October 16, 2013

Did You Know? Three Facts About The Great Smoky Mountains National Park You May Not Have Heard.

For the past 79 years, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has been a popular attractions for folks from all across the United States. Whether you grew up visiting the mountains year after year, or they were your destination for a relaxing weekend getaway, there is always something new to learn and experience in the Smokies!

It was the first national park paid in part by federal funds.

In 1926 the National Park Service wanted to curate a preserved area for families and guests to enjoy in the eastern part of the country, but they were low on funds to purchase land. However, with the help of private citizens in Tennessee and North Carolina , John D. Rockefeller Jr., and the United States government, the National Park Service was able to acquire the lands necessary to create the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

There are over 21,000 living species in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s forest?

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most diverse ecosystems in the United States. Home to 67 different mammals, 200 types of birds, 67 fish, 80 reptiles and amphibians, 4,000 different plants, and over 17,000 varieties of insects, it’s no wonder why visitors love coming to the Smokies year after year.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park may not be the largest national park in the United States, but it is the most frequently visited. In 2012 alone the park hosted a total of 9 million visitors. An impressive number compared to the 4 million reported to have visited the Grand Canyon in the same year.

Want to learn more interesting facts about the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, or other fun things to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge? Hearthside Cabin Rentals invites guests to tour our ‘The Area’ tab on our website. There visitors will find tons of useful information on exciting hiking trails, thrilling attractions, and all the other fun things to do in the Smoky Mountains.