Smoky View Chalet
2 & 3 Bedroom Chalets Nestled in a Quiet Resort Overlooking the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Great Free Night Specials & Rates!!
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Come explore the natural world of Southern Appalachia.Included are a naturalist's ramble, nature observation, trail rides, hiking and basic survival skills.River rafting optional.Build your skills and confidence!Beautiful cabins; meals provided.
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The Smoky Mountains National Park is the Most Visited Park in America! The
Smoky Mountains are the reason why Pigeon Forge has become the tourist
attraction that it is today. As the most visited national park in the
United States, the Smokies receive over 9 million visitors a year.
There is so much to see and do in the park including overlooks that
give you a view of the beautiful mountain ranges, hiking trails,
camping, fishing, historic sites and wildlife. There are five different
forest types throughout the Smoky Mountains and over 4,000 plant
species. Some sections of the park are actually classified as rain
forests. The park totals over 500,000 acres in size.
Most visitors to the Smoky Mountains
National park are there for a one day visit. However, if you love the
outdoors and enjoy camping, there is no better place in the country to
camp than the Smoky Mountains. The campgrounds in the park are
primitive by design. There are ten campgrounds and all of them offer
running water, flush toilets and fire grills. There are fees for
staying at these campgrounds but they are nominal. There are no hookups
available at these campgrounds. 
Hiking is another fun thing to do in the
park. Not only does it give you an opportunity to see the beauty of
nature but also is a great way to exercise. There are over 850 miles of
hiking trails in the Smokies. The trails range from easy half hour
walks to more difficult trips. Many provide beautiful views, historic
sites and waterfalls. The Appalachian Trail runs 70 miles along the top
ridge of the Smoky Mountains.  Wildlife viewing is excellent in the
Smokies. Early morning and late evening are the best times to view
wildlife. There are over 65 mammals living in the park with the Bear
and Red Wolf being the favorite of tourists. Coyote and Bobcats are the
shy ones and their sightings are rare while the Deer are the most
commonly seen in the park. Other critters that you will see are red and
gray squirrels, chipmunks, woodchucks, raccoons, opossums, red and gray
foxes, skunks, and bats. Elk, river otters, beavers, wild hogs and of
course snakes also inhabit the Smoky Mountains.
There are over 230 species of birds in the Smokies and 110 that breed in the Park. As far as snakes, the Copperhead and the Timbler Rattler are the only poisonous snakes in the park but neither have lethal poison. The most common non-poisonous snakes are black rat, garter, and common water snake. Other reptiles include frogs, toads and salamanders. The Smokies 27 species of salamanders make this area the salamander capital of the world. Fishing is another activity common in the
park. Anglers 13 and over need a valid fishing license to fish in the
Smokies which needs to be purchased prior to visiting the park. The
park does not sell licenses. Fishing is permitted year round and there
are over 40 species of fish including darters, dace, suckers, bass,
shiners, and trout. Brook trout are the only trout native to the Smoky
Mountains. Stop by a visitor’s center for fishing regulations. Bears in the Smoky MountainsThe weather in the Smoky Mountains can change quickly. The climate is moderate but because of the higher elevations, you can experience changes in the weather quickly. Elevations in the Park range from 800 feet to 6,643 feet and the temperature can change from 10 – 20 degrees from the lower elevations to the higher ones. Also just because it is sunny and nice when you leave for the park, doesn’t mean it will stay nice weather through your entire trip. There is an average of 55 inches of rain a year in the lowlands compared to 85 inches of rain in the higher elevations of the Smokies. If you have wondered why the Smoky Mountains are “Smoky” it is a result of the rain and evaporation from the trees. The upper elevations of the Smokies are classified as rain forest.  If
there was only one reason why the Smoky Mountains should be classified
as a national park it would be because of its plants. The vegetation is
what makes these mountains so unique. Because of the various elevation
levels, rainfall and temperature, these mountains provide a great
habitat for over 1,600 different species of flowering plants, 100
species of trees and over 100 species of shrubs. The park is sometimes
referred to as the “Wildflower National Park”. There are
more species of flowering plants in the Smoky Mountains than any other
North American park. And of course the changing colors of the autumn
leaves in the park is absolutely beautiful!
 "Who Else Wants to Learn Killer Mountain Biking Skills?"Click Here!There are several visitors’ centers
in the area to answer all your questions about the park and offer tips
on experiencing the most out of your stay. Many offer exhibits about
the history and culture of the Smoky Mountains. Many guided tours are
offered and most have facilities and shops. The Sugarlands Visitor
Center offers a free 20 minute Dolby Digital Surround Sound film about
the Smokies which is very interesting.  There
are several places to go in the Smokies to show you the beautiful
nature and cultural history of the park. If you want to learn more
about the culture of the early mountain settlers, then make a visit to
the Mountain Farm Museum, Cades Cove, Cataloochee, or the Roaring Fork
area. At these places you can tour homes, farms, churches and other
buildings built by the early settlers. The best places to view wildlife
because of the wide open spaces are Cades Cove and Cataloochee. For the
most beautiful views of the Smoky Mountain range, head for the tops of
the mountains at Clingmans Dome or Newfound Gap. For a stop in a cool
shady forest location, you may want to stop by Deep Creek or Roaring
Fork.
No matter what you want to do or see while
visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you will be
guaranteed a fun filled day. Plan your trip and be prepared to enjoy
the beauty of the mountains!
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