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GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL
PARK, covered by its famous blue haze, wraps around 800 square miles of Appalachian
splendor. Sixteen of its peaks rise more than 6,000 feet into the sky, making this the
highest and most rugged mountain terrain in eastern North America. You'll learn that
because of the fertile soil and heavy rains, the park has a greater variety of plants than
can be found anywhere else in the country. You hear about the 200 species of birds, 50
different mammals and 80 different types of fish that inhabit the park. Hear about the
geology of the area over 500 million years ago and see the results of a violent
disturbance that took place 200 million years ago ... the Appalachian Revolution. See rock
turned on end at Newfound Gap and enjoy the panoramic view from Clingmans Dome. You'll
hear about the early pioneers who first settled in the isolated mountain valleys - their
expressions and way of life. Visit a typical farmstead at Oconoluftee. Listen to the story
of the great Cherokee Nation - their history and legends, and of Chief Sequoyah who
invented an alphabet that allowed his people to read and write. It's all here and much,
much more. |
