GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
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DID YOU KNOW
THE SMOKY MOUNTAINS ARE THE SALAMANDER CAPITAL OF THE WORLD ? THE COMBINATION OF WATER AND THE RIGHT TEMPERATURE MAKES THESE MOUNTAINS THE PERFECT PLACE FOR MORE THAN 30 SPECIES OF SALAMANDERS .
WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE TRAIL
Located near Sugarlands Visitor Center , the Sugarlands Valley Trail is wheelchair accessible . Partially paved and nearly level , the half-mile path is good for all skill levels and highlighted by a waterfall . The self-guided nature trail features numbered interpretive signs along the route .
Visitors of all ability levels can enjoy a new paved trail to discover one of Cades Cove ’ s most popular homesites , the John Oliver Cabin . Originally the home of the first European settlers in Cades Cove , John and Lucretia Oliver , the half-mile , trail is approximately eight feet wide to provide adequate space for wheelchairs or other mobility devices to pass one another and enjoy outstanding wildlife viewing opportunities for deer , turkey , bears , and grassland birds . Remember that wildlife should be viewed at a safe distance .
Clingmans Dome – At 6,643 feet , this is the highest point in Tennessee . An observation tower is at the end of a steep half-mile paved trail where you can see for hundreds of miles on a clear day .
Sugarlands Trail – Great for beginners , this trail is an easy walk and located directly behind the Sugarlands Visitor Center . It ’ s 0.9 miles long with only a slight elevation of 93 feet .
PET LOVERS
Dogs are allowed on two park hiking trails — Gatlinburg Trail and Oconoluftee River Trail . Outside those two areas , dogs are allowed in the park only in campground and picnic areas .
CADES COVE
Cades Cove is a lesson in Smoky Mountain history . Park visitors can view cabins , barns , gristmills , stores and other buildings constructed by early settlers before the area became a national park . The cove is a special place to see via car , on foot or by bicycle . From early May until late September the 11-mile one-way Cades Cove Loop Road is open only to bicyclists on Wednesdays . Bicycles can be rented at Cades Cove Trading Company .
JUNIOR RANGER PROGRAM
National parks offer a special Junior Ranger program for kids five to 12 years of age . By completing a series of activities during a park visit and sharing answers with a park ranger , youngsters may receive an official Junior Ranger patch and certificate . Booklets are available at any park visitor center ($ 2.50 ) or can be downloaded at gps . gov / grsm .