5Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee and North Carolina
Straddling the border between Tennessee and North Carolina, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is renowned for its mist-covered peaks, diverse wildlife, and lush forests. The park is a haven for nature lovers, with over 850 miles of hiking trails, cascading waterfalls, and historic homesteads. One of the best times to visit the Smokies is in the fall when the park’s hardwood forests burst into vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow. Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the park, offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, while the Cades Cove area provides opportunities for wildlife viewing, including black bears, white-tailed deer, and wild turkeys. With its natural beauty and accessibility, the Great Smoky Mountains are one of the most visited national parks in the country.
