Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Map

Great Smoky Mountains National Park: A Biodiverse Haven in the Southeastern United States

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located in the southeastern United States, spans over 200,000 hectares and is shared by the states of North Carolina and Tennessee. This expansive protected area is a testament to the beauty and biodiversity of the Appalachian region, making it the most visited national park in the U.S., attracting over 12 million visitors annually.

Geographically, the park lies within the Great Smoky Mountains, a part of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which is itself a range within the broader Appalachian Mountains. It boasts some of the highest peaks in Eastern North America, with notable summits such as Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome), Mount Guyot, and Mount Le Conte. The boundary between the two states runs northeast to southwest through the heart of the park. The Appalachian Trail, a famous long-distance hiking trail that stretches from Georgia to Maine, traverses the center of the park.

One of the most striking features of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is its rich and diverse flora. Home to over 3,500 plant species, the park contains nearly 130 species of trees, more than any other U.S. national park, and has one of the richest temperate forests in the world. The park's temperate rainforest climate fosters a unique environment where various ferns, wildflowers, and hardwood trees thrive. The park's old-growth forests provide vital habitat for numerous rare and endemic plant species, ensuring their survival and contributing to the park's designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In addition to its abundant plant life, the park is renowned for its remarkable wildlife diversity. Over 100 species of mammals inhabit the park, including black bears, elk, and historically, mountain lions, but they are now considered extirpated from the region. The park is particularly famous for its salamander population, hosting the greatest variety of these amphibians in the world. Its rivers and streams teem with fish, while its skies are home to a wide array of bird species. The park's conservation efforts have been instrumental in preserving many endangered species.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers visitors a glimpse into the temperate flora that once dominated much of the Eastern United States before human intervention. Its relatively untouched landscapes provide valuable insights into the region's ecological history and offer opportunities for exploration, education, and recreation. From hiking and camping to wildlife viewing and photography, the park caters to a wide range of interests, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts worldwide.

UNESCO Description of the World Heritage Site

Stretching over more than 200,000 ha, this exceptionally beautiful park is home to more than 3,500 plant species, including almost as many trees (130 natural species) as in all of Europe. Many endangered animal species are also found there, including what is probably the greatest variety of salamanders in the world. Since the park is relatively untouched, it gives an idea of temperate flora before the influence of humankind.

Encyclopedia Record: Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a national park of the United States in the southeast, with parts in North Carolina and Tennessee. The park straddles the ridgeline of the Great Smoky Mountains, part of the Blue Ridge Mountains and part of the Appalachian temperate rainforest, which are a division of the larger Appalachian Mountain chain. The park contains some of the highest mountains in eastern North America, including Kuwohi, Mount Guyot, and Mount Le Conte. The border between the two states runs northeast to southwest through the center of the park. The Appalachian Trail passes through the center of the park on its route from Georgia to Maine. With over 12 million visitors in 2024, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States.

Read more on Wikipedia