Did you know that Gatlinburg is the major gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park? The Park has over 500,000 acres of forests and receives more than ten million visitors per year making it the most visited national park in the U.S. The Park is open all year around, is free to the public and boasts of over 800 miles of hiking trail with many rivers and waterfalls with endless majestic views. Whatever you do, don’t forget your camera because this area has picture perfect scenic opportunity around every bend in the road.

This peaceful mountain destination offers scenic mountain views, abundant chances to view wildlife and well preserved examples of interesting historical buildings. This would include a grist mill, a variety of barns, several churches a great collection of log homes and pioneer buildings offering the history of its early inhabitants.

Sure, you can drive straight through the park, but if you have a little time and energy, take some to experience the Smokies. There is a lot of wildlife to be seen, including deer, turkeys, foxes and all kinds of other animals. We even saw a mother bear with her cubs on our last trip. Your kids will remember some of the more simple things, like walking on the large river rocks and wading in the crystal clear water of the many babbling creeks and rivers. Ours did!