"Place of the Blue Smoke" Cherokee people called the land at the southern end of the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee. Historical homesteads stand as monuments to those who carved out a living from this wilderness and who sacrificed much in the establishment of this national park that was once their home. This wonderful park's highland and wetland sanctuaries comprise one of the world's finest examples of temperate deciduous forest. Panoramic vistas, waterfalls, coves, dog woods, and rushing streams all contribute to the wonder of this special place.

Visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Forum to ask questions about the park.