Great Smoky Mountains National Park follows the long ridge between Tennessee and North Carolina, where the southern Appalachians rise into forested peaks, deep coves and river valleys. Its name comes from the blue-gray haze that gathers over the mountains, a natural effect of moisture and organic compounds released by vegetation. The park covers more than 520,000 acres and includes some of the highest elevations in the eastern United States. It is a working landscape of forests, streams, historic settlements and heavily used roads, not a single overlook that can be understood in a quick stop.
The Appalachian Trail crosses the park along the main crest, while roads connect gateways such as Gatlinburg, Townsend and Cherokee. Kuwohi, formerly named Clingmans Dome, rises to 6,643 feet and is the highest point in the park; the summit observation tower is reached by a steep paved path. Elevation changes bring distinct weather and habitats within a short drive. A sunny valley does not guarantee clear skies or mild temperatures at the ridge, so a layered day plan is more useful than relying on one forecast.
