Smoky Mountains Area Guide

History

The Great Smoky Mountain Range is estimated to have been inhabited for over 14,000 years. Native American tribes, primarily the Cherokee, populated the region until the advent of European settlement in the mid-18th century, when a number of frontier outposts were established. By 1805, the lands were ceded to the United States government and in 1938, much of the Cherokee tribe was forced west on the Trail of Tears. Historically, subsistence agriculture and logging made up the Smoky Mountain region’s primary economy. By the early 1900’s, the area was fast-becoming a tourist destination, and in 1934, the Great Smoky Mountain National Park was established, solidifying the region’s status as a tourist destination and national treasure of exceptional natural beauty.

The Great Smoky Mountains derive their name from the unique occurrence of natural fog overhanging the mountain range, appearing from a distance as plumes of smoke. This phenomenon is most commonly seen in the morning or after rainfall.

To learn more about the history of the Great Smoky Mountain region, its cultural traditions or preservation and protection efforts, please visit:

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, History and Culture
http://www.nps.gov/grsm/historyculture/index.htm

About the Smokies

The Great Smoky Mountain Range rises on the Tennessee-North Carolina border, a sub-range of the Appalachian Mountains and part of the Blue Ridge Physiographic Province. Though formally named The Great Smoky Mountains, they are lovingly nicknamed “the Smokies” by their inhabitants and guests. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, established in 1934, welcomes over 9 million visitors annually, and over the course of its history has risen in popularity to become the most-visited national park in the country. Over 187,000 acres of ancient forest growth—the largest concentration east of the Mississippi River—comprise the Smoky Mountain range, with inlets of hardwoods that house the most diverse ecosystem in North America. Over 1,600 distinct species of flowering plants, over 100 each species of native trees and shrubs, 450 species of lower plants and 2,000 types of fungi are found in the Great Smoky Mountains.

The fauna of the Smokies is even more diverse than its flora. In addition to hosting the densest population of black bears in the eastern United States, the Smokies are also home to nearly 70 different species of mammal, over 40 different types each of reptiles and amphibians, 60 types of fish and over 240 individual species of avian life.

The National Park Service additionally maintains over 78 historic structures, relics of the small Appalachian settlements that brought settlement to the region. There are also 9 different National Register of Historic Places listings and five historic districts nearby, where visitors can peek into the past and get a glimpse of what life in the early days of the Smokies was like.

To learn more about the parks and outdoor recreation of the Great Smoky Mountain region, please visit:

Great Smoky Mountains National Park
http://www.nps.gov/grsm/index.htm

Outdoor Recreation in the Great Smoky Mountains
http://www.gatlinburg.com/things-to-do/outdoor-activities/

Gatlinburg Golf Course
http://www.gatlinburg-tennessee.com/golf.php

Smoky Mountain Regional Fishing Licensing, Restrictions and Permits
http://www.gatlinburg-tennessee.com/fishing.php

Oconaluftee Visitor Center and Mountain Farm Museum
http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/mfm.htm

Gatlinburg City Parks and Recreation
http://www.ci.gatlinburg.tn.us/parksrec/cityparks.htm

Sevier County Parks and Recreation
http://www.seviercountytn.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6&Itemid=3

Attractions

The Great Smoky Mountains region offers visitors and residents a wide variety of attractions, activities and recreation. From rugged outdoor sports like whitewater rafting and fly-fishing, to peaceful outdoor contemplation enjoying the birdwatching, hiking the numerous nature trails of the area or taking in a game of golf, the beauty of Tennessee’s finest nature is unrivalled in the Smokies. Culture, history and excitement also abound in our communities, so make sure to visit some of the most popular attractions of our area during your stay here!

Oconaluftee Visitor Center and Mountain Farm Museum
http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/mfm.htm

The Oconaluftee Visitor Center and Mountain Farm Museum are a collection of historic buildings located throughout acres of land making up the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, preserved and maintained from our region’s pioneer past. The buildings of our museum include a log farmhouse, barn, historic springhouse and a working blacksmith shop. Each of these buildings are in their original location, preserved and maintained to offer guests to the Smokies a glimpse into what life was like in the Smokies over a century ago.

