Great Smoky Mountains, Appalachian Trail

The Great Smoky Mountains, often called the “Smokies”, straddle the border between North Carolina and Tennessee.  Part of the Appalachian Mountain range, they are home to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, famous for its mist-covered peaks that give the mountains their distinctive “smoky” appearance.

As one of the most biologically diverse areas in North America, the park is home to over 19,000 documented species, including 1,500 species of flowering plants, more than 200 bird species, 80 mammal species, and numerous amphibians. 

The park also preserves at least 78 historic buildings, such as log cabins, churches, and old mills offering a glimpse into the lives of early mountain settlers.  A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Smokies are the most visited national park in the U.S., drawing 11 million visitors each year.