GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
HISTORIC LANDSCAPES
A number of historic sites are located in the
park, including Newfound Gap, where President
Franklin D. Roosevelt dedicated the national
park in 1940. Cades Cove is a lesson in mountain
history, where visitors can view cabins, barns,
mills, stores and other buildings used by people
who lived on the land that became Great Smoky
Mountains National Park.
JUNIOR RANGER PROGRAM
FOLIAGE REPORT
Kids from 5-12 can become Junior Rangers
Autumn leaf season usually lasts several weeks
through a special program offered at national
in the park, however timing of fall colors depends
parks. Pick up a booklet ($2.50 at any ranger
on many variables, so it’s virtually impossible to
station) and complete the activities to earn
predict exact dates of “peak” season.
your Junior Ranger badge.
WILDLIFE
America’s most visited national park is home
to more than 400 species of animals, including
an estimated 1,500 American black bears. Some
of the best bear-watching opportunities can
be found on a drive along Roaring Fork Motor
Nature Trail or Cades Cove Loop Road. Be sure
to view any wildlife from a safe distance.
WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE TRAIL
Sugarlands Valley Trail is a wheelchair accessible
trail, located near Sugarlands Visitor Center. The
half-mile path is partially paved and nearly level.
The trail is good for all skill levels and features
a waterfall. As a self-guiding nature trail, it has
numbered interpretive signs along the way.
Fall color displays can start in higher elevations
as early as mid-September. They traditionally
reach their peak at lower elevations between
mid-October and early November. Reports on
color change are posted each year beginning
in September.
nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/fallcolor.htm
HORSEBACK RIDING
Guided horseback rides are available at four
riding stables from mid-March through late
November. Scenic trail rides can last from 45
minutes to several hours.
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