Visit the Smokies

Story by Kate Davis

Nestled on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides a magnitude of charm. It is there that many animals, plants, and natural wonders can be found. When visiting, visitors have the option of freely exploring the park or learning more information at the visitor’s center.

Wildlife

Various types of animals occupy the territory the park spans. 65 mammal species dwell there, the largest being elk and the smallest the pygmy shrew. The number of birds found within the park varies greatly depending on what season it is. The Smokies also provide one of the largest protected areas in the eastern United States for wild black bears.

There are two major groups of amphibians that can be found, the salamander then the frogs and toads. 67 species of fish are in The Smokies including lampreys, darters, shiners, minnows, suckers, bass, and trout. The three major groups of reptiles found in the park are: turtles, lizards, and snakes. Pollinators such as bees, beetles, ants, flies, wasps, butterflies, and moths assist in the reproduction of 1,500 plant species found in the area. Between May and June, synchronous fireflies can also be seen lighting up the sky for mating season.

Nature

The Great Smoky Mountains is also abundant with plant life, some of which are threatened or endangered. There is a great variation in plant species with 1,800 known types, and new ones are constantly being discovered. Once a new species is confirmed, it is recorded in an online database. The Smokies is also a world-renowned preserve of wildflowers with more than any other North American national park.

Non-native invasive plants threaten the existence of these native species. Such invasive plants include kudzu, Japanese grass, privet, multiflora rose, Japanese honeysuckle, mimosa, garlic mustard, oriental bittersweet, and musk thistle. Measures have been taken to maintain invasive plants and preserve native species found in the park.

Visitor's Center

There are four visitor’s centers located in the park at Cades Cove, Oconaluftee, Sugarlands, and Clingmans Dome. Three information centers are also located outside of the park in Gatlinburg, Sevierville, and Townsend. At the visitor’s center, tourists can pick up a park map or newspaper as well as peruse the gift shop. Park rangers can also be found there to answer any questions. More information about the park can be found at: https://www.nps.gov/grsm/index.htm