During your stay with us, there are many attractions in Gatlinburg to check out. When you are narrowing down your list of activities, be sure to make note of one of the city’s crown jewels: The Great Smoky Mountains. There are plenty of things to do here such as hiking and fishing. Here are 6 fun facts about the Great Smoky Mountains so that you can get to know this must-see vacation spot.

1. Plants and Animals Galore

picture of salamanderDuring your time in the Great Smoky Mountains, you will see numerous types of plants and animals. In fact, more than 4,000 species of plants and 140 species of trees grow here. As for animals, 650 species of mammals and 200 varieties of birds call the Great Smoky Mountains home. Another fact about the Great Smoky Mountains is that the mountain range has been called the ‘Salamander Capital of the World,’ as it is home to over 30 species of salamanders. Even though it is impossible to see all of this in one day, be sure to keep your eyes and ears peeled for anything unique you might see and hear. However, remember that for both your safety and the safety of the animals, it is illegal to be within 150 feet of all wildlife.

2. Old Timer

The Great Smoky Mountains are among the oldest mountain ranges in the world as they are estimated to be between 200 million and 300 million years old. The age of a mountain is determined by the amount of weathering in the rocks. The soil and trees also help with this. One third of the trees in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are over 100 years old. Even if it has aged, it is safe to say that the picturesque natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains has stood the test of time.

3. Smokiness in the Mountains

Stunning photo of the Great Smoky Mountains.Another fact about the Smoky Mountains that you will be surprised to discover has to do with its name. There is an interesting reasoning behind it. The smokiness is actually created by millions of plants in the area. They release blue fog into the air called a volatile organic compound or VOC for short. The Cherokee Indians referred to the Smoky Mountains as “Shaconage,” which means “place of blue smoke.”

4. On Top of the World

The Smoky Mountains have over 16 peaks. They are all above 6,000 feet in elevation. The three highest ones (in descending order) are: Clingmans Dome, Mount Guyot, and Mount LeConte.

5. Appalachian Trail

ThisAppalachian Trail Sign trail begins in Georgia and ends in Maine. It runs in the Smoky Mountains for over 70 miles. Additionally, Clingmans Dome is not only the highest peak in the Smoky Mountains. It is also the highest point on the Appalachian Trail.

6. Popularity

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in North America. The park welcomes more than 12 million visitors each year! Come see everything that the Great Smoky Mountains have to offer!

We hope you learned something from these fun facts about the Great Smoky Mountains. The next time you visit the Smoky Mountains, come stay with us! We will provide you with a comfortable cabin, so you will be ready and energized for all your adventures! To start planning your vacation, take a look at all our cabins and their amenities to decide which one is right for you!