| | The bright lights of Knoxville might hover nearby, but the real gem of this region lies in the peaks of the Appalachians at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Take in the spectacular views or hike beneath the hemlock, magnolia, and cucumber trees. Highlights include Newfound Gap, Clingmans Dome (6,643 ft.), and Cades Cove. Watch for bears, white-tailed deer, groundhogs, chipmunks, squirrels, bats, and over 200 species of birds. Outside the park, try rafting the class III rapids on the Ocoee River, or explore the caves on Lookout Mountain, the site of intense Civil War battles over the city of Chattanooga. |
