If you’re anything like us, you absolutely love the Great Smoky Mountains and everything that has to do with the Smoky Mountain area. There are so many wonderful things to explore in the national park as well as the towns of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. We put together 3 things you probably don’t know about the Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
1. Wildflowers
Many people make a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains throughout the spring and early summer months to take a look at the abundance of wildflowers. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park holds the world’s most diverse collection of wildflowers, having over 1,500 kinds of flowering plants. This is more than any other national park in the entire world. Even if you don’t visit to see the spring flowers, the national park has flowers throughout the year, some of the most beautiful found in the fall months when the trees change from deep green to bright reds and yellows. If you do decide to go hiking in the Smoky Mountains, be sure to be on a lookout for all the wildflowers!
2. Salamanders
The Great Smoky Mountains are known as the ‘Salamander Capital of the World.’ Believe it or not, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Service even claims that the majority of backbones animals (including human visitors) in the park on any given day are salamanders. You can find all kinds of diversity of salamanders in the park! Expect to see salamanders of every color and size as you explore the national park. Keep your eyes open because these critters like to move fast. When you hopefully do spot one, make sure to take a picture to show your friends and family. They are sure a fun animal to spot in the national park besides the black bears and deer!
3. Distance
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located within a day’s drive of two thirds of the United States. If you are looking for a reason to get away and take a vacation to the Smokies, just know that you can probably drive to the Smoky Mountains in a single day. What a fun activity to do with your family and friends! This saves plenty of travel time, making it perfect for a spontaneous trip! Being close also means you will spend less money spent on gas! You can make an affordable vacation to the Smoky Mountains and make great memories with your family and friends!
Now you know the 3 things you probably don’t know about the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Since you’re probably only a few hours away from the Smoky Mountains, it’s time you start planning that vacation you’ve been dreaming about. At Alpine Chalet Rentals, we have the best accommodations near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Featuring a variety of accommodations, like hot tubs and game rooms, you can find a chalet or cabin in Gatlinburg for any size group or family. We look forward to welcoming you to the Smoky Mountains! Have fun during your stay!
