What-To-Do Issue 1 2024-2025 - Magazine - Page 15

recommended for families with strollers or who are
traveling with pets.
While in the Smoky Mountains, you’re sure to see
some of the different animal species that make the
Smokies their home. From fireflies and elk to the famous
black bears, wildlife is abundant and protected by law.
Numerous hiking trails—such as the famous Appalachian
Trail—are available and can take you within view of
these creatures and their habitats. On the trails, nature
lovers can explore over 250,000 acres of this natural
mountainous landscape and its enchanting waterfalls,
forests, valleys and rivers. Stay alert because chance
encounters with animals can happen at every turn—but
for their (and your) protection, please remember the animals are wild and to give them at least 50 feet of space.
Named literally for the gap that was a newly found
path through the mountains, Newfound Gap lies at the
border of Tennessee and North Carolina between the
two park entrances. It is a popular place with ample
parking for families to stretch their legs, look around,
and take a few pictures. The Appalachian Trail intersects
Newfound Gap Road at this point—which is a mile above
sea-level but also the lowest place to cross the mountains in the area. This is the location of the Rockefeller
Elk
Weighing in between 500-700
pounds, elk with their massive
antlers are the largest animals
in the park.
Black Bears
Look up! Many visitors are surprised to see them in trees, but
black bears are extremely intelligent and quite adept at climbing.
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