The Visual Wonders of Great Smoky Mountains

Light breaks over the peaks surrounding Newfound Gap and another day begins in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The forests are teeming with the sounds of nature and the diverse flora and fauna are waking to the morning splendor. From the ridges and peaks that endlessly dot the landscape to the fertile valleys that mark the end of one mountain and the beginning of the next, the scenery is beyond breathtaking. Perhaps that’s why Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most popular destinations for travelers from all over the globe. No matter what your interests entail, you’re bound to find yourself in awe of the natural beauty inherent in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where the picturesque views are only eclipsed by the number of ways to see them.

Hiking and horseback riding trails are the method of choice for those who want to explore the cavernous lowlands while a helicopter ride is more suitable for getting a bird’s-eye view. For those who wish to immerse themselves in the wild, there are multiple campsites available, from the tame to the extreme. Another widely used method of exploring the region is by river raft, which offers some of the most unique perspectives as well as the excitement of the occasional whitewater. Though peaceful and serene at most points along the waterways in the Great Smoky Mountains, there are plenty of places that require deft maneuvering. If you want to experience Great Smoky Mountains National Park with the assistance of a guide, you can sign up for one of the many guided tours offered daily, which will provide a visual feast as well as interesting tales of occurrences that took place within the mountains so many years ago.

For those who would rather go it alone, Great Smoky Mountain National Park can also be toured by car, allowing you to cover a great deal of ground and experience panoramic views of the topography, wildlife and surrounding settlements with their historic architecture. The next time you decide to get away from it all and get back to nature, there is simply no better place than Great Smoky Mountain National Park.

Best of all, Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort provides the ideal locale for your Great Smoky Mountains escape. Nestled on approximately 70 acres adjacent to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort features the 60,000-square-foot Wild Bear Falls water park (the largest indoor water park in the South), two outdoor pools, two hot tubs, fitness facility and 24-hour marketplace. Enjoy award-winning barbecue at the casual Westgate Smokehouse Grill. The adjacent Mason Jar Lounge serves appetizers and snacks along with your favorite beverage. Escape to the new Serenity Spa by Westgate and indulge in a mountain hot stone massage, manicure, pedicure or facial. For more information about Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort, visit www.wgsmokymountains.com.