Mountaineer Campground

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a major draw for many visitors to Tennessee and no wonder. With over half a million acres of wilderness for adventurers to explore, the opportunities for wonders to be discovered, and adventures to be had are endless. There are nearly a thousand miles of hiking trails, including the mighty Appalachian Trail, which cuts through GSMNP. The trails spider out from various nexuses, winding and weaving through dense old-growth woods. Some ascend to summits where hikers are rewarded with a vast, panoramic view of the rolling mountains and valleys. Other trails descend into low, hidden valleys that harbor wildlife in droves. Though there are a few dozen named waterfalls, there are hundreds, if not thousands, more fragile yet picturesque waterfalls that appear only after the spring snowmelt and just as quickly disappear. Fly-fishing is one of the top activities in GSMNP. Fishermen often bring home trophy-sized catches. Native brook trout are especially robust, and brown and rainbow trout are common, too. GSMNP is known to be the habitat of one of the most diverse wildlife on the eastern seaboard. GSMNP is a protected habitat for the shy black bear, which is especially robust in these mountains. Elsewhere along the east coast, this endearing bear approaches threatened status due to their dwindling habitat. Other mammals include the white-tailed deer, various species of bats, some of which are endangered, and several small-game critters. In the 21st century, National Park Services have reintroduced river otters, peregrine falcons, and elk, which were driven out of the area in the early 20th century, and more additions are planned in the coming decades. Nature lovers and wildlife photographers will have the best luck spotting these shy, untamed wildlife at dawn or dusk.