A Wondrous Diversity of Life
Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. World renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture, this is America's most visited national park. Plan your visit today!
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park region is divided down its length by the Tennessee – North Carolina border. Visitor centers—Sugarlands and Oconaluftee—mirror each other across the state line separated by many miles of deciduous forest. There are waterfalls throughout the park, with larger falls like Grotto, Laurel, Abrams, Rainbow, and Mingo drawing over 200,000 visitors per year.