Every tourist destination has its attractions. However, because every tourist is different, these attractions have greater or lesser value. In this series Gary gives his reasons for traveling to a particular place. Hopefully some of his thoughts will entice you to consider adding this particular location to your itinerary. The entire series is being categorized under the heading, “Spotlights.” However, you may find more about these locations in the archives of this website, under headings such as, “Great Places,” “Things to Do in,” “Best of,” “Top 10” and “Places of a Lifetime.” In addition, “Walking Tours” of many of these destinations may be available for purchase on the website for the low price of $1.49 each.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited park in the entire national park system. Its proximity to major eastern urban centers is probably the main reason, but the fact that this park offers fantastic scenery, accessible wildlife, a sense of history, and many outdoor activities must have something to do with its popularity as well. People should include this national park in an itinerary for at least the following reasons:

1. The Smokies  were given their name because the large amount of moisture in the air above the trees, caused by transpiration, gives the mountains a smoky appearance.

Great Smoky Mountains

2. Waterfalls abound in this pristine wilderness and are easily accessible via park walking trails.

Grotto Falls

3. Historical cottages in Cades Cove recall an earlier and much simpler time.

Cades Cove Cottage