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Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited in all of America. And there’s a good reason for that. An incredible array of animals, including black bears and white-tailed deer, reside there.Hordes of plants and flowers are in bloom all year long. What’s more, there are an immense number of trails for hiking and horseback riding, streams for fishing, and roads for taking auto tours.
Pigeon Forge, TN Hotel near Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Treat yourself to a relaxing lodging experience at the Ramada Pigeon Forge. Our entirely non-smoking hotel provides spacious accommodations, friendly service, and plentiful amenities to make your stay a most enjoyable one. We’re also conveniently situated near many of the Pigeon Forge area’s major attractions, including Great Smoky Mountains National Park. [Top]Recreational Activities.
Whatever outdoor activity you’re into, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to enjoy it in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Bicyclists can ride on most roads within the park though with the multitude of automobiles it can be somewhat treacherous. Your best bet is to travel Cades Cove Loop Road, an 11-mile one-way street. Sights along the way include wildlife and touring 19th-century home sites. Hikers have more than 800 miles of trails at their disposal, from quiet, easy paths to more strenuous treks through the backcountry. Whichever trail is taken, great views will not be far behind. Fishing enthusiasts will enjoy reeling in all types of trout (brook, brown, and rainbow) that inhabit more than 700 miles of streams. Equestrians have hundreds of miles of horse trails from which to choose along with five drive-in horse camps. Those in need of a horse can rent one at one of four rental stables. For more information, visit http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/things2do.htm [Top]Auto Touring.
Those who like the great outdoors but also prefer the inside of their car, an auto tour is the way to go. The Smokies offer 384 miles of road, most of which are paved. For your driving pleasure, even the gravel roads are kept in good condition for use by regular cars. While engaged in an auto tour of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, travelers will be bombarded with beautiful panoramic views, lively mountain streams, amazing historic buildings, and verdant forests as far as the eye can see. To help you maneuver your way around, booklets are available for purchase. The best (and safest) way to traverse the park’s roads is to maintain a speed of approximately 30 miles per hour. For more information, visit http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/autotouring.htm [Top]
Wildflowers.
Known as “Wildflower National Park,” Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to nearly 1,700 varieties of flowering plants. That’s more than any other national park in North America. No matter what time of year you come to explore, you’ll bear witness to all types of flowers, including hepaticas, spring-beauties, and asters. To catch the most vivid displays of wildflowers, you’ll want to arrange your trip during the spring or summer. At that time, you’ll find them in full bloom along both roads and trails. For more information, visit http://www.nps.gov/grsm/naturescience/wildflowers.htm [Top]Wild Life.
There is no shortage of animals in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, especially black bears. At last count, there were 1,500 of them. The hard part is getting a good look at them. That’s because much of the park is enclosed by dense forest. Open areas like Cataloochee and Cades Cove are ideal for viewing black bears along with white-tailed deer, elk, raccoons, and turkeys. Since Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is narrow and winding, cars are forced to drive slowly, which sometimes allows for an animal sighting. The optimum time to see wildlife is during the winter months as trees have shed their leaves. For more information, visit http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/wildlifeviewing.htm [Top]Waterfalls.
Discover a multitude of magical waterfalls in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, such as Grotto, Laurel, Abrams, and Rainbow. Each year, 200,000 hikers follow trails that lead to these natural things of beauty. And while the larger falls attract larger crowds, there are many smaller cascades and falls that can be enjoyed on just about every river and stream the park has to offer. For more information, visit http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/waterfalls.htm [Top]
