Great Smoky Mountains National Park Travel Guide

 Basaic Says:  The size and careful construction of the Apple House shows the importance of this crop to the farms. Apples were eaten raw or used to make cider, apple butter, applesauce, and pies. Hardier winter apples were stored on the ground-floor while summer apples were stored... 

 Basaic Says:  One of the most important commodities on the farms was the meat supply. The most common meat used was pork. They hogs were slaughtered in the fall so the cold temperatures would help preserve the meat during the salting or smoking process. 

 Basaic Says:  The Mountain Farm Museum is an open air museum with a variety of buildings depicting farm life in the Smoky Mountains in the past. The museum is located adjacent to the Oconaluftee Visitors Center. If you hit the museum at the right times you can see rangers and volunteers... 

 Basaic Says:  Mingus Mill is located a very short distance down the road from the Oconaluftee Visitors Center (the North Carolina Entrance to the park). The mill is a Turbine Mill, and was built in 1886. The mill ground corn into meal and wheat into flour for over 50 years. The mill still... 

 Basaic Says:  I remember from previous visits that the views along the trail and from the observation tower are spectacular. Unfortunately, the weather was not cooperative on this visit. There are signs on the observation tower to tell you what you are seeing and the distances to the... 

 Basaic Says:  The trail to Clingman's Dome is paved but parts of it is very steep. The trail is 1/2 mile long but rises 330 feet in that distance. Combine that with the elevation and the trail should only be attempted if you are in pretty good condition. If you feel faint or short of... 

 Basaic Says:  At 6643 feet, Clingman's Dome is the highest point in the park. The mountain straddles the state line between Tennessee and North Carolina. Clingman's Dome has long been a sacred area for the Cherokee. According to their folklore the Great Spirit told them that if they loved... 

 Basaic Says:  Crossing the Smoky Mountains has always been a challenge, even after the new road using "New-found Gap" was constructed. The communities that sprung up in the valleys had to be as self sufficient as possible. They could not run out to WALMART like we can today. There were... 

 Basaic Says:  Ben Morton was a Knoxville Mayor and a member of the Knoxville Auto Club. He was also a strong supporter of the road through "New-found Gap", one of the prettiest drives in any national park. There is a very scenic overlook named for Ben Morton along US Highway 441. The... 

 Basaic Says:  There is a nice interpretive trail and picnic area located along US Highway 441 with a view of the formation referred to as "Chimney Tops". Chimney Tops got its name from the 500 million old formations of slate, schist and phyllite that are shaped like chimneys. The natural... 

 jmpncsu Says:  After a long day of hiking, we were hungry for more than camp food, but didn't want to drive far. Someone suggested the Apple House, but based on the name, we initially tried for something else. Coming from Big Creek Campground towards the Cosby, TN area, there are not a lot... 

 TravellerMel Says:  The National Park Service offers flyers regarding the wild Black bear population in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. To quote from the flyer:"Black bears in the park are wild and sometimes unpredictable. Though rare, attacks on humans do occur, causing injury or... 

 Basaic Says:  The trail to Clingman's Dome is paved but parts of it is very steep. The trail is 1/2 mile long but rises 330 feet in that distance. Combine that with the elevation and the trail should only be attempted if you are in pretty good condition. If you feel faint or short of... 

 Basaic Says:  There are trails leading to many of the attractions in Cades Cove. Most of these are short and level. Good walking shoes, water, sunscreen, a hat, insect repellant, a snack, weather appropriate clothing, don't forget your camera! 

 Basaic Says:  There are a few pullouts along the road that serve as trailheads for what they call "Quiet Walkways". These are short easy trails that lead into one of the last areas of wildlands in the east. They are a great way to experience the sights and smells of the wilderness without...