Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee

Cover photo: Sunrise from Mt. LeConte, Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Handbook 112
Great Smoky Mountains National Park North Carolina and Tennessee
Produced by the Division of Publications National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior Washington, D.C. 1981
National Park Handbooks, compact introductions to the great natural and historic places administered by the National Park Service, are designed to promote understanding and enjoyment of the parks. Each is intended to be informative reading and a useful guide before, during, and after a park visit. More than 100 titles are in print. This is Handbook 112. You may purchase the handbooks through the mail by writing to Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles the North Carolina-Tennessee border and encompasses the climax of the Appalachian Mountain System. Major attractions are the mountains themselves, the preserved structures and lore of mountain folklife, stupendous displays of flowering plants and shrubs, fall colors, wild animals, superb hiking opportunities, and gorgeous rivers, streams, and waterfalls. This handbook is published in support of the National Park Service’s management policies and interpretive programs at the park. Part 1 gives a brief introduction to what you may find in a leisurely visit to the park; Part 2 outlines the natural history of the mountains and their valleys; and Part 3 presents concise travel guide and reference materials.
United States. National Park Service. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee. (National park handbook; 112) Includes index. 1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (N.C. and Tenn.) I. Title. II. Series: Handbook (United States. National Park Service. Division of Publications); 112. F443.G7U63 1981 976.8’89 81-11320 AACR2
A rustic Cades Cove cabin preserves the spirit of pioneer life and times.
Here in the East’s wettest corner, winter snows release moisture slowly into the ground until spring thaw swells streams to rush downslope. The ultimate destination? The Gulf of Mexico.