Why are the Smokies so popular?
The number one reason the Great Smoky Mountains are so popular is because it’s one of the only national parks in the United States that doesn’t charge an entrance fee. There are several programs in place, including Friends of the Smokies, a program that raises funds for the park.
Why are they called Smokies?
The native Cherokee people traditionally called the Great Smoky Mountains Shaconage, which translates to “place of the blue smoke.” Euro-American settlers drew from this name in their own label of “Smoky Mountains,” with “Great” being added at some point or another to reflect the massiveness and grandeur of the range.
How many days do you need in the Smokies?
If you are a first time visitor to the park and want to experience the best of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, we suggest 3 to 4 full days of sightseeing plus a day or two for doing some of the longer hikes, river tubing, or horseback riding and still have time to explore Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge.
What is the best time to visit Smoky Mountains?
The best times to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park are the summer (June, July and August) and the fall. July is the busiest month of the summer season while October weekends draw those in search of autumn foliage.
Why is Gatlinburg so popular?
The quaint, resort-like village of Gatlinburg, nestled in the mountains of East Tennessee, is known for it’s beautiful scenery, great shopping, as well as its colorful history. The small resort town, commonly referred to as the “Gateway to the Smoky Mountains,” lies at the foot of Mt.
Is Cades Cove the most popular destination in the national park?
Cades Cove is a broad, verdant valley surrounded by mountains and is one of the most popular destinations in the Great Smokies. It offers some of the best opportunities for wildlife viewing in the park.
Are there wolves in the Smoky Mountains?
Sometime this fall, wildlife biologists will trap the last four red wolves still loose in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which straddles the Tennessee-North Carolina border. About 75 red wolves still roam free on and around two large wildlife refuges in northeastern North Carolina.
What’s better Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg?
Closer To the National Park – Gatlinburg is located just outside of the park boundary, while Pigeon Forge is a few miles drive away from park entrances. If you want to spend as much time in the Smokies as possible, this gateway to the national park might be your best place to stay.
How much spending money do I need for Gatlinburg?
How much money will you need for your trip to Gatlinburg? You should plan to spend around $152 per day on your vacation in Gatlinburg, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average, $68 on meals for one day and $28 on local transportation.
