Biodiversity: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is renowned for its incredible biodiversity, housing over 19,000 documented species, including plants, animals, fungi, and more.
Old Growth Forests: The park contains some of the largest and best-preserved remnants of old-growth temperate deciduous forests in North America.
Mountains and Peaks: Spanning across the Appalachian mountain range, the park features over 800 miles of hiking trails, including opportunities to explore high peaks like Clingmans Dome, the highest point in Tennessee.
Cultural History: The park preserves and interprets the cultural history of the Appalachian region, including historic buildings, settlements, and the lifestyles of early settlers who lived in the mountains.
Wildlife: It's home to a diverse array of wildlife, including black bears, elk, deer, and over 200 species of birds. The park is a sanctuary for these animals, providing protected habitats across its expansive landscape.
Waterfalls: There are numerous stunning waterfalls throughout the park, including Abrams Falls, Grotto Falls, and Laurel Falls, offering picturesque scenery and refreshing hikes for visitors.
Synchronous Fireflies: The park is famous for its annual display of synchronous fireflies (Photinus carolinus) in late spring, where thousands of fireflies light up simultaneously in a mesmerizing natural light show.
Cherokee Heritage: The park recognizes and honors the rich cultural heritage of the Cherokee people, who have historical ties to the Smoky Mountains region.