The Great Smoky Mountain National Park


The Great Smoky Mountains National Park The spectacular world wonder known as the Smoky Mountains are part of the Appalachian chain. This chain of mountains (they're more like large hills) runs north to south along the eastern seaboard of America. The Smokies are generally thought to be the oldest of the of the Appalachian chain. The ancient nature of the Smoky Mountains accounts for the unique hill-like shape of the mountains. Over time the processes of weathering have eroded the Smokies, smoothing them and lowering them in the process. Of course, the story of the Smoky Mountains is what awaits all mountain ranges- even the majestic Rockies of the Western North America and the Eurasian Alps. It is no great secret that the Smoky Mountains are named for the misty haze that envelops them many months of the year. However, what makes these rolling hills famous is the brilliantly covered foiliage that blanket the hills. The colors of the fall in the Smoky Mountains especially are world renowned. They are the stuff of postcards and television specials. The Smoky Mountains as a favorite tourist destination is still a relatively recent phenomenon. In fact, it was only in the early 20th century that the area was first settled. It is doubtful that any of the original visitors to the area could have imagined what the Smoky Mountains would become. Today the area ranks amognst the top toursit destinations in all of North America. In the early years of settlement the area was considered for the most part- inaccessible. It was only after the arrival of a thriving lumber industry that the area began to really develop. Despite early foresting in the Smoky Mountain region, 40% of the tree growth in the area is still considered to be what is known as "virgin forest". This makes the Smoky Mountains a treasure that speaks of the distant geological past. In 1930 the federal governement formally established "The Great Smoky Mountains National Park". In 1976 the Park was categorized as an International Biosphere Preserve and in 1983 the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was deemed a World Heritage Site. These designations do much to demonstrate the spectacular and unusual nature of the Park. Not only is it a beautiful site to see, but its also an incredibly diverse environment that is home to more types of plants and tree species than any other protected region in the World. The Park covers 71 miles of Smoky Mountain terrain and runs through the states of Tennessee and North Carolina. The Park is a favorite to tourists from around the world, nature lovers, and geologists alike. Year after year people return to stay in a Smoky Mountain cabin in order to gaze at the lush vegetation of the Tennessee and North Carolina hills. A mountain log cabin was once all the accommodation you could get in the Smoky Mountains. That's all changes now though. Today both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee have grown into world-class resort cities. Because the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is so popular with tourists, maintaining the natural habitat can be a challenge. The goal for Smoky Mountain park staff is to preserve the area- not only for the sake of the many animal species that make their home in the area, but also for the enjoyment of future generations. You can learn more about the goals of the Smoky Mountains preservation plan by visiting the official Great Smoky Mountains National Park site.

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The Great Smoky Mountains National Park