Smoky Mountains - Affectionately known as the Smokies, this mountain range stretches between Tennessee and North Carolina. The Smoky Mountains form the southern part of the Appalachian Mountains and the National Park that was founded in the 1930s is the most frequented in America. It is an ancestral home to the Cherokee people. The highest peak is the 6,642 foot Clingmans Dome, also the highest point in Tennessee, and it’s possible to follow a trail to the summit.
The scenery is magnificent with ample opportunity to see wildlife. The area is known for its wide range of animals, flora and fauna. There is a reported 100,000 different species within its boundaries. Wildflowers are abundant on the slopes and on the valley floors, including varieties of orchid and there are two types of rhododendron. The seasons are marked by heavy rainfall; a lot of winter snow and some mountains are shrouded in frozen fog in the fall.
Unfortunately, pollution in the atmosphere is having an impact on the Smoky Mountains and the effects have been seen with the oak and red spruce trees. Smog very often affects the visibility available in the region. There are numerous rivers and streams and flooding has hit the area. Landslides have also occurred after Hurricane Frances swept through in 2004, and then Hurricane Ivan made an impact too.
Tourism is important to the area, and is popular with white water rafters in the summer and skiers in the winter. Tourists like to go to Cherokee, North Carolina where Cherokee Native Americans pose for photographs in traditional dress and sit in tipis. There are shops that sell Native American crafts and costumes. Gatlinburg city in Tennessee has a ski resort nearby and it hosts the Smoky Mountains Jubilee, a celebration of local music, comic acts and folklore such as mountain clogging.
The biggest tourist attraction of all is probably the Dollywood Theme Park, situated at Pigeon Forge in Tennessee. Owned by country music legend Dolly Parton, it contains rides that include four roller coasters. There is also a water park that has four water rides. The local music and crafts of the Smoky Mountains are celebrated and it’s the location for the Southern Gospel Museum and Hall of Fame. This is a tribute to the many gospel singers and there is a collection of memorabilia. The park puts on dinner shows and concerts by Dolly and other acts. This area is also famous for its many car and truck events.
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