The Great Smoky Mountains: A Great Family Vacation
Location: Tennessee, North Carolina
Open: 24hrs a day, 365 days a year
Price: Free (Overnight Camping Fee: $14-$23)
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is more elegant and majestic in person than in any photograph one might see elsewhere. These splendid mountains offer its visitors with all different types of activities ranging from hiking to camping to fishing. With over 800 miles of hiking trails, the opportunity to see nature at its best is not impossible. From black bears to elk, and even some beautiful birds such as blue jays and cardinals, the presence of wildlife is very abundant. An estimated 1,500 black bears live in the park. There are also over 1,600 different kinds of wildflowers. The Great Smoky Mountains offer magnificent views encompassing gigantic rolling hills and vast colorful meadows with an abundance of wildflowers and sparkling waterfalls. The Great Smokies provide great locations for fishing and camping. They even offer ranger guided tours that are great for family vacations.
The best time to enjoy the glorious views of these grandeur mountains is in the early morning when the fog sits atop the peaks and the eloquent serenade of a nearby songbird echoes in the trees. Surrounding you are giant pine trees whose sweet aroma fills the air. Another great time to visit is during the fall season when the hues of the leaves change from dark emerald greens to a palate of bright yellows, rich oranges, and deep reds. 2009 also provides an exciting time to visit for The Great Smoky Mountain National Park celebrates its 75th anniversary. Sure to provide many fun filled activities and thrilling celebrations from neighboring cities such as Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
We took our first family vacation to The Great Smoky Mountains about 4 years ago in the summer and it was incredible. We took a driving tour of the park and were able to see plenty of deer up close. We even came across a mother bear and her two cubs crossing the trail in front of us. What a sight that was. It gave us a memory of a lifetime. Walking through the trails, we crossed streams that were crystal clear and full of trout. There were beaver dams sitting in various spots and in different stages of completions. Occasionally, we would catch a glimpse of a beaver swimming on his back. The meadows were filled with an array of vibrant wildflowers. Playing among the wildflowers, were several cottontail rabbits chasing one another in what seemed to be a game of tag.
All in all, this trip was a trip of a lifetime. So, if you are planning a family vacation, I highly recommend the Great Smoky Mountains.
Published by Stella Gage
S. Gage is an amateur freelance writer who writes on a variety of diffrent topics and subjects. Her passion for writing began at an early age and has never left. View profile
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