Great Smoky Mountains Profile

• Known as the “Crown Jewels of the Appalachian Mountains,” the Smoky Mountains are located within a day’s drive of two-thirds of the country’s population.
• The majority of visitors to the Smokies during peak season come from Tennessee itself, followed by Florida, North Carolina, Ohio and Alabama. More than 70 percent of visitors are families.
• Nestled in East Tennessee and stretching into Western North Carolina, the Smoky Mountains are a lush, abundant mountain range full of history, diversity, wildlife and abundant recreational opportunities such as boating, camping, fishing, golfing, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, skiing and whitewater rafting.
• The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is BY FAR the main attraction in the Great Smoky Mountains, although the Smokies are also known for family-friendly attractions such as Dollywood and live entertainment venues such as Dixie Stampede.
• The busiest times to visit the Smoky Mountains are during the summer months and the month of October – the peak season for fall foliage when the area comes alive with a blaze of brilliant red, orange and yellow leaves.
• At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Smoky Mountains and one of the main attractions at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
• The Great Smoky Mountains are known as both the “Honeymoon Capital of the South” and “The Wedding Capital of the South” – couples can even schedule a “Hillbilly Wedding” performed by an “ordained, bearded, hillbilly minister.”
• Major annual events in the Smokies include Smoky Mountain WinterFest (January-March), Springfest (March-June), Gatlinburg’s 4th of July Midnight Parade (July), Celebrate Freedom! (August) and Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival (September-October).  

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

• Established in 1934, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the largest national park East of the Rockies (244,000 acres of the park lie in Tennessee and 276,000 acres lie in North Carolina).
• With more than 10 million visitors annually, it is also the most visited national park in the United States. In comparison, Grand Canyon National Park draws less than 5 million visitors per year. 
• Designated an International Biosphere Reserve, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to 4,000 plant species, 1,500 wildflower species, 140 tree species, 700 miles of rivers and streams, 600 black bears, campsites, horseback riding, historic sites, picnic areas, scenic overlooks, waterfalls, fishing and 850 miles of hiking trails (including a 70-mile section of the Appalachian Trail).
• Cades Cove – a 4,000-acre scenic valley that features preserved pioneer homesteads, a campground and hiking trails – is the most visited area of the park.