When this post was published in late 2015, the National Park Service was getting ready to celebrate their 100th birthday, and kicking off the Find Your Park initiative. The campaign was not only about national parks, but "state parks, local parks, trails, museums, historic sites and the many ways that the American public can connect with history and culture, enjoy nature, and make new discoveries.” Great Smoky Mountains National Park definitely fits the bill as a place to connect with all of the above. As part of the Appalachian Mountains, known to be some of the oldest mountains in the world, there are over a dozen peaks in the park with an elevation over 5,000 feet. Besides the expansive views, things to do at Great Smoky Mountains National Park include hiking, exploring historic structures, and viewing cascading waterfalls, along with searching for wildlife like elk and black bears. Each time we have visited over the years, we have discovered something new.
6 Comments
As I put the finishing touches on this blog post, I hear the weatherman say that is going to be close to 70 degrees this weekend! All the more reason you should consider visiting DC during the colder months. Most tourists, as well as locals, tend to visit between March and October. But December and January are often wonderful times to see some of the more popular attractions like the National Archives Museum and the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum because the crowds are much smaller (excluding the week between Christmas and New Year’s). With that said, the weather is never predictable, with 70 degrees temperatures one week and snow the next, so be prepared. You should always check before you go for any closings or late openings due to weather. Besides staying warm in all the free museums, here are five fantastic reasons to head to DC during the colder months.
|