Discover Great Smoky Mountains National Park
There's a reason they call them the Smokies.
Stretching across the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is famous for the soft, blue mist that drifts between its forested ridges, creating landscapes that look almost like watercolor paintings.
As America's most visited national park, the Smokies offer an irresistible combination of natural beauty, Appalachian heritage, abundant wildlife, and unforgettable mountain adventures.
Cades Cove: Where Nature and History Meet
Imagine a peaceful mountain valley surrounded by rolling hills, where historic cabins and churches tell stories of generations past.
Cades Cove is one of the park's most beloved destinations. Its scenic 11-mile loop road offers opportunities to spot white-tailed deer, black bears, and other wildlife while exploring historic buildings and beautiful mountain scenery.
Early mornings are particularly magical, when mist sometimes settles across the valley floor.
Kuwohi: Views Above the Clouds
Formerly known as Clingmans Dome, Kuwohi is the highest point in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, reaching 6,643 feet above sea level.
A steep, paved walkway leads to an observation tower offering spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
On a clear day, the seemingly endless ridges create a breathtaking reminder of just how vast the Appalachian landscape really is.
Roaring Fork: A Journey Through the Forest
For a wonderfully scenic adventure, the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail winds through lush forests, past rushing mountain streams, waterfalls, and historic log buildings.
This seasonal, one-way driving route is particularly beautiful when the leaves change color in autumn.
It's a delightful place to slow down and appreciate the quieter details of mountain life.
Oconaluftee: Wildlife and Mountain Heritage
Near Cherokee, North Carolina, the Oconaluftee area offers a fascinating glimpse into the Smokies' natural and cultural history.
Visitors can explore the Mountain Farm Museum's historic buildings and enjoy opportunities to observe elk in the surrounding fields.
It's a wonderful reminder that these mountains have stories extending far beyond their spectacular scenery.
Keep a Little Mountain Magic Close
Whether your favorite memory is a peaceful morning in Cades Cove, a family photograph, or a spectacular mountain sunset, the Smokies leave you with plenty worth remembering.
A GTK QR Tile connects a physical keepsake to your existing online photographs, travel stories, and favorite experiences, or brings them together on your complimentary GTK QR Page.
A little mountain magic, wherever you call home.
Get To Know People & What They Know About the Great Smoky Mountains
GTK® is an independent editorial initiative celebrating individuality, expression, connection, and the things people know.
From Appalachian storytellers and wildlife researchers to photographers, historians, and people whose families have called these mountains home for generations, the Smokies are rich with human knowledge and experiences.
We believe their stories and perspectives deserve to be known and remembered.
Visit GTK.us to discover more about people and what they know.
