking treks to Abrams or Rainbow Falls. At the Cades Cove Visitor Center, check out the ancient gristmill and Cable Mill. At the Sugarlands Visitor Center, visit the wildlife exhibits, watch a documentary about the park, and buy one-of-a-kind gifts.
Rankings:
- #2 in Best Places to Visit in the Carolinas
- #3 in Best Places to Visit in Tennessee
- #5 in Best Fall Vacations
- #8 in Best Summer Vacations in the USA
- #10 in Best U.S. National Parks
- #13 in Best Places to Visit in October
Location: Tennessee
