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HomeTopics...Us Vacation SpotsGreat Smoky Mountains
Ancient Trails: Great Smoky Mountains National ParkRich from a diversity of cultures, people, and wildlife, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee is a very special place. The park is one of the most topographically, biologically, and climatically diverse areas in the United States. An International Biosphere Reserve and a World Heritage Site,the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has grown to become one of the most popular vacation destinations in the United States. Established on June 15, 1934, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park now boasts an average of 9 million visitors each year, and with good reason.
In addition to a rich cultural history and ancient mountains, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a great backdrop to a host of recreational activities, including:
If you'd like to know more about the history of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, be sure to visit the Mountain Farm Museum. It features historic buildings that allow your family to get a sense of what life must have been like 100 years ago. It features a log farmhouse, a barn, an apple house, a springhouse, and a working blacksmith shop.
If you love wildlife viewing, a visit to Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a must on your vacation plan.
The History of Cades CoveBefore 1819, the Cherokee Nation had claim to Cades Cove. Their name for the area was Tsiyahi, which means "place of the river otter." The discovery of gold in the area led to the removal of the Cherokee from their land, and to the tragic "Trail of Tears." The U.S. Army escorted more than 14,000 Cherokee out of the Appalachians, but fewer than 10,000 made it to their final destination—Oklahoma.
With the Indians gone, the population of Cave's Cove grew to 685 in 1850. When the park was established, the government bought up the land. Some fought to stay, and a compromised was reached to allow a life-time lease to residents. The last resident of the area died in 1999. A visit to Cades Cove illustrates its rich history with many historic structures that you can enter and view. Keep in mind when you go, however, that Cades Cove is one of the most visited vacation destinations in the country, so expect traffic and crowds. The 11-mile one-way loop road is said to take anywhere from two to four hours to complete, so be prepared for delays. Since the area is remote, take along a bee sting kit if you're allergic. Here are some of the great recreational opportunities that Cades Cove has to offer:
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