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A Vacation in Tennessee is Not Complete Without a Visit to the Smoky Mountains

By: Terry Burns

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 enjoyable thing to do in the Smoky Mountains. Not only does it give you an opportunity to see the beauty of nature but also is a great way to exercise. There are over 850 miles of hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains. The trails range from less difficult half hour walks to strenuous trips. Many provide beautiful views, historic sites and waterfalls. The Appalachian Trail runs 70 miles along the top ridge of the Smokies.



Wildlife sightings are excellent in the Smoky Mountains. Early morning and late evening are the best times to see wildlife. There are over 65 mammals residing 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 critters 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 inhabit the Smokies.



There are over 230 species of birds in the Smokies and 110 that breed in the mountains. 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 this area the salamander capital of the world.



Fishing is another activity common in the park. Anglers 13 and over need a valid fishing license to fish in the Smokies which needs to be purchased prior to visiting the Smokies. The national park does not sell licenses. Fishing is allowed year round and there are over 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 change from 10 20 degrees from the lower elevations to the higher elevations. Also just because it is sunny and nice when you leave for the park, doesnt mean it will remain nice weather through your whole day. There is an average of 55 inches of rain a year in the lowlands compared to 85 inches of rain in the higher elevations of the Smokies. If you have questioned why the Smoky Mountains are Smoky it is a result of the rain and evaporation from the trees. The higher elevations of the Smokies are classified as rain forest.



The beautiful plants in the Smokies is one of the main reasons why it has been classified as a national park. The vegetation is what makes the Smokies so unique. Because of the many elevation levels, rainfall and temperature, these mountains provide a great habitat for over 1,600 different types of flowering plants, 100 types of trees and over 100 kinds of shrubs. The Smokies are sometimes referred to as the Wildflower National Park. There are more types of flowering plants in the Smokies than any other park in the United States. And of course the changing colors of the autumn leaves in the park is absolutely beautiful!



There is no charge to enter the Smokies. Due to deed restrictions imposed when the park was established it was decided that entrance charges would never be permitted. There is limited food and supplies available in the park so it is best to bring along a picnic and drinks and rest at one of the several picnic spots in the Smoky Mountains. 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 park.



There are many visitors centers in the area to assist you about the park and offer tips on experiencing the most out of your visit to the park. Many offer exhibits about the history and culture of the Smokies. Many guided tours are offered and most have restrooms and shops. The Sugarlands Visitor Center presents a free 20 minute Dolby Digital Surround Sound movie about the Smokies which is very informative. There are many places to go in the Smokies to show 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 make a visit to 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 places to see wildlife because of the wide open spaces 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 Smoky Mountains, you will be guaranteed a fun filled day. Plan your trip and be prepared to experience the beauty of the mountains!

Article Source: Free Content Articles Directory

This article is for people looking for information on
a Pigeon Forge vacation. It provides a resource for
planning the perfect Smoky Mountain vacation at
www.pigeon-forge-vacation-guide.com

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