The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is America’s most popular park to visit and has broken several visitation records! Haven’t had the chance to go yet? Here are 5 reasons why you should visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
1. Natural Scenery
Many people love the national park for its namesake – the Smoky Mountains! The natural scenes of the park are amazing no matter when you visit. However, you’ll definitely want to see the Smokies at their best: during spring or fall! You can also see what the Smokies have to offer when you take a scenic drive. You might be able to spot wildlife and a few roadside waterfalls like Meigs Falls or Place of a Thousand Drips from the comfort of your car!
2. Free to Visit
Another reason why you should explore the park is that it’s affordable to do so. When you’re traveling to the Smokies and you’re on a budget, visiting the park won’t cost you anything. This is because, at this time, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park does not charge an entrance fee! Instead, it receives its funding from donations from organizations such as Friends of the Smokies.
3. Abundant Wildlife
You’ll enjoy being in the national park if you’re an animal lover! There are plenty of animals that call the national park home. A fun fact about the national park? It is the salamander capital of the world! From river otters to elk to black bears, you never know which animals you might spot on your trip. Just remember: if you visit the park for the wildlife, take a look from a safe distance.
4. Home to History
Consider yourself to be a history buff? The national park has you covered! You don’t have to go far to find out about its fascinating history. The area is particularly a great place to find early homesteads and properties left behind from hundreds of years ago. For example, if you go to Cades Cove, you’ll have the chance to see over 10 historical structures in the area including cabins and its churches!
5. Plenty of Outdoor Activities
If you’re the adventurous type, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has a lot of things you can do during your visit! If you want to hike, there are hundreds of trails you can choose from. You can even go biking or horseback riding on some of the trails. Love water? Not only can you hike to waterfalls, but you can go swimming in natural water holes or try your hand at fishing. For the ultimate experience of spending time outdoors, there are also several great campgrounds to choose from throughout the park if you want to spend a few nights there!
Now that you have some reasons why it is worth making the trip to visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you have to start planning your trip! Whether you go alone, with friends, or family, the experience of being in the Smokies will be unforgettable. Searching for some interesting places to visit? Read more about one of these places in the national park!
