The Great Smoky Mountains are a Favorite Vacation Destination
love to travel, adventurous, animal lover, nature lover
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OCT
12
2007
Great Smoky Mountains National Park —
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park was always my parents favorite vacation destination and we found ourselves heading to the mountains just about every summer. No wonder this beautiful vacation spot became one of my own favorite places to visit!Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in the states of North Carolina and Tennessee and it the most visited national park in the United States. The beauty of the area is breathtaking and will capture your heart on your first look over the ridges looking down upon valleys, etc. It is a poplular destination for hikers, climbers, nature lovers, photographers, honeymooners and for families. Streams and running rivers are flowing throughout the mountains with lots of great trout fishing available to enthusiasts. You will also see a lot of wildlife such as deer, black bear, squirrels, fox, turkeys, raccoons, rabbits and birds which is a delight for all nature lovers and photographers.
The climate is great year round at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is considered to have a mild to moderate climate with varying temperatures on the mountains and base of the mountain. During the summer the temperatures usually range in the 80's to the low 90's with low to mid level humidity. During the winter the days are usually mild with a drop in the temperature as the sun goes down. In fact, it is recommended that you bring along a lightweight jacket for the evening hours.
Attractions
There are a lot of things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains. Here are a few of my favorites:
1. Clingman's Dome- This is the highest point within the park and sits 6,643 feet above the mountains. You can see miles away on a clear day from the top of Clingman's Dome. Be forewarned--there is a nice little hike up the mountain to get there. Although the distance is only 1/2 a mile, you are walking up a mountain and against gravity.
2. Cade's Cove- Located in a valley, Cade's Cove offers a nice scenic drive on a route that loops around the cove. There is a visitor's center here and a historic village that you can visit to learn more about the culture of the valley. Expect to see lots of wildlife in this area!
3. Nature- You will find beauty in every mile you travel and every step you take. There are lots of streams along the road that are perfect for wading and stopping for a picnic. You will also stumble upon a few waterfalls while driving through the mountains and also hiking.
4. Gatlinburg- This used to be a quiet little town nestled in the mountains but in the last 20 years it has boomed with popularity and commercialism. This is a great place to shop for souveniers. There are also lots of area entertainment from country music venues to museums to visit.
5. Cataloochee Settlement- This is a farming settlement that shows what typical life was on a farm in the valley during the late 1800's and early 1900's. Authentic homes, school, barn and chapel have been maintained and are open for tours.
These are just a few of the highlights of things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are various theme parks, such as Dolly Partin's namesake (my kids loved this place), water parks, gift shops, ice skating rinks, horseback riding and much, much more. You won't have any trouble finding something to do!
My Final Viewpoint on the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
If you have visited the Great Smoky Mountains before, you will know that you will be back. This is one of my top 5 vacation spots and probably top pick for the fall and autumn. The leaves are simply gorgeous this time of year. I highly recommend Great Smoky Mountains National Park to anyone that loves to travel, loves nature, a great place for a romantic holdiday/honeymoon or for your next family vacation. Score 5VP's!
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is recommended by BayouBengal
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