America’s most visited region, this world heritage site has 9 million visitors each year. The park is 800 square miles of dense woodlands and sharp-ridged mountains straddling the eastern boundary of Tennessee into North Carolina.

It was designated a national park in 1934.

The topography is as diverse as its scenery; elevations range from 800 feet to 6,643 feet at Clingmans Dome, the highest peak in Tennessee. But it is the bluish haze that shrouds these ancient mountains—produced by hydrocarbons and moisture from the profuse vegetation—that gives them their mystical appearance.

Along the numerous trailheads in the park, many species of wildflowers carpet the forest floor and over 120 varieties of trees can be found—from pine-oak forests on the drier ridges to the spruce-fir forest at higher elevations.Wildlife includes deer, bobcats, skunks, chipmunks, otters, and black bears, the park’s mascot. Over 120 varieties of birds are found here, including hawks, turkey vultures, blue jays, and swallows.

The Sugarlands Visitor Center, near Gatlinburg off Hwy 441, is the Tennessee side’s main entrance.

The center offers ranger-led programs and a 20-minute orientation film. Other park entrances in Tennessee are at the Townsend Visitor Center on Hwy 321 and the Smoky Mountain Visitor Center off Hwy 66. The 11-mile loop circuit around Cades Cove is the most popular thoroughfare for drivers and cyclists.

There are 10 campsites within the park, though only Cades Cove and Smoketrout are open year-round.

Admission to the park is free.