In the late 1800s, nation building was carried out with timber and power. The North Carolina Mountains had both. When the steam locomotive reached the Smokies, everything could be harvested. Workers were brought in, lumber was hauled out, rivers were dammed, mines were dug, and the natural beauty of the Smokies was threatened.

By the early 1900s, interest for the harvesting of virgin forests was waning and thanks to author/conservationist Horace Kephart, support for preserving the natural resources was growing. His persistent efforts marshaled public and private support for the creation of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (dedicated in 1934) and other government sponsored public works projects, including the Blue Ridge Parkway, the nation's most scenic highway.

Efforts to preserve the natural beauty of the North Carolina Mountains have paid off. There are rivers to raft, trails to conquer, wilderness areas, national forests, and the nation's most popular national park. You'll find examples of mountain heritage on winding trails and raging rivers, across endless vistas and along the streets of quiet mountain towns. There are museums, dramas, historic sites, train excursions, parks, parkways and skyways, folk art, fine art and performance arts. Experience festivals, celebrations and a unique mountain heritage waiting to be explored.

Here, history goes beyond words. You can touch it, live it and experience the past preserved for generations to come.

The World's Most Diverse Biosphere
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in America, contains 700 miles of rivers and streams, 800 miles of trails, and 20,000 acres of virgin forest.

Plant and animal life now thrive where many species once were nearly extinct. There are over 140 species of trees, 1,600 types of wildflowers, 800 species of moths and butterflies, 50 kinds of fish, and 60 species of mammals, including the largest concentration of black bears in the Eastern US, and recently re-introduced herds of elk.