Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountian National Park was established in 1934 when the Park Service took responsibility for the protection of the land and history of these mountains. The goal was to protect the land, the culture, the bio diversity and the environment, as well as providing a place for people to enjoy this lush and thriving ecosystem.
The park is home to over 1,660 kinds of flowering plants, more than any other park in the nation. Flowers in the park bloom all year, from the earliest hepaticas and spring-beauties in the late winter to the last asters in the late fall. With flowers blooming year-round there is something new to see all year long.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park houses some of the largest tracts of wilderness in the East and is a vital sanctuary for many animal species. Over 66 species of mammals, over 200 varieties of birds, 50 native fish species, and more than 80 types of reptiles and amphibians are protected in the park.
The American Black Bear is perhaps the most popular animal in the park. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides the largest protected bear habitat in the Eastern U.S.. Though populations are varies, it is estimated that approximately 1,500 bears live in the park at any given time.
The Great Smoky Mountain National Park's creation was not only good for the environment, but for surrounding towns as well. Some of the towns that have benefitted the most from the creation the park include Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, both of which are popular tourist destinations.
Today, the Great Smoky Mountain National Park has become the largest park in the Eastern United States. With a variety of activities such as a variety of hikes and auto tours, bicycling, camping, fishing, picniking, and horseback riding visitors always have plenty to do and see at the park. Many of these visitors come back year after year to vacation in the beauty of the park. For more information on the Great Smoky Mountains National Park visit www.greatsmokymountainsnationalpark.com.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park