There is a lot to do when you stay in our cabins. For example, you can go see stunning views and other gorgeous natural scenery. The Great Smoky Mountains are the centerpiece of a popular tourist destination. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most-visited national park in the United States. Let us tell you more about this iconic landmark before you see it in person. Here is a list of 3 fun facts about the Great Smoky Mountains:
1. Black Bears Are The Most Popular Animals
The natural scenery of the Great Smoky Mountains is home to a variety of animals. However, black bears are the most popular residents. There are over 1,500 in the area, and they have a population density of two bears per square mile. Black bears are great climbers, which allows them to live in high or low elevations. They can be seen in the park during the warmer months and hibernate from mid-December until late March or early April. If you do happen to see one during your visit, remember to stay more than 150 feet away from it.
2. They Are The “Salamander Capital of the World”
Salamanders are another popular creature in the Great Smoky Mountains. They may be small, but their population is mighty. In fact, over 30 species call the area home. They come in all sizes with the largest salamanders reaching up to 29 inches in length. Salamanders can also have characteristics, such as regenerating their limbs and organs and breathing through their skin. Want to see salamanders during your visit to the Smokies? Head over to Grotto Falls. The combination of rocks, water, and cool climates makes the area an ideal habitat. If you do find one, refrain from picking it up and try to leave the spot exactly as you found it.
3. The Name Has An Interesting Origin
Have you ever wondered why The Smoky Mountains are called the “Smoky Mountains?” Well, the origin of the famous name comes from the environment. The Cherokee Indians were the first to inhabit the Great Smoky Mountains. They built villages that each had individual council houses where tribal meetings were held. People lived in homes made from woven vines and saplings plastered with mud. They spent their days surviving off the land by fishing, hunting, and farming. The tribe took pride in their home and called it “Shaconage”, which means “place of blue smoke.” The “blue smoke” is the result of an organic chemical reaction. First, the combination of the high altitude and humidity causes low-bearing clouds to condense. The wet conditions cause the plants to become damp and give off oxygen. Volatile organic compounds or VOCs are released that mix with the fog in the air and turn it blue! The result is a “smoky” appearance. The iconic name has definitely stood the test of time!
Now that you know more about the Great Smoky Mountains, it’s time to plan a visit! Check out our list of the most popular things to do in the Smoky Mountains!