Great+Smoky+Mountains

Great Smoky Mountains is an American national park which is located east in the interior. The area of the park (2 108.76 km2) is spread over the two states of North Carolina and Tennessee. It is traditionally known as the most visited national park in the USA, and in 2008 it received the official confirmation by the Daily Green.

Before any “white” settlers were located in these mountains, it was a part of the Cherokee Indians’ homeland. Logging became a main industry in this area, and when the industry and population grew, a railway was constructed, the Little River Railroad. Their way of working were described clearcutting(cut- and run-style). This formed the establishment of the park. Local activists wanted this too end, and in same time as The U.S National Park Service wanted a national park in Eastern U.S. This seemed as a great idea, but the U.S National Park Service didn’t have enough money to establish one. As many local investors contributed, the park was officially founded the 15. June, 1934.

The greatest attraction is also the most conserved, is Cades Cove. This is a valley with unusually many well preserved buildings, logs and other sort of architecture from the time when logging was an industry in the area. The most popular activity in the park is hiking and it’s often described as the park of hiking. With over 1.300 km2 of paths and trails it’s one of the most walk-based parks in the U.S. Except from hiking, and of course sightseeing, (where you are able to see sixteen mountains that reach above 1829 meter) fishing is a popular activity, and then particularly fly fishing, where trout is your main objective.

Written by Henrik Sandnes.