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Great Smoky
Mountains
NATIONAL PARK

TENNESSEE—NORTH CAROLINA
OPEN ALL YEAR

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE
INTERIOR · Douglas McKay, Secretary
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE · Conrad L. Wirth, Director

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located on the crest of the high divide which forms the boundary between Tennessee and North Carolina. This mountain range, representing one of the oldest uplands on earth, zigzags through the park from northeast to southwest for 71 miles, or 54 miles by air line. For 36 miles along its main crest the range maintains an altitude in excess of 5,000 feet. Sixteen of its peaks rise more than 6,000 feet. The deep blue haze rising from the valleys to the summits of the lofty peaks gives these mountains their name.

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Renowned for its splendid forests and containing a rich variety of plant life, the Great Smokies region has long been regarded by prominent botanists as the cradle of the present vegetation of eastern America.

Arnold Guyot, eminent scientist whose exploration of the Appalachian System began a century ago, was the first to describe the Great Smoky Mountains from personal observation. He wrote:

“Although the high peaks of the Smoky mountains are some fifty feet lower than the isolated and almost exceptional group of the Black mountains, by their number, their magnitude, the continuity and general elevation of the chains, and of the base upon which they repose, they are like a massive and high citadel which is really the culminating region of all the Appalachian System.”

Prior to the start of the 20th century, the area now comprising the park was little known to the outside world, although DeSoto is believed to have viewed the mountains. They were, and still are, the home of the Cherokees who now occupy the Cherokee Indian Reservation in North Carolina, adjacent to the park on the south. The few white settlers were the rugged mountaineer descendants of colonists from England and Scotland who lived isolated and primitive lives. The Great Smokies region became better known during and subsequent to World War I when logging railroads of lumber companies penetrated some of its virgin forests. Still later, highways skirted the area and visitors were able to view its majestic peaks from a distance.

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The successful movement for the creation of a national park in this area was begun in 1923, and its establishment was authorized by the Federal Government by act of Congress approved May 22, 1926. Enabling acts were passed by the State legislatures of North Carolina and Tennessee in 1927, and land acquisition was begun with State funds, matched by a generous donation made by John D. Rockefeller, Jr., through the Laura Spelman Rockefeller Memorial, in honor of his mother. Subsequently, Federal funds were made available for the completion of the project.

On February 6, 1930, the Governors of North Carolina and Tennessee presented the Secretary of the Interior with deeds to an initial 158,876 acres of land on behalf of their respective States. A limited park was thus established for administration and protection. The park, now containing 507,168 acres of Federal lands, was formally dedicated on September 2, 1946.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park presents an opportunity to preserve frontier conditions of a century ago. The cultural and human interest aspects of this park are exceeded only by its scenery and natural history.

In places where the forest has not yet encroached upon them, there are clearings which were the sloping little farms of the mountain pioneers. Sturdy log structures in varying stages of disintegration remain there as evidence of a way of life which has practically disappeared in eastern United States. Some of these log cabins, barns, and other buildings have been rehabilitated in place so that you may see the original structures in their true setting. Most of them are in Cades Cove, where the park’s only grist mill powered by an overshot wheel is located. Cades Cove, an isolated, oval-shaped valley surrounded by mountains, is a region of outstanding pastoral charm which you should visit.

Some of the finest of various types of authentic pioneer structures have been assembled in the immediate vicinity of the Oconaluftee Ranger Station and Pioneer Museum, located on the cross-mountain highway about 2 miles north of Cherokee, N. C. On display in the museum are tools, household objects, and a variety of other handmade items which were used by the pioneers who made their homes on lands which now comprise the park. This building is open from 9 a. m. to 5 p. m., April through October.

You will be interested in the Cherokee Indians on the Cherokee Reservation, which is immediately south of the park. Although the Government has instituted here a comprehensive system of education and modern methods of living, ancient ceremonies and sports are preserved as tribal customs.

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Crowning the highest peaks with spruce and fir and carpeting the mountainsides with a wealth of deciduous trees is an unbroken forest cover, which cannot be matched in eastern America. In all of Europe there are not as many species of native trees as are to be found in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A number of these, such as Canada hemlock, silverbell, red spruce, yellow buckeye, and mountain-ash grow to record size, while others become giants of their kind. Approximately 40 percent of the more than half-million acres which comprise the park are in the original forested condition. A total of 130 native tree species are known to grow in this area.

