The Smokies have the most biological diversity of any area in the world's temperate zone. Wildlife includes black bear, wild turkey, white-tailed deer, elk, wild boar, mountain lions, fox, bobcats, mink, and exotic wild hogs.
The best times to view wildlife is in the mornings and early evening. Fox, wild hogs, mountain lions, and bobcats are more frequently seen after dark and before sunrise.
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23. Sugarlands Visitor Center
Sugarlands Visitor Center (open daily except Christmas Day) is located inside the park, 2 miles south of Gatlinburg on US-441. Sugarlands offers free admission to a 20-minute film about the park and extensive natural history exhibits. Facilities include a Great Smoky Mountains Association bookstore and shop, public restrooms and telephones, soda and water machines, and a backcountry permit station.
Fall Colors Photo Tour | Smoky Mountain Fall Colors |
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24. Cataloochee Valley
Cataloochee Valley is nestled among some of the most rugged mountains in the southeastern United States. Surrounded by 6000-foot peaks, this isolated valley was the largest and most prosperous settlement in what is now Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Once known for its farms and orchards, today Cataloochee is one of the most picturesque areas of the park.
25. Bicycling
Some of the most beautiful biking trails in the U.S. are in the Park; one at Cades Cove and the other at Deep Creek. During summer and fall, bicycles may be rented at the Cades Cove store. Other biking areas include Greenbrier and Tremont roads in Tennessee, portions of the Foothills Parkway in Tennessee, and Lakeview Drive and Cataloochee Valley in North Carolina |
