Produced by Stephen Hutcheson and the Online Distributed
Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
Cover photo: _Sunrise from Mt. LeConte, Great Smoky Mountains
National Park._
Handbook 112
Great Smoky Mountains
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
The National Park Handbook Series
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.
About This Book
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.
Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data
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
Contents
Part 1 Welcome to the Great Smokies 4
The Appalachians at Their Best 7