The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most visited National Parks in the United States. It is a national preserve, consisting of eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina It is 20 mi (32 km) wide and extends southwest for 54 mi (87 km) from the Pigeon River to the Little Tennessee River. Established in 1934 to preserve the U.S.'s last remaining sizable area of southern primeval hardwood forest, it covers 520,269 acres (210,553 hectares) and contains some of the highest peaks in the Appalachian Mountains. Summits are crowned with dense forest, while lower elevations have mountain laurel, rhododendron, and azaleas. The park consists of over 900 miles of hiking trails of all levels. There is an abundance of cascading waterfalls, streams, and scenic vistas. The park is a garden of Eden of over 1,500 species of native flowing plants and is known for its orange, red, and yellow fall foliage. You don’t have to go far to see wildlife and watch out for the bear. Regardless of the season The Smokey Mountain National Park is one of America’s jewels. (Click on Gil-bear to return to the main menu.)