Great Smoky Mountains National Park Road and Rail Journeys Vacations |
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park Road and Rail Journeys Travel Guide
Other Guides for Great Smoky Mountains National ParkRoad and Rail Journeys Destinations Near Great Smoky Mountains National ParkSoutheast Road and Rail Journeys States/ProvincesParks and Outdoors Travel Destinations |
On This Page:Great Smoky Mountains National Park Overview
Cloaked in mystery, the Great Smoky Mountains were once known by the Cherokee as sha-cona-ge, "land of the blue mist" (or smoke). According to Cherokee legend, people and animals originally lived in the sky above the ocean. When the sky became overcrowded, a water beetle was sent to find land but could not, so it dived to the bottom of the ocean and brought up mud to form the Earth. The Smokies were then formed by a great buzzard whose wings touched the mud, hardening it into a mountain range. Geologists have a counter theory that says this range was actually formed by many upheavals and erosions of the land. Choose the one that appeals to you.
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Hotels
from:
GOOD FOR ROAD AND RAIL JOURNEYS
Distance: 0.0 Miles
(from destination center)
Parks Expert Rating
4.0 out of 5
Recommended for:
Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated
Distance: 28.3 Miles
(from destination center)
Parks Expert Rating
5.0 out of 5
Recommended for:
Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated
Distance: 31.2 Miles
(from destination center)
Parks Expert Rating
5.0 out of 5
Recommended for:
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Attractions
Good For ROAD AND RAIL JOURNEYS
Nantahala River Gorge
Nantahala National Forest c/o Wayah Ranger District, 90 Sloan Road Franklin, North Carolina 28734
Distance: 16.6 Miles (from destination center)
Description:
The Nantahala River Gorge, a nine-mile stretch of... Read More
Parks Expert Rating
5.0 out of 5
Recommended for:
Good For ROAD AND RAIL JOURNEYS
Distance: 24.7 Miles (from destination center)
Description:
Cades Cove is a lush valley surrounded by... Read More
Parks Expert Rating
5.0 out of 5
Recommended for:
Good For ROAD AND RAIL JOURNEYS
Clingmans Dome
c/o Great Smoky Mountains National Park,107 Park Headquarters Road Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738 Map
Distance: 18.7 Miles (from destination center)
Description:
At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the highest... Read More
Parks Expert Rating
5.0 out of 5
Recommended for:
Feature Articles
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