The Great Smoky Mountains is considered one of the oldest mountains in the world, and to this day the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most popular places to visit for lovers of the mountain. The increase in both short and long are found throughout the Great Smoky Mountains, drawing more than one million tourists and locals every year. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park was first established in 1934 as a way to protect from logging companies who planned to continue the logging area. Because the expansive nature of the Great Smoky Mountains, there are hundreds of roads, several lakes and a large number of things to do in the park. In North Carolina, Great Smoky Mountains National Park can be accessed from the town of Cherokee, located at the south end of the park. Just over 30 miles to the north, the park can be accessed from Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and returned to the west in Townsend, Tennessee. There are also some smaller access points are found along the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the various campgrounds.

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Major cities in Charlotte, Greensboro and Winston Salem is located several hours drive to the east, although tourists looking for a hotel near or in the park will want to stick to the small towns of Waynesville, Brevard or Franklin.  There is also a visitors center located at each of the three park entrance. Sugarlands Visitors Center is the headquarters of formal gardens, and located near Gatlinburg Tennessee, while the Cades Cove Visitor Center is located at the western end of the park. In North Carolina, Oconaluftee Visitor Center near Cherokee is the smallest of the three centers, but still offers free maps, information about the rise and things to do in the area, and staff with the rangers are available to answer questions about the park. Due to the popularity of parks and special status as a national and international treasure, there are some rules that must be adhered to by visitors. Any hunting is prohibited, along with weapons for other purposes, fireworks and catapults. Fires are allowed, but only in areas where fire rings are provided. It is unacceptable to the camp throughout the park, you must remain on designated camp sites. You can bring your motorcycle into the camp, but you can not ride through the park or park on the street. Pets are only allowed in areas where you can bring your car, such as parking or paved park road, you can not take them with you through the park.

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Access to the park is free to the public and you do not need permission to enter the park. Park in the daytime hours, seven days a week throughout the year. The Great Smoky Mountains cabin rental is a great choice for travelers who want to stay in the area for more than just the afternoon. In North Carolina, the small town of Cherokee is the place to go for this type of rental. As you might expect, you can not rent a cabin or condo on the basis of the park, but park entrance near Cherokee is the closest thing in the garden. Busy season for the park is from May to late August, and prices will be higher during this time. If you plan to stay during the busy months, hoping to make your reservation at least two months in advance. Not only the Great Smoky Mountains one of the best things to do North Carolina Day trip or drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, but they are also an excellent addition to your longer recommended North Carolina trip. Visit the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offers a tremendous diversity in combination trips, vacation packages, and a choice of seating, not to mention the background of one of the most stunning scenery and pure on the East Coast. The official starting point for the Great Smoky Mountain train ride is where Bryson City meets the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This is an area filled with things to do and a popular place for visitors to arrange holidays and other holiday fun. Smoky Mountain Railroad Tour reveals verdant valleys, deep river valleys, and clear, flowing rivers, among other gifts of the natural attributes.

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The train operates Murphy Branch, originally used as transportation by climbers of high mountains, inland to the foothills. Basis for Line Murphy dug and built along more than 100 miles, providing a route into the city, and connects to the world outside the home much isolated. This triggered a major change in trade. Six passenger trains ran between the busy Lake Junaluska and Asheville, and Murphy and Asheville. Over the years, new tracks laid, and during the war, a good line to use, replacing the rails destroyed many cross-country shipments. Tour Smoky Mountain Railway began in 1988 and many of the railway rolling stock was sold to the railroad tracks across the country. A Great Smoky Mountains train rides are available with many options. Travel Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is offered in various combinations and classes of seats are all sold through the official website of the Railroad. Tickets can also be purchased directly from the depot depending on seat availability. If you intend to ride, buying in advance for a reserved seat is the best option. There are vacation packages available for the train ride the Great Smoky Mountains. In Bryson City and Dillsboro, the train had teemed with top-notch North Carolina hotels and bed and breakfast create valuable vacation deal that includes a combination of train and visit the inn and other facilities. All prices are based on double occupancy and while some packages are available year-round, others only offered in a particular month.

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