The Great Smoky Mountains feature some of the most spectacular and breathtaking views in the United States! Sometimes simply referred to as just the “Smokies”, the Great Smoky Mountains are a chain of mountains located along the Tennessee – North Carolina border in Southeastern United States. The mountains are part of the Appalachian system and one of the oldest uplands on earth. They originally got their name because of the smoke-like haze, which hangs low over the mountains. Millions of visitors are drawn by their stunning natural beauty, panoramic mountain views, endless miles of pristine mountain streams, carpets of wildflowers as well as a verdant forest, abundant wildlife and innumerable scenic trails that have made The Great Smoky Mountains National Park to become recognized as an “International Biosphere Reserve.” It is home to an exquisite array of wildlife including elk, white-tailed deer, black bears, and 200 species of birds.