Throughout my entire life I have been visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Each visit has something new to offer. Whether you love hiking, horseback riding, or even camping the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a place you must visit. Even if you’ve been to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park you may not know some of the facts about this beautiful place.
Facts about the Great Smoky Mountains National Park #1: Most Visited National Park in America
More people visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park than any other park in America. In fact, over 20 million visitors visit the park each year. While I must admit, many of these visitors simply drive through the park, they still get the full effect of the park’s beauty.
Facts about the Great Smoky Mountains National Park #2: Established on June 15, 1934
During the early part of the last century, many areas were being turned into national parks. Many people supported the thought of turning the Great Smoky Mountains into a national park. But, the fact is, many politicians only supported this movement because they thought it would never happen. On June 15, 1934 it did happen.
Facts about the Great Smoky Mountains National Park #3: Around 521,000 Acres of Federal Land
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park consists of over a half million acres. The park is located in Tennessee and North Carolina. Another fun fact is that the Great Smoky Mountains is a small part of the Appalachian Mountains.
Facts about the Great Smoky Mountains National Park #4: 5 Types of Forests
Inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park you will find 5 different types of forests. Another fun fact is that there are 130 different types of trees, along with 1,300 other plant species. There are also several beautiful types of wildflowers to be seen throughout the year.
Facts about the Great Smoky Mountains National Park #5: 65 Different Mammals
As with any other park, you will find several types of mammals. In fact there are 65 different types of mammals in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You will find bears, foxes, wolves, and several other beautiful animals.
Facts about the Great Smoky Mountains National Park #6: Elevations Ranging from 875 to 6,643 Feet
The mountain range in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park varies from 875 feet to 6,643 feet. One of the most popular lookout spots in the Great Smoky Mountains is Clingmans Dome. Clingmans Dome has the highest elevation in the park.
Facts about the Great Smoky Mountains National Park #7: 55 to 85 Inches of Precipitation Each Year
Each year the Great Smoky Mountains National Park receives several inches of precipitation. In fact, the mountains receive anywhere between 55 to 85 inches of rain each year.
Facts about the Great Smoky Mountains National Park #8: 850 Miles of Hiking Trails
If you love to hike, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the place for you. Inside the park you will find 850 miles of hiking trails. Another fun fact is that part of the Appalachian Trail runs through the Great Smokey Mountains National Park.
