The Great Smoky Mountains are a mountain range rising along the Tennessee-North Carolina border in the southeastern United States. They are among the oldest mountains in the world, formed perhaps 200-300 million years ago. The Smokies are part of the larger range of the Appalachian Mountains, and form part of the Blue Ridge Physiographic Province. The range is sometimes called the Smoky Mountains or the Smokey Mountains, and the name is commonly shortened to the Smokies. The Great Smokies are best known as the home of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which protects most of the range. The park was established in 1934, and with over nine million visits per year, it is the most-visited national park in the United States.
The Great Smokey Mountain National Park is about half in North Carolina and half in Tennessee. Leconte Lodge is located on Leconte Mountain which is on the Tennessee side in the national park. But you won’t know which state you’re in. Does it really matter? You WILL know that you are away from civilization in a beautiful unspoiled mountain retreat. Whether you stay in Leconte Lodge or other Smokey Mountain log cabins outside the park, once you’ve been there, it’s easy to see why the Great Smoky Mountain National Park is the #1 visited national park in the USA.
Although the Smokey Mountains plentiful with natural attractions, it has more than its share of man-made ones as well. There are many different features of this national park to check out. The hiking trails available at the park are very popular. There are more than eight hundred miles of trails scattered around the park. Many of these trails are short but there are plenty that are very long and have back country camping sites available for visitors.
Cabin rentals offer the vacationer a lots of space and tons of privacy. They are situated in quiet environments feature all the comforts of home and have the added benefit of being close to nature and the great outdoors. Taking time out, and spending it in one of the many Smokey Mountain cabin rentals available means you will get quality time. Quality time is that special time where you are completely away from any day-to-day pressures.
Cabin rental companies entice guests in summer with a swimming pool as an added attraction. Springtime in the Smokies is like a Monet painting: Wild mountain flowers in bloom everywhere and birds singing their own special melodies just for visitors. This is also Cherokee country and cabins that reflect Native American style are available here.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park will be an experience your whole family will remember for years and years to come. Once you arrive you may never want to leave! One tip to keep in mind when planning your visit is to remember to bring climate appropriate clothes. The weather in the park can change frequently and quite often does especially when driving or hiking to higher altitudes, so bring along some warm clothing and always feel free to call for weather updates before arrival. Have fun and enjoy all the Great Smoky Mountains have to offer.