Great Smoky Mountains Pocket Companion

from the introduction:
The crown jewel of America's eastern national parks was created in 1934 as a monument to the great southern forests, most of which had been decimated by loggers over the previous decades. Today, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park protects and showcases over 520,000 magnificent acres of pristine forest, home to an incredible diversity of plants and animals. The official Park magazine states that more than 1,600 species of native trees, 200 species of birds, around 50 species of fish, and 60 species of mammals live within the park, which rises skyward along the Tennessee-North Carolina border for over 50 enchanting miles. Rugged mountain peaks, some exceeding 6,000 feet, and picturesque streams and rivers populate the Park, offering scenery, swimming, fishing, or peaceful quiet. More than 800 miles of splendid hiking and horseback riding trails lace the Park, providing access to its most remote corners. Each of the four seasons brings its own delights to the Smokies. From the peaceful snows of slumbering winter to the rush of summertime with its throngs of visitors, from the explosion of spring wildflowers to the patchwork quilt of nature's autumn spectacle, the Smokies are truly a delight at any time of year.