Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee

The Great Smoky Mountain National Park sings the songs of country music herself with her rambling streams, ancient mountains, and remnants of true Southern Appalachian mountain culture. The park holds some of the most diverse plant and animal life in the lower 48 and endless trails in which to explore it. You can spend your days climbing through waterfalls, fishing for trout, bicycling under fall foliage, exploring historical sites, picnicking, and cabrewing (the holy union of beer and canoeing). At night you can ponder all this awesomeness under the light of southeastern stars. So pack up your guitar, strum some chords by the campfire, and maybe learn the words to "Rocky Top" while you are on top of that particular peak!

AT through-hikers will grab their backcountry passes on the route, but section hikers have a lot more work to do. Camping along the Appalachian trail in the Smokies is only allowed in shelters, and the shelters must be reserved in advance. Wake up early in the morning 30 days before your trip when the calendars open up, and remember, a 20 mile day is a really long hike. At least you save the pack weight of your tent?  Other lodging within the Smokies is a little easier to find in the frontcountry, where lodges, RV and car camping sites abound in the park's 8 campgrounds.