You probably already know that Smoky Mountains National Park offers tons of natural beauty, gorgeous sights, and lots of adventure. These are just some of the reasons why visiting this area is so popular! If you are considering planning a trip to come and explore Smoky Mountains National Park, you surely won’t be disappointed. Today, we are going to share a handful of fun facts about Smoky Mountains National Park that will help you to learn a bit more about the area, and get you excited for your next visit! Let’s go ahead and get started:
1. It Is the Most Visited National Park in the United States
While it is commonly known that Smoky Mountains National Park is a popular destination, did you know that it is actually the most visited national park in the United States? It’s true! The park consistently reports the highest annual visitor numbers of any national park in the United States. This is partially due to the park’s convenient location within one day’s drive of 2/3 of the American population, making it an easy place to visit for many people. Additionally, with no entrance fee and over 800 miles of hiking trails, there are practically no limits to the adventures you can have when you visit.
2. It Is Nicknamed “The Salamander Capital of the World”
The Smokies are also referred to as “The Salamander Capital of the World” because Smoky Mountains National Park is home to more types of salamanders than anywhere else! There are over 30 different species of salamanders that have been documented throughout the park, and you can often observe these creatures around the park’s many streams and wet areas. In fact, at any given time, there are far more salamanders throughout Smoky Mountains National Park than there are people!
3. It Was the First Federally Funded National Park
Throughout the presidency of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, he worked on a number of conservation-related causes, including the creation of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This project required a great deal of time and resources, from purchasing the land from small farmers, to developing public facilities, and more. The park was dedicated by FDR in 1940 as the very first United States National Park that was developed using federal funds, beginning a legacy of conservation and environmental protection in the Smokies that continues today.
4. The Trees Are What Make the Mountains “Smoky”
If you have wondered how the Smoky Mountains got their name, this fun fact about Smoky Mountains National Park is for you! The Smokies actually get their hazy appearance from the reflection of light off the area’s trees, which are high in certain compounds that reflect and scatter light. So, next time you are taking in the Smoky views, remember that the plant life in the region is what makes it possible!
Now that you know some of these fun facts about Smoky Mountains National Park, you can probably see even more clearly why people love coming to discover this incredible destination. If you are ready to go ahead and plan your next vacation to the Smoky Mountains, you can reserve your accommodations here at The Greystone Lodge on the River today! Not only is our Gatlinburg hotel located close to Smoky Mountains National Park, our location also offers convenient access to all of the best things to do in downtown Gatlinburg as well. We can’t wait to welcome you to The Greystone Lodge on the River!
