Great Smoky Mountains National Park Travel Page by richiecdisc

Though the mountains in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park are some of the nation’s oldest the park itself remains a relative newcomer compared to many of its western US counterparts. In fact local opposition nearly kept the moniker from being bestowed upon the densely forested misty mountains. Lacking the spectacular grandeur of the Grand Canyon and Yosemite, the park still packs them in like no other. In fact, it is by far the most visited of all National Parks. This no doubt is facilitated by its easy access, lack of park fees to drive through, and close proximity to a huge portion of the US population. But there is no denying that for many the simple rolling green hills of the Smokies represent what many envision when conjuring mountain scenery. Its dense lush forest offers respite from not only what can be hot muggy summer days but also the cares and woes of everyday life that people rush to escape. And perhaps ultimately it is the distinguishing blue haze that commonly hugs the Smokies like a blanket that comforts the crowds most. When one thinks of what this great country encompasses from sea to shinning sea most would envision that hazy blue mountain image as one of its true hallmarks so its no wonder the park’s enormous popularity.