How2Day: National Parks in the Great Smoky Mountains

Enjoy the breathtaking scenery in the Great Smoky Mountains. SW Productions/Photodisc/Getty Images
The Great Smoky Mountains is a branch of Appalachians mountain range in eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina, and vacationers flock to these forested mountains for hiking and fishing in the summer. During the winter season, skiers visit resorts such as Ober Gatlinburg and Cataloochee Ski Area. Tourist attractions in the Great Smokies include the Dollywood amusement park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and the Oconaluftee Cherokee Indian Village near Cherokee, North Carolina.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the largest park in the Smoky Mountains at over a half-million acres, and it serves as the natural border of Tennessee and North Carolina. This national park offers over 800 miles of trails for intermediate and expert hikers that lead to backcountry campgrounds and streams for fishing. The park mandates that all fishermen have a Tennessee or North Carolina fishing license, and fishing is not allowed at night. Non-recreational types can enjoy the historic buildings spread throughout the park, which include the mill and Gregg-Cable House at Cades Cove village, and the Jim Bales Cabin on the Roaring Fork Nature Trail. Hotel and cabin lodging can be found in and around the cities of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, only a tram ride away from skiing activities at the Ober Gatlinburg ski area.

Situated in western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee, the Cherokee National Forest is on the northeastern edge of the Great Smokies, and provides historic attractions, such as the Oconaluftee Cherokee Indian Village. This village is a re-creation of 18th century life for the Cherokee tribe, and features Cherokee-designed arts and crafts and a mile-long nature trail. Year-round fishing in the French Broad River and Fontana Lake is available in the 650,000-acre Cherokee National Forest. During the summer, vacationers can take advantage of the forest's hiking trails, where they have chances to catch a glimpse of black bears. This national forest also provides opportunities for sightseeing on mountain routes such as Tennessee State Highway 81, which passes through the Nolichucky River Gorge, and Foothills Parkway, a trail that crosses Green Mountain.

The 1.3-million acres of the Nantahala National Forest in North Carolina rests at the southeastern ridge of the Great Smoky Mountains, and is home to the Mountain Waters National Scenic Byway. This 61-mile highway offers travelers with opportunities to view Cullasaja Gorge and Bridal Veil Falls, which you can drive under if you want. Other natural attractions in Nantahala include Whiteside Mountain, which has a two-mile loop trail, and Wayah Bald, which features an early 20th century tower that offers scenic views of the Great Smokies. A segment of the Appalachian Trail, an intercontinental trail that stretches from Georgia to Maine, is in Nantahala, and this trail can be used for hiking and camping. Dogs are allowed to accompany their owners on the trail.

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