Where is smokies

It's no wonder why. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee, and covers , acres square miles. The Smoky Mountains are known for the blue mist that always seems to hover around the peaks and valleys. Asheville is within an hour and a half drive or less of five key entrances to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is free to enjoy the National Park. Driving distances from downtown Asheville are shown in parenthesis. There is no park admission.

However, certain roads and services may close during inclement weather. The best source for updated road conditions is on the National Park's Twitter account. However, please note that some areas of the Park, including Cataloochee Valley, may require driving on dirt or gravel roads.

Given the Park's large size, there are remote back country areas that are only accessible by hiking trail. PETS: Dogs are allowed in picnic areas and along roads as long as they are on a leash. However, dogs and other pets are not allowed on the National Park trails.

This policy is in place for many large national parks that have extensive back country areas because of the threat domesticated pets pose to sensitive wildlife and habitats. Dress in layers to be prepared for changes in weather conditions. And, see our map below showing top Park attractions near Asheville.

A handful of Cherokee remained in the hills and managed to survive. In the late s, the Qualla Indian Reservation was established along, what is now, the National Park's southern boundary.

The creation of the National Park began in the early s with a simple idea: a wealthy family in Knoxville, Tenn. At the time, the National Park Service was looking for park sites in the East having already opened parks in the West. Rockefeller Jr. After more than 17 years of efforts by those passionate about the project, the Park was officially dedicated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in Great Smoky Mountains National Park Named for low hanging fog produced in early morning hours, the Smokies offer incredible outdoor adventures with a touch of Southern Appalachia culture.

The large grassy field near the visitor center is actually a top place for viewing the Park's famous elk and other wildlife. Here, you'll have access to the trail head for the Oconaluftee River Trail, a great wildflower hike in spring. You can explore inside the mill from 9 a. Just outside this Park entrance is the town of Cherokee. Cataloochee is known as the area's best place to see these incredible animals.

Volunteers are often present to share information about the elk and provide insight into area history. The main entrances are located along US Highway These mountains have been around for thousands of years from the prehistoric Paleo Indians to the 18 th century European settlements and loggers and Civilian Conservation Corps in the 20 th century. The protection of history, wildlife, and nature are very important to the park. There are many great attractions to see while visiting the park.

The most popular attraction is Cades Cove. Be sure to view the park map and check the weather forecast prior to your Smoky Mountain exploration. Great Smoky Mountains has several ongoing road and trail construction or repair projects occurring which may cause delays or prevent access.