The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the largest protected areas in the Eastern United States, a wildlands sanctuary preserving the world's finest examples of temperate deciduous forest. The park boasts unspoiled forests similar to those the early settlers found. Wildflowers and migrating birds abound in late April and early May. Autumn's pageantry of colors usually peaks in mid October.

Once a part of the Cherokee homeland, the Smokies today are a hiker's paradise. Walking and hiking are favorite ways for many people to see the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Much of the interest and mood present in the park depends on finding subtle variations in nature not seen from automobiles. For example, wildflowers, cascading streams, the scent of evergreens, and the sounds of birds are best seen and experienced away from roads. For this reason, there are over 800 miles of trails here.

One of the Smoky Mountains most tranquil, serene and breathtaking attractions is Cades Cove, considered an open air museum of Appalachian life. The Cove is home to a fully operational gristmill, historic structures from the late 19th and 20th centuries, 1500 kinds of flowering plants and more than 500 black bears. Experience Cades Cove via hiking trails, horseback or your own car on the 11-mile loop road open every day sunrise to sunset.

Whether you choose to hike, fish miles of streams within the park boundaries, or experience it all from your car, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is in your backyard.