While visiting Pigeon Forge, you must make a visit to the Smoky Mountains National Park. The Smoky Mountains receive over 9 million visitors a year making it the most visited park in the United States. There is so much to see and do in the park including overlooks that give you a view of the spectacular mountain ranges, hiking trails, camping, fishing, historic sites and wildlife. There are five different forest types throughout the Smoky Mountains and over 4,000 plant species. Because of the rainfall accumulations in the higher elevations, some sections of the park are actually classified as rain forest. The National Park is huge, totaling over 500,000 acres.

Most visitors to the Smokies are there for a one day visit. However, if you enjoy the outdoors and enjoy camping, there is no better spot in the country to camp than the Smoky Mountains. The campgrounds in the park are primitive by design. There are ten campgrounds and all of them have running water, flush toilets and charcoal grills. There is a charge for staying at these campgrounds but they are nominal. There are no camper hookups available at these campgrounds.

Hiking is another fun thing to do in the park. Not only does it give you a chance to see the the great outdoors but also is a great way to exercise. There are over 850 miles of hiking trails in the Smokies. The trails range from less difficult half hour walks to more difficult trips. Many provide beautiful views, historic landmarks and waterfalls. The Appalachian Trail runs 70 miles along the top ridge of the Smoky Mountains.

Wildlife viewing is excellent in the Smoky Mountains. Early morning and late evening are the optimal times to see wildlife. There are over 65 mammals living in the park with the red wolf and bear being the favorite of tourists. Coyote and Bobcats are skittish and their sightings are rare while the Deer are easily viewed in the park. Other animals that you will see are red and gray squirrels, chipmunks, woodchucks, raccoons, opossums, red and gray foxes, skunks, and bats. Elk, river otters, beavers, wild hogs and of course snakes also live in the Smoky Mountains.

There are over 230 species of birds in the Smokies and 110 that breed in the park. As far as snakes, the Copperhead and the Timbler Rattler are the only poisonous snakes in the park but neither have lethal poison. The most common non-poisonous snakes are black rat, garter, and the common water snake. Other reptiles include frogs, toads and salamanders. The Smokies 27 types of salamanders make the Smokies the salamander capital of the world.

Fishing is another thing to do in the park. Anglers 13 years and over need a valid fishing license to fish in the park which needs to be purchased prior to visiting the park. The national park does not sell licenses. Fishing is allowed year round and there are more than 40 species of fish including darters, dace, suckers, bass, shiners, and trout. Brook trout are the only trout native to the Smoky Mountains. Stop by a visitors center for fishing regulations.

The weather in the Smoky Mountains can change quickly. The climate is moderate but because of the higher elevations, you can experience changes in the weather rapidly. Elevations in the Park range from 800 feet to 6,643 feet and the temperature can drop from 10 20 degrees from the lower elevations to the higher ones. Also just because it is a beautiful day when you travel to the park, doesnt mean it will stay nice weather through your entire trip. There is an average of 55 inches of precipitation a year in the lowlands compared to 85 inches of precipitation in the higher elevations of the Smoky Mountains. If you have wondered why the Smoky Mountains are Smoky it is a result of the precipitation and evaporation from the trees. The higher elevations of the Smoky Mountains are classified as rain forest.

If there is one reason why the Smoky Mountains should be classified as a national park it would be because of its plants. The vegetation is what makes these mountains so unique. Because of the many elevation levels, rainfall and temperature, these mountains provide a great habitat for over 1,600 different species of flowering plants, 100 species of trees and over 100 species of shrubs. The Smokies are sometimes referred to as the Wildflower National Park. There are more species of flowering plants in the Smoky Mountains than any other North American park. And of course the changing colors of the autumn leaves in the park is absolutely beautiful!

There is no cost to enter the Smoky Mountains National Park. Due to deed restrictions imposed when the Smokies were established it was decided that entrance charges would never be permitted. There is limited food and supplies available in the national park so it is best to bring along a picnic and drinks and stop by one of the many picnic areas in the Smokies. Pets must be on leashes at all times and are not permitted on the hiking trails. Horseback riding and bike riding are also available in the Smokies.

There are several visitors centers in the Smokies to assist you about the park and offer ideas on experiencing the most out of your stay. Many offer exhibits about the history and culture of the Smoky Mountains. Many tours with guides are offered and most have facilities and shops. The Sugarlands Visitor Center offers a free 20 minute Dolby Digital Surround Sound movie about the Smoky Mountains which is very informative. There are several areas to go in the Smoky Mountains to present to you the beautiful nature and cultural history of the Smokies. If you want to learn more about the culture of the early mountain settlers, then stop by the Mountain Farm Museum, Cades Cove, Cataloochee, or the Roaring Fork area. At these stops you can tour homes, farms, churches and other structures built by the early settlers. The best areas to see wildlife because of the wide open areas are Cades Cove and Cataloochee. For the most spectacular views of the Smoky Mountain range, head for the tops of the mountains at Clingmans Dome or Newfound Gap. For a stop in a cool shady forest location, you may want to visit Deep Creek or Roaring Fork.

No matter what you want to do or see while visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you will be guaranteed a fun filled day. Plan your trip and be ready to experience the beauty of the mountains!