| Smoky Mountain vacations can be planned and | | | | or satellite phone, or a Personal Locator Beacon if |
| enjoyed no matter the season you decide to visit. | | | | you have them. For those of you who wish to |
| This area was dubbed "The Smokies" due to the | | | | use tents but don't want to do the hiking, |
| fog that often covers the mountain range. The | | | | designated sites with running water, toilets, and |
| range itself covers more than 400,000 acres | | | | fire sites for cooking are at your disposal. These |
| along the Tennessee and North Carolina Borders. | | | | can be found closer to parking areas. |
| Millions of travelers frequent the area every year | | | | Cabin rentals are available throughout the Smoky |
| to enjoy all that the Smokies have to offer. No | | | | Mountains. Do your research before deciding to |
| matter what your interests are, you will find | | | | spend your vacation in a cabin. You may find the |
| something for you and your family to enjoy while | | | | bare minimum, which would be a cabin that is a |
| on vacation. | | | | single room and a couple of cots. Or, you may |
| Nature is one of the first things that come to | | | | book nicer cabins that are more like home. These |
| mind when thinking of the Smoky Mountains. You | | | | nicer cabins usually have inside restrooms and a |
| will experience a vast array of plant and animal | | | | kitchen, as well as an actual bed. Some offer all |
| life. There are over a hundred varieties of trees | | | | the amenities of home with a spectacular view. |
| and more than a thousand species of plants that | | | | Horseback riding is a great way to view the |
| grow in the area. Animal life is also in abundance | | | | beauty that is found in the Smoky Mountains, |
| with 10,000 species documented in the national | | | | without having to do all of the walking. Guided |
| park. You will find a wide variety of birds, along | | | | rides on trails may be arranged in various areas. |
| with black bear, reptiles, fish, deer, boars, bobcats, | | | | There are many trails and sights to see on |
| foxes and more. | | | | horseback, and the ability to cover so much |
| Hiking is probably the best way to experience all | | | | ground without being tired is wonderful. |
| that nature has to offer. You are bound to come | | | | With all of the streams, creeks and rivers, the |
| upon something interesting, even if only during a | | | | mountain range is prime fishing territory. The |
| short trek. Dress according to the weather, and | | | | peaceful streams and sounds are enough to |
| be sure to carry water and maps and check | | | | almost make you forget you came to fish, but |
| weather conditions. | | | | your fishing license will remind you why you are |
| Camping is right up there with hiking as far as | | | | there. |
| experiencing nature. Those who like to hike and | | | | With all that a Smoky Mountain vacation has to |
| backpack can travel into the woods to camp out | | | | offer, visiting is something everyone should do. |
| in tents. It's wise to inform family and park | | | | Whether you are seeking adventure or relaxation, |
| officials as to where you will be camping out. Also | | | | you will find it there. |
| be sure to take things like maps, a first-aid kit, cell | | | | |