Few, if any, areas in the eastern United States possess so great a variety of plants. Altogether, the tree, shrub, and herb varieties total more than 1,300. Botanists have also listed over 1,800 species of fungi, 330 mosses and liverworts, and 230 lichens. The earliest flowers occasionally appear by the close of February in lowland areas, while the witchhazel, latest to bloom, may hold its blossoms into December. Late April finds the spring flowers, including the abundant dogwood, at their blossoming peak; May is best for the mountain laurel; middle June usually finds both the flame azalea and rose-purple rhododendron at their finest; middle July is likely to be the peak of the great white rhododendron’s flowering. Autumn colors are excellent throughout October, with the height of coloration near the end of the month.

Here, as in all national parks, wildlife is given complete protection. No hunting or trapping is permitted. Since establishment of the park, the black bear population has increased considerably, and such animals as the white-tailed deer, red and gray foxes, raccoon, bobcat, wild turkey, ruffed grouse, and others find sanctuary in these mountains. More than 52 species of fur-bearing animals, some 200 birds, 36 reptiles, 37 amphibians, and 80 fishes are known to live here.

The feeding, touching, teasing, or molesting of bears is prohibited. This regulation is enforced strictly for the protection of the public. Persons using park trails have nothing to fear from unmolested bears. If tempted by food, however, some bears, which frequent sections of the motor road, become dangerous. They should not be fed or approached. Persons using the Appalachian Trail shelters can protect their food supplies by suspending them from tree limbs outside the shelter.

Approximately 600 miles of streams, many of them well suited to trout, flow down the slopes of the Great Smoky Mountains. Each year thousands of hatchery-reared trout are released in the more heavily fished waters. Rainbow and brook trout and small-mouth bass lure the devotees of Izaak Walton. Persons fishing in park waters must have the State or county license issued and required by North Carolina, or the State license issued and required by Tennessee, depending upon the section of the park being fished. Catches are regulated, and some streams may be found closed for restocking. The fishing season is from May 16 to August 31. Current regulations may be obtained from the office of the superintendent or from park rangers or wardens.

Beginning in May and continuing for 6 months, a program of naturalist-guided field trips and talks is available. This service is maintained by the Government and is free to the public.

Naturalists meet hikers at designated points in or near the park and conduct visits to outstanding objectives over good trails. Plant and animal life is discussed informally along the way. There are several types of walks ranging from 2 hours to all day. Illustrated talks are given in the evenings at regular intervals, chiefly in hotel lobbies and other points of visitor-concentration.

Programs describing the nature-guide service are available (May-October) at headquarters and at Oconaluftee Ranger Station and are posted in hotels and various places throughout the park.

Free modern campgrounds are provided on the Tennessee side of the park at the Chimney Tops, 6 miles south of Gatlinburg, and Cades Cove, 7 miles from the Townsend entrance to the park; on the North Carolina side at Smokemont, on the transmountain highway, Balsam Mountain, 10 miles from Soco Gap on U. S. 19 (Blue Ridge Parkway spur), and Deep Creek, 2 miles from Bryson City. Aside from these campgrounds, the only accommodations in the park are at Le Conte Lodge on the top of Mount Le Conte, accessible only by foot or horseback. For reservations and rates, write Jack Huff, Gatlinburg, Tenn.

A number of hotel and tourist courts are available in cities and towns near the park, and at Knoxville and Asheville. Inquiries regarding these accommodations should be addressed to Knoxville Tourist Bureau, Henley Street, Knoxville, Tenn.; East Tennessee Automobile Club, Knoxville, Tenn., Chambers of Commerce of Gatlinburg, Knoxville, and Maryville, Tenn., Asheville, Waynesville, Bryson City, and Sylva, N. C.; Cherokee Association, Cherokee, N. C.; and Government Services, Inc., Fontana Village, Fontana Dam, N. C.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is administered by the National Park Service of the United States Department of the Interior. A superintendent, whose address is Gatlinburg, Tenn., is in immediate charge. Park headquarters are located 2 miles south of Gatlinburg. A member of the protection division maintains headquarters at Oconaluftee Ranger Station, N. C., on U. S. 441; post office, Cherokee, N. C.

Please note the following requirements which are necessary for the protection of the natural beauties of the park, as well as for your comfort and convenience:

The park is a sanctuary for all living things. It is a violation of the law to destroy, injure, or disturb trees, shrubs, flowers, birds, animals, or any natural feature in the park.

The speed limit is 35 miles an hour, unless otherwise posted. Drive carefully; keep to the right. Report all accidents to a park ranger.

