Great Smoky Mountains National Park - get into the backcountry! (Great Smoky Mountains National Park)

Member Name: cezzybunny

Product:	Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Date:	26/05/09 (35 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Beautiful, stunning, free

Disadvantages: Some bits near to Gatlinburg can get crowded. Avoid.

The Smokies has to be one of my favourite places on earth. I've been busy in the last few years, mis-spending my youth travelling and taking part in odd projects, but my favourite time was in the Smoky Mountains. They're located in Tennessee/North Carolina, the border of the two states bisects the park, and the Appalachian Trail follows this border for most of the length of GSMNP.

The Smokies were brought last century using a combination of public funding and a generous donation by a certain Mr Rockefeller. This legacy means that unlike most national parks in the USA, the Smokies are free to enter and enjoy.

The majority of visitors stay in Gatlinburg or Cherokee, but by far the best way to experience the Smokies is by camping in one of the national park campsites. These are relatiely basic, but mean you stay close to nature, and are quieter than the RV parks on the outskirts of the park. You can book these sites at Sugarlands visitor centre, or one of the other centres.

Alternatively, go for a hike! There are a number of shelters spotted along the Appalachian trail and are meant for hikers, meaning you can go for a few days hiking and, all being well, not have to camp out. These shelters can be mice infested, so maybe not the best plan if you're squeamish.

Hiking is a must - hardly any of those people you see at Newfound Gap will bother going for a hike, so not only are you in one of the most beautiful places on easrth, you will have it mostly to yourself! My favourite place is Mt Cammerer, to the north of the park. But keep it quiet...!

If you really want to experience the park, you should volunteer with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy with the Rocky Top Crew. 8 days in the backcountry, as much food as you can eat and lots of conservation work to do. And it's all free!

Summary: Beautiful part of the world, experience as much of it as you can.