GATLINBURG, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – During the summertime, people from all over the world flock to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to take a break from the stresses of the everyday and relax in the forests and campgrounds within the Smokies.
The mountains are known for the smoky look they get in the morning or after a short rainfall, which is common in the summer. Visitors travelling up the curvy Newfound Gap road that runs throughout the park can see Mt. Le Conte up above the clouds, over 6,500 feet above sea level.
At the Tennessee-North Carolina line, an overlook allows visitors to view the mountains in all directions, rain or shine.
Down below at the foot of the Smokies is the small town of Gatlinburg, which offers a variety of activities and lodging for visitors such as the local aquarium and a variety of moonshine distilleries scattered about the parkway.
Just outside Gatlinburg is Pigeon Forge, which is home to everything from go-karts to pancake houses and even a ferris wheel.
Despite the flood of tourists that the area has seen in recent years, the Smokies are still recovering from the 2016 wildfires that overcame the area. Trees are still visibly covered in ash, residents and businesses are rebuilding, and wildlife has been left looking for food. Bears can even be seen in broad daylight in hotel parking lots and back roads, though they’re often less concerned about people than they are about finding food. However, local rangers want you to know that you should not feed the bears should you come across one.
With all that being said, if you’re looking for a weekend getaway from the everyday, the Smokies are definitely worth your time.