When it comes to exploring the great outdoors, few places offer a more grandiose experience than the Great Smoky Mountains, according to the pros at Capital Vacations. Situated on the Tennessee-North Carolina border and stretching as far south as Georgia and Alabama, this remarkable mountain range is home to an incredible variety of natural beauty, from cascading waterfalls to breathtaking vistas. With so many spectacular attractions in such close proximity, there’s no shortage of things you should see in these majestic mountains.
Clingmans Dome
Nestled among a sea of evergreens near North Carolina’s border with Tennessee stands Clingmans Dome – the highest point in the entire state at 6,643 feet above sea level. This popular observation tower offers some truly unbeatable views of both states, as well as neighboring Virginia and Georgia, on a clear day. It’s an especially popular destination for stargazers during evenings due to having no light pollution from nearby cities blocking out celestial bodies from view. On top of this fabulous view, visitors who make it all the way up are rewarded with an interesting exhibition devoted to local fauna like buckeye butterflies, grey foxes, and Great Smoky salamanders that call this pristine environment home.
Appalachian Trail
What would any discussion about exploring nature be without mentioning what is perhaps America’s most famous trail? The 2155-mile-long Appalachian Trail begins in Maine and stretches all away down to its unceremonious end in Georgia at Springer Mountain – located within just a few miles of Clingmans Dome itself! There are numerous sections throughout this part of its journey that wind their way through various parts of these amazing mountains offering jaw-dropping views along its entire length. Taking at least part of this majestic hike is definitely something everyone should have on their bucket list.
Elkmont Historic District
One particularly noteworthy historical example from these lush treks through nature is Elkmont Historic District – encompassing twenty buildings dating back over 100 years when it first served as a small logging community located inside what was later established as a national park site after being purchased by citizens in 1926. Here visitors can embrace themselves deeper into studying American culture by getting immersed into daily life for early twentieth-century loggers; tours are offered onsite, providing access to living rooms, kitchens, and vintage artifacts that have been left behind over time.
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
Last but not least is Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail – which allows folks essential insight into how certain areas once looked before they were preserved inside boundaries set aside as national parks: plant life still flourishes throughout winding roads lined with hundred-year-old cabins & barns just waiting to tell stories about how life must have been two centuries ago here before modern society took root in Appalachia – you can even purchase books containing information & pictures depicting several generations who lived alongside development while helping build foundations for today’s tourism industry here! No visit here would be complete without taking at least one trip or another down any one (or multiple) trails featured throughout these magnificent mountains filled with history & natural wonders alike; don’t hesitate – start planning yours now.
