![]() ![]() In fact, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems in the temperate world, with over 19,000 documented species within the Park however, scientists believe an additional 80,000-100,000 additional species may call the park home. The Park is shared with our neighbors in Tennessee and is a 520,000-acre natural oasis with over 850 miles of trails, countless waterfalls, and a thriving wildlife and elk population. Unlike other National Parks, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is free to enter and enjoy. There’s nothing like enjoying a golden hour picnic with takeout from one of our award-winning non-chain restaurants as the sun sets below the mountain ranges. Picnic areas are plentiful along the Parkway! Although open year-round, we recommend checking for weather related closures before venturing on the Blue Ridge Parkway in the winter.Ģ) The Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Cost: FreeĪmerica’s favorite National Park is located in Cherokee and is known as the gem of Appalachia. We always recommend ending the day the right way, so BYOB… bring your own blanket, that is. Make sure to check out Waterrock Knob, Richland Balsam, Devil’s Courthouse, Black Balsam, and Soco Falls located between Maggie Valley and Cherokee off of Soco Gap (US 19). Some of the most scenic overlooks and hikes can be found between the terminus located in Cherokee and Balsam Gap. In the spring and summer, the roadway is lined with blooming flora and fauna, making the drive even more stunning. Spanning 469 miles through the Blue Ridge Mountains, 45+ miles can be found in and along Jackson County’s borders. The Blue Ridge Parkway is known as “America’s Favorite Drive” and boasts some of the country’s most scenic vistas. It’s true – the best things in life are free, so we’ve created a list of the Top 15 Free Attractions in the NC Mountains to enjoy on your next trip. For much of the southeast, Jackson County is a short drive on a single tank of gas. Enjoy a multitude of free outdoor activities and steer clear of crowded tourist traps on your mountain getaway. Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains less than an hour west of Downtown Asheville, our North Carolina mountain towns provide an affordable way for the whole family to reconnect. ![]()
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