Misty ridges of the southern Appalachians
The Great Smoky Mountains take their name from the blue haze that hangs over their forested ridges. Newfound Gap Road crosses the park between Tennessee and North Carolina, a short climb leads to the observation tower on Clingmans Dome, and hundreds of kilometres of trails include a stretch of the Appalachian Trail. Cades Cove preserves log cabins, churches and mills from early settlers, and deer, wild turkeys and black bears are often spotted there. Autumn colour is spectacular, and spring brings wildflowers.