Great Smoky Mountains

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Great Smoky Mountains

The Great Smoky Mountains are a mountain range rising along the Tennessee-North Carolina border in the southeastern United States. They are a subrange of the Appalachian Mountains, and form part of the Blue Ridge Physiographic Province. The range is sometimes called the Smoky Mountains or the Smokies. The name "Smoky" comes from the natural fog that often hangs over the range and presents as large smoke plumes from a distance. This fog is caused by the vegetation exhaling volatile organic compounds, a natural process known as biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs).

Geography

The Great Smoky Mountains stretch from the Pigeon River in the northeast to the Little Tennessee River to the southeast. The northwestern half of the range is part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. With over 12 million visitors in 2019, it is the most visited national park in the United States. The park was established in 1934, and it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its rich diversity of plant and animal life and the beauty of its ancient mountains.

Biodiversity

The Great Smoky Mountains are renowned for their biodiversity. The park is home to over 17,000 documented species, but scientists believe there could be an additional 30,000-80,000 species yet to be discovered. The range hosts a substantial number of endemic species, species that can be found nowhere else in the world. The dense forests include a wide variety of trees, including deciduous and evergreen species. The park's elevation varies from just over 875 feet to 6,643 feet at Clingmans Dome, which is the highest point in the Smokies and the third highest mountain east of the Mississippi.

History

The area of the Great Smoky Mountains was originally inhabited by the Cherokee Indians. European settlers arrived in the 18th century, and the ensuing conflicts eventually led to the displacement of the Cherokee people along the Trail of Tears. The idea of preserving the region as a national park began in the early 20th century, spearheaded by individuals such as Horace Kephart and George Masa. Through public and private efforts, the necessary land was acquired, and the park was officially established in 1934.

Recreation

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a wide range of recreational activities, including hiking, camping, and fishing. The park has over 800 miles of trails, including seventy miles of the Appalachian Trail. Other popular destinations within the park include Cades Cove, a valley known for its historic buildings and wildlife viewing, and the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.

Conservation

Conservation efforts in the Great Smoky Mountains focus on protecting the natural environment and the diverse species that inhabit it. Challenges include air and water pollution, invasive species, and the impacts of climate change. The park's management works in collaboration with various organizations to monitor environmental health and implement conservation strategies.