Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Home to miles upon miles of scenic landscape in eastern Tennessee, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its sweeping panoramas, untamed wilderness and its wide variety of wildlife. Established in 1926, the park protects about 2,115 miles of streams, plus over 800 miles of trails that are enjoyed by hikers, bikers and campers. It will be featured on the 2014 National Park quarters, as the first release of the year (21st in the series).
As America’s most visited national park, Great Smoky Mountains hosts an average of 8-10 million people each year! It’s also home to Clingmans Dome – one of the highest points east of the Mississippi River. From its peak height of 6,643 feet, visitors are treated to views of up to 100 miles on a clear day!
In the park’s higher elevations, the average rainfall per year is 85 inches. This qualifies those areas as temperate rain forests. And as leaves begin to change in the fall, the mountains (which are home to around 100 different species of trees) come to life in a spectacular display of color.
Learn more about Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
