Great Smoky Mountains

Great Smoky Mountains National Park North Carolina and Tennessee

Produced by the Division of Publications National Park Service

U.S. Department of the Interior Washington, D.C. 1981

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The National Park Handbook Series

National Park Handbooks, compact introductions to the great natural and historic places administered by the National Park Service, are designed to promote understanding and enjoyment of the parks. Each is intended to be informative reading and a useful guide before, during, and after a park visit. More than 100 titles are in print. This is Handbook 112. You may purchase the handbooks through the mail by writing to Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402.

About This Book

Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles the North Carolina-Tennessee border and encompasses the climax of the Appalachian Mountain System. Major attractions are the mountains themselves, the preserved structures and lore of mountain folklife, stupendous displays of flowering plants and shrubs, fall colors, wild animals, superb hiking opportunities, and gorgeous rivers, streams, and waterfalls. This handbook is published in support of the National Park Service’s management policies and interpretive programs at the park. Part 1 gives a brief introduction to what you may find in a leisurely visit to the park; Part 2 outlines the natural history of the mountains and their valleys; and Part 3 presents concise travel guide and reference materials.

Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data

United States. National Park Service.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee.

(National park handbook; 112)

Includes index.

1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (N.C. and Tenn.)

I. Title.

II. Series: Handbook (United States. National Park Service. Division of Publications); 112.

F443.G7U63 1981 976.8’89 81-11320 AACR2

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Contents

Part 1 Welcome to the Great Smokies 4

The Appalachians at Their Best 7

Part 2 The Nature of Things in the Highlands 22

By Napier Shelton

A One-day Walk to Maine 25

The Trout’s World 39

The Evolution of Abundance 53

Bears, Boars and Acorns 67

The Tracks of Our Predecessors 79

Part 3 Guide and Adviser 98

Topical Reference 101

Going to the Great Smokies 101

Park Map 102

Visitor Centers 104

The Smokies by Car 107

Wildflowers and Fall Colors 110

Activities 112

Hiking and Backpacking 114

Accommodations 118

For Your Safety 120

Nearby Attractions 122

Books to Read 125

Index 126

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