Cades Cove
http://www.cadescove.net/auto_tour.html

Historically, Cades Cove supported the livelihood of early Smoky Mountain pioneer families, due to its fertile soil and plentiful wildlife. Today, it is one of the premier destinations for Smoky Mountain tourists because of its rich beauty and peaceful ambience. Historic buildings, many of which date back to the late 19th century, are located throughout Cades Cove, in what is considered an open-air museum—a grist mill, barns, churches, log houses, outbuildings, pastures, pioneer homesteads and farmland are just a few of the historic sites available to tour and enjoy while in Cades Cove.

Cataloochee Valley
http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/cataloochee.htm

Cataloochee Valley, tucked in the valley between 6,000 foot high rocky mountain peaks, is one of the Great Smoky Mountains’ most breathtaking areas. The tranquility and peacefulness of its remote location make it a favorite among birdwatchers and those interested in quietly observing the natural wildlife. The seven-mile loop of Boogerman Trail, a favorite among hikers, takes walkers through the open field areas of Cataloochee, where deer, elk, turkey, bears and other wildlife are frequent visitors. The tributaries of Cataloochee Creek are known for their plentiful trout, and fishing regulations are available at Smoky Mountain Park visitor centers.

Deep Creek
http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/deepcreek.htm

The Deep Creek are is known for the beauty of its streams and waterfalls. Deep Creek is a favorite destination for both hikers and mountain bikers, as it is one of few Great Smoky Mountain National Park locations where mountain bikes are permitted. A variety or trails of varying length and strenuousness are available in Deep Creek; visitors centers of the park offer maps and guides outlining Deep Creek trails. Deep Creek trail loops include the Deep Creek-Indian Creek Trail Loop, Juney Whank Falls and the Three Waterfalls Loop.

Clingmans Dome
http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/clingmansdome.htm

Clingmans Dome stands at 6,643 feet, the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park as well as the highest point in the state of Tennessee. The observation tower of Clingmans Dome offers those who hike the steep half-mile ascent to its top a breathtaking 360° view. Not only is this a stunning way to see the Smokies, views from the peak of Clingmans Dome vary from 20 to 100 miles out, depending on the weather. Clingmans Dome is one of the “must-see” destinations of your visit to the Great Smoky Mountains.

Fontana Dam
http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/fontanadam.htm

Standing 480 feet high, Fontana Dam is the tallest concrete dam in the eastern United States, holding back the waters of the Little Tennessee River that form Fontana Lake. Additionally, Fontana Dam provides hydroelectric power to its surrounding areas, offers 240 miles of scenic shoreline in Lake Fontana, and provides boating and fishing access to more remote park areas, particularly Hazel Creek and Eagle Creek.

Historic Grist Mills

Cable and Mingus Mills
http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/visitorcenters.htm#CP_JUMP_105152
Ogle Mill
http://www.mysmokymountainvacation.com/historicbuildings/ogle-mill.html
Reagan Mill
http://www.mysmokymountainvacation.com/historicbuildings/reagan-mill.html

There are four easily accessible, functioning grist mills located in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Ogle Mill and Reagan Mill are rough-cut tub mills, while Cades Cove’s Cable Mill is a higher-volume water-powered mill and Mingus Mill, near Oconaluftee, is turbine powered. The operational grist mills of the Smoky Mountains serve as a powerful reminder of the early sustenance economy of pioneer mountain settlers, showing visitors the step between how crops from the fields (corn, rye, barley and oats) become bread on the supper table.

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/roaringfork.htm

Cherokee Road Orchard Road
http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/roaring-fork-road-imp.htm

Roaring Fork is a 6 mile (one way traffic only) motoring trail, designed to allow drivers to slow down and enjoy the scenery—prior to entering the motor trail, take a self-guided tour of the Ogle homestead, or visit Rainbow Falls trailhead, Grotto Falls trail, or the “wet weather” Place of a Thousand Drips waterfall at the end of the trails. Roaring Fork, named for the dazzling waterfalls of its loop, is especially spectacular following rainfall, when the waterfalls are in full swing. Cherokee Orchard Road, recently refurbished, is a two-way traffic road offering access to Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail and Rainbow Falls trailhead, as well as rest areas and views of historic buildings and native wildflowers.

