4 Facts About the Smoky Mountains That Might Surprise You
Whether you are a first-time visitor to the Smoky Mountains or have been enjoying the beauty of the Smokies for years, there is always something fascinating to learn about this magical destination! Therefore, we have made a list of some of the surprising things that you may not know about the area! Here are some fun facts about the Smoky Mountains that might surprise you:
1. Cherokee Called the Area “Land of Blue Smoke”
The Cherokee word for the Smoky Mountains is “Shaconage,” which translates to the “Land of Blue Smoke.” However, this bluish-tinted “smoke” can actually be described better as a fog or a mist, as the vapor-like mist results from the combination of vegetation, humidity, sunlight and rain levels. When the vapor is released, the molecules that make up the gas scatter blue light from the sky, giving the fog its blue color. With millions of plants and trees in the Smoky Mountains, the vapors create the famous “smokey” appearance!
2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the Nation’s Most Visited
Another one of the fun facts about the Smoky Mountains that might surprise you is that Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the nation! The Smokies average about 12 million visitors per year, with a record high of 14 million in 2021. With hundreds of hiking trails, historical structures and an abundance of wildlife, it is easy to see why the park is so popular! It also helps that it is within a day’s drive of roughly two-thirds of the U.S. population!
3. Nearly 3,000 Miles of Streams in the Smokies
The Smoky Mountains have approximately 2,900 miles of streams, all of which are available for fishing! The Smokies actually protect one of the last wild trout habitats in the eastern United States. A majority of the streams remain at or near their carrying capacity of fish and offer a great opportunity for fishing all throughout the year! Fishing is permitted in the national park from 30 minutes before official sunrise to 30 minutes after official sunset. Just remember that you must possess a valid fishing license or permit from either Tennessee or North Carolina.
4. More Than 90 Historic Structures Are Preserved in the Park
In addition to all of the natural scenic wonders, there are more than 90 preserved pieces of Appalachian history in Great Smoky Mountains National Park! These include houses, barns, churches, schools, and even grist mills! The John Oliver Cabin is one of the oldest sites, most likely built in the 1820s. The best places to see some of these structures are along the Cades Cove Loop Road and the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.
Are you interested in learning even more surprising facts about the Smoky Mountains? You’re in luck! We’re sharing more fun facts about the Great Smoky Mountains you probably didn’t know.
