Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an American national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site that straddles the ridgeline of the Great Smoky Mountains, part of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which are a division of the larger Appalachian Mountain chain. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
When I was 5 years old, my family moved from Mobile, Alabama on the Gulf of Mexico to the mountains of east Tennessee. I was so excited to see mountains. If you have driven through Alabama, you know land around the Gulf is very flat. I was used to beaches and water not mountains and forests. That first visit to the Smokies is burned into my memory. My brother and I hung our heads out of the car windows with our mouths open. We wanted to “taste” clouds as we drove in the mist up to the top of mountains. I returned to the park many times throughout my childhood and into my young adult years. I love living in Florida now, but my heart beats faster every time I drive the interstate up to Tennessee and see the mountains. Today let’s visit the most visited national park in the United States, The Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
These mountains are old and covered in trees. Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The landscape encompasses lush forests and an abundance of wildflowers that bloom year-round.
Streams, rivers and waterfalls appear along hiking routes that include a segment of the Appalachian Trail. Mingo Falls is a beauty!
Chimney Top Trail is a fun hike.
An observation tower tops Clingmans Dome, the highest peak, offering scenic views of the mist-covered mountains.
Hike the 150 trails.
View wildlife.
Enjoy the views.
See the remnants of old Appalachian southern mountain living at Cades Cove.
See the ghost town at Elkmont.
When you’re looking for a great family vacation area, visit the mountains of East Tennessee.
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I’ve visited the Smokey’s once and WOW … they are gorgeous. Beautiful post. thanks for the memories.
I’m so happy you enjoyed it!
This brought back a lot of memories – when I was just starting my career, I had a six-month assignment in Knoxville, and there were numerous weekends I went with my work colleagues to explore corners of the park. And then, when my husband and I got married, part of our honeymoon was spent in the park. Treasured memories …
That’s the way it is with me. My heart swells and I am filled with warm emotions from my childhood. Thanks for coming by!
What beautiful pictures of the Great Smoky Mountains! We were twice with our children when they were young. Went to Dollywood too! I think the kids liked Gatlinburg more than the park, but I really enjoyed the hikes and the history! Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for visiting!
…having always lived where there are hills and mountain, being a ‘flatlander’ wouldn’t appeal to me! ?
Oh wow! How beautiful is this!
I’m used to the rugged mountains and forests and am heartened such places still do exist despite some efforts to populate and industrialize every corner of the globe. Lovely post!
I’ve never visited this NP before, but it’s definitely on my to-do list (moved up a notch or two by your beautiful photos!).
Ah thanks Peter!
That looks so beautiful!
Beautiful scenery. I love nature in all its forms but this kind of scene you are showing me is also etched into my childhood memories. Everything is so lush and green.
Beautiful place,i can feel the fresh air from here!
Thank you for bringing us these amazing pictures and the stories from your lives. I love it when nature is such an integral part of our lives. I wish I am lucky enough to visit the Smoky Mountains some day. 🙂
Hello, beautiful scenes from the Great Smoky Park. I have been there a couple of times and love the park. Awesome collection of photos. Happy Friday, enjoy your day and weekend!
Thanks!
Great landscapes… well described!
Beautiful photos of a magical place. We visited once and I loved being there. Would love living in the mountains, but here I am in a flat place in Texas with only a few hilly places around.
I don’t even have hills here in Florida so I understand. The old hills of Appalachia are magical.
Hubby and I visited the Great Smoky Mountains in May. We go there about once every year or two and love it. Your pictures are beautiful!
Thank you so much CAthy. Happy Friday!
Great photos! Just lovely places.
thanks Annie!
This post just makes my heart happy because this is our neck of the woods. We live in Sevier County, where Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are all a part of! Thanks for showcasing East Tennessee! HOPE you have a great weekend!
Wishing you great joy this weekend.
Beautiful place and wonderful photos!! I love the mountains too, for me it’s the Sierras.
-Soma
What a beautiful place with such breath taking views! So lovely that it holds such fond childhood memories for you. Thank you for sharing them with us 🙂 #MMBC
Tennessee makes my heart sing. I live in the flat lands of Illinois.
What lovely photos! I would love to visit the Great Smoky Mountains someday! Next life?
Have a nice day, Carol!
Fantastic photos and views 🙂
Have a smokytastic week 🙂
Thank you for sharing these exquisite photos of such beautiful nature. Love them
thank you – that’s a great way to start my day – with sweet words like that!