Pigeon Forge Live Cam

Until well into the 20th century, the region, though long settled, was isolated and inaccessible. During World War I, logging railroads penetrated some of its virgin forests; later, highways were constructed that skirted the Great Smoky Mountains, enabling travelers to view their majesty. A federal commission created to seek out one or more possible parks in the Appalachians recommended the establishment of a national park in the region, and it was authorized by Congress in 1926.

Funds appropriated by North Carolina and Tennessee, supplemented by a $5 million gift from John D. Rockefeller, Jr., made possible the acquisition of most of the needed land. Direct federal purchase completed the program. The park was dedicated in 1940. Natural Features. The Great Smoky Mountains, part of one of the oldest uplands on earth, are the lofty backbone of the park and zigzag through it for 71 miles (114 km).

Clingmans Dome, the highest peak, has an elevation of 6,643 feet (2,025 meters) above sea level, and there are more than two dozen others higher than 6,000 feet (1,830 meters). Half the main crest is more than 5,000 feet (1,520 meters) high. The Appalachian Trail, which extends from Maine to Georgia, follows most of this crest; along the Great Smokies portion of the trail, there are 14 trailside shelters.

Perhaps the outstanding single feature of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, considering that it was established in a long-settled region, is its 200,000 acres (81,000 hectares) of virgin forests. At the higher altitudes are spruce and fir, including the largest stand of virgin red spruce in the United States. Lower down is a wealth of deciduous trees in dense mixed forest; many grow here to record size. Hardly less notable is the tremendous variety of other plants. Tree, shrub, and herb species total 1,300; in addition, there are more than 2,000 kinds of fungi, 330 mosses and liverworts, and 230 lichens.

Flowers of one kind or another are in bloom somewhere in the park from late February until December. Mountain laurel in May, the brilliant flame azalea and the purple rhododendron in June, and the white rhododendron in July offer spectacular shows. Of the park's animals--black bear, white-tailed deer, fox, raccoon, bobcat--the bears are the most frequently seen.

Reminders of Mountain Culture. The forest, in this moist climate, has moved in on many of the former mountain-farm clearings, on which the buildings are slowly disintegrating. However, in the lovely pastoral mountain-ringed valley of Cades Cove, many such structures have been rehabilitated and much of the old way of life continues there. Perhaps the most picturesque of the hewn-log reminders of the past is the old grist mill, powered by an over shot waterwheel. Close to the Oconaluftee Ranger Station and Pioneer Museum, the National Park Service has assembled a representative group of pioneer buildings of many kinds, which demonstrate most of the methods of construction used by the mountain people. The museum displays tools, household furniture, and other objects they used daily.

The Public and the Park. Great Smoky Mountains National Park has a season extending from early spring to late autumn. Throngs are attracted by the dazzling autumn color of the deciduous forests. The total number of visits was almost 10 million in 1973.

The 658 miles (1,059 km) of horse and foot trails provide a great variety of outdoor experience to the park visitor. Horses, pack animals, and guide service are available in some nearby towns. There is no hunting in the park, but its 600 miles (966 km) of streams offer excellent trout and bass fishing. The park is crossed from northwest to southeast by U.S. Highway 441, which reaches an altitude of 5,046 feet (1,538 meters) at Newfound Gap. The Clingmans Dome 6-mile (10-km) spur from the gap, the highest motor road east of the Mississippi, terminates at 6,311 feet (1,924 meters). An excellent road goes into and around Cades Cove from Tennessee Highway 73. The Blue Ridge Parkway has a junction with U.S. 441 near the Oconaluftee Ranger Station.