Camping or lighting fires at places other than designated campgrounds or picnic areas is not allowed, except by permit. To camp in remote sections of the park, except during periods of high fire hazard, permits may be secured at the office of the superintendent, the Oconaluftee Ranger Station, or from the district park rangers or wardens. Camping is restricted to certain periods at the campgrounds. Individual sites provided with fireplaces and water are available.

Please help to keep the park clean. Do not scatter papers, picnic remnants, and the like; use trash receptacles along roads, in picnic areas, and campgrounds.

Fire is one of the greatest dangers to the park. Put out fires completely upon leaving. Be sure cigarettes and matches are out before disposal. Lunches may be eaten along roadsides, but fires should not be built.

Only those persons having special permits may collect botanical or geological specimens in the park. Such permits may be secured by competent scientists upon application to the superintendent.

Dogs and cats are permitted in the park if on leash, crated, or otherwise under physical restrictive control at all times.

The feeding, touching, teasing, or molesting of bears is prohibited.

Deliberate infraction of park regulations may bring penalty of fine or imprisonment or both.

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Paved highways from all States converge at Knoxville, Tenn., and Asheville, N. C. Bus lines maintain service to both cities. The Southern Railway and the Louisville & Nashville Railroad serve Knoxville; the former also serves Asheville. Knoxville may also be reached by American, Capital (PCA), and Delta Airlines; Asheville, by Capital (PCA), Delta, and Piedmont Airlines. Trailways buses make seven trips each way, daily, between Knoxville and Asheville, going through the park via Gatlinburg and Cherokee. North Carolina towns bordering the park may be reached by direct buses from Atlanta and Chattanooga. Excursions by bus also may be made from Knoxville, stopping overnight at Gatlinburg and continuing to Knoxville via Maryville, Tenn. Smoky Mountain Tours, Inc., with offices in both Knoxville and Asheville, operate personally conducted sightseeing stages through the park between the two cities frequently during the summer. The Southern Railway offers both one-way and round-trip tickets, providing travel by bus through the park between Knoxville and Asheville.

Summer days are usually warm or hot in the lowland areas and cool in the higher mountains; the nights are cool.

Spring arrives early in the lowland areas and progressively later at higher elevations. Weather conditions are particularly favorable in autumn, with less rainfall at that season. Winters are variable, both as to severity and length, but they normally are mild in the lowlands.

Rain, snow, and fog often are encountered in the mountains during the winter. Roads are kept open all year, but the transmountain highway sometimes is closed for a few hours during heavy snow or sleet storms when snowplows cannot keep it open. Snows are infrequent in the park, but you should take chains if you plan to drive through in winter. Roads are posted if driving conditions are unfavorable.

In some of the towns bordering the park, horses and pack animals, with guide service, may be rented by the hour, day, or for longer periods.

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Roads and Trails

There are 66 miles of high standard roads in the park including the transmountain highway from Gatlinburg, Tenn., to Cherokee, N. C. Clingmans Dome Highway reaches an altitude of 6,311 feet. Seventy miles of secondary roads and 653 miles of horse and foot trails are available for hiking and riding.

The park highways offer exceptional opportunities to view the grandeur of the Great Smokies. Spur roads and trails lead to many points of interest.

There are trails of all types to suit your individual requirements. Some are 4 feet wide on easy gradients; some are improved footpaths; others merely tracks through the forest. Park forces try to keep trails drained and clear of brush and other obstacles; but the country is rough, and hikers should wear suitable outdoor clothing, including stout low-heeled shoes. If you are an inexperienced hiker, you should be especially careful and watch your footing on the trails.

The Appalachian Trail crosses the park and follows the ridge of the Smokies for most of its 71 miles. The eastern portion, from Davenport Gap at the northeast corner to Newfound Gap on the transmountain highway, is 31 miles long and follows through an absolute wilderness. The western portion from Newfound Gap to Fontana Dam just outside the park, is 40 miles long. Most of the trail is over 5,000 feet in elevation.

There are 7 trailside shelters and 3 trailside campsites along the 71-mile section of the Appalachian Trail in this park from Davenport Gap to Newfound Gap (31 miles) and Newfound Gap to Fontana Dam (40 miles). These are nearly equally spaced for 1-day hiking trips. Shelters are closed on 3 sides and provide simple bunk accommodations for 6 persons. A fireplace is in front and water is available nearby. Use of the shelters is normally restricted to 1 night. Camping is permitted along the trail only at the above points and a camping permit for each trip is required. (See page 8 .) Because of the scarcity of fuel at these sites, you are advised to carry primus-type stoves.