WE TV
Explore the Smoky Mountains, North Carolina
Category - North America
First News World Explorer visited the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina - check out our adventures here!
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) in North Carolina recently celebrated its 75th anniversary, it’s the largest protected area in America east of the Rocky Mountains and the most visited National Park in the US. Serena Lacey took a visit to find out why so many people like to holiday here.The GSMNP covers 521,086 acres (276,344 acres in North Carolina) and is home to more than 10,000 species of plant and animal, although experts believe there could be as many as 90,000 other species that live in the park. The Smokies are truly spectacular – the highest peak reaches 2,025m and the temperature at the top can drop to many degrees below freezing.
The park is a haven for hikers, bikers, kayakers and campers. Some of the walking trails take weeks to complete and some of the hidden waterfalls have water so crystal clear you could drink from them. Activities like this make the park popular with people all over the world.
Cabins in the mountains are a popular place to stay in North Carolina. Ours, a rustic Watershed cabin, looked like something out of a film. One wall was almost entirely made of glass, and we could look out into the forest where, if you sat still long enough, you could spot an array of wildlife from racoons to chipmunks. Black bears are native to NC, but are very rare to spot. You can often hear them crashing through the woods in the distance but they’re shy and like to stay away from humans. Still, it is very important not to litter in the woods as human food can hurt the bears and encourage them to hang around people.What really stands out about North Carolina is the spectacular scenery, it’s a great place to get outside and get active. From jet boating to hiking and kayaking, after just a short walk you‘ll be greeted by spectacular waterfalls and streams. There are hiking trails for every level of hiker, but it’s definitely worth going with a guide who can tell you all about the flora and fauna (we went with www.paddlefishkayaking.com). It may not be a known destination, but the array of activities to do in NC, particularly the GSMNP are endless – it’s impossible to be bored. A perfect destination for those who like to be part of the great outdoors and get back to nature.
Boring but important
When to go: Any time, although it gets pretty warm and humid in the summer and winters can get very cold.
What to take: Sturdy shoes or trainers for walking, a warm jumper or fleece as it gets chilly on top of the mountains, even on the hottest summer’s day. A camera, sunscreen and a waterproof.
Time difference: 5/6 hours behind UK time.
What to spend: US dollars.
Watch out for: Unexpected thunderstorms and local wildlife.