Festivals and Events

The peaceful tranquility of the Great Smoky Mountain range is what draws visitors to our area; what keeps them coming back—or putting down permanent roots—is the amount of activity tucked away in the verdant forests of our communities. The Smoky Mountain region and its communities has such a broad range of activities, parks, events and attractions, that our calendars are always full and filled with variety—exciting, artistic, cultural, sporting, tasty, relaxing and educational—whatever you’re in the mood for, it’s happening in the Smokies! Local favorites include Cades Cove Old Timer’s Day, Smoky Mountain Spring Fest, Music of the Mountains Festival, Smoky Mountains Highland Games, and many more! To find out what sporting, historic, cultural or ecological events are happening during your stay, please visit these sites:

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Events Calendar
http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/events.htm

Smoky Mountain Regional Events and Festivals Calendar
http://www.smokymountains.org/do/events_festivals.aspx

Gatlinburg & Smoky Mountain Events Guide
http://www.eventsgatlinburg.com/

Old Timer’s Day
http://www.mysmokymountainvacation.com/old-timers.html

With the advent of autumn comes Old Timer’s Day at Cades Cove, a celebration of the Great Smoky Mountains’ pioneer heritage that features storytelling, traditional Appalachian mountain music, family-friendly picnicking and a molasses making expo.

Music of the Mountains Festival
http://www.eventsgatlinburg.com/event_detail.aspx?id=32

Music of the Mountains Festival is a series of ‘old-time’ mountain music concerts that draw upon our regional history and celebrate the music of the mountain pioneers who built the area. Performing bands and songwriters play traditional Appalachian songs, using the instruments of our music’s vivid past, such as the claw hammer banjo, fiddle and guitar. In addition to the songs and traditional instruments, performers also share the oral histories and stories of the songs’ origins, adding an educational element to the celebration of song.

Smoky Mountain Spring Fest
http://www.eventsgatlinburg.com/event_detail.aspx?id=25

Springfest is a three-month celebration, beginning in early March and concluding the first week of June, where celebrants are invited to take part in the festivities of the Smoky Mountain springtime! During the spring, our communities and parks are abloom with native flowers and succulent plants in a rainbow of colors and an explosion of delicate perfumes. Pansies, daffodils, tulips, mandevillas, bougainvilleas, lantanas, scaveolas and wave petunias are plentiful, adding a joyous flair to the live entertainment and festivities scheduled in the streets of Gatlinburg’s Downtown Parkway stroll.

Smoky Mountains Songwriter’s Festival
http://www.eventsgatlinburg.com/event_detail.aspx?id=97

A celebration of our area’s Appalachian musical roots, featuring regional songwriters performing both traditional mountain music as well as new musical offerings in the traditional music style.

Smoky Mountains Highland Games
http://smokymountaingames.org/

The Highland Games are a celebration of our area clans, many of whom came as early area pioneers, settling the rugged peaks and valleys of the Great Smoky Mountain range, settling and developing farms and homesteads throughout the area. In addition to honoring our ancestors from the Highlands, the Lowlands and the Islands, we offer fun and entertainment, including country dancing, dog shows, clan competitions, musical performances, balladeers, comedians and athletic competitions.

TroutFest
http://www.troutfest.org/
The TroutFest Fly Fishing Expo and Fundraiser features some of our region’s best fly tyers, demonstrating and leading events throughout the two-day festival, with demonstrations geared towards trout, bass, panfish and saltwater fly tying. Proceeds from the event benefit Great Smoky Mountains National Park Fisheries Department, Friends of the Smokies Fisheries Scholarship Fund and other youth educational conservation projects in the Great Smoky Mountains communities.
Smoky Mountain Pottery Festival
http://www.smokymountains.org/do/events_festivals/pottery_festival.aspx

Over 30 booths featuring Smoky Mountain potters showcasing their wares, as well as food and demonstrations.