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Significance of the park:1
Established in 1934, Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee, preserves more than 520,000 acres of mountainous land in the southern Appalachians, including about half of the remaining old growth forest in the East. More than 2,000 miles of streams run through the park-the headwaters for 45 watersheds. Scientists have identified more than 10,000 species but estimate up to 100,000 may inhabit the park, making it one of the most biologically diverse parks in the United States. The Smokies also preserves the rich cultural heritage of the region, including the largest collection of historic log homes in the country.
What you can see:
Visitors can find stunning mountain scenery of some
of the highest peaks and ridges in the southern Appalachians. The Smokies contains all major forest types found in the eastern United States, from the high elevation spruce-fir to the characteristic hemlock forests lining the banks of cool mountain streams. Often visitors may see a black bear or whitetail deer but are lucky to spot more elusive animals such as the Hellbender-the largest of the park's salamanders, which grows up to 2.5 feet long.
What you can do:
The Great Smoky Mountains is America's most visited national park, attracting more than nine million people each year. Visitors can backpack or hike on more than 850 miles of trails, including a large section of the Appalachian Trail, or to popular spots such as Laurel Falls and Mount Leconte. Biking the 11-mile loop around Cades Cove is another common activity along with horseback riding, bird watching, and trout fishing.
Summer Visibility: Second Haziest Park
No significant change 1991-2003
Average Summer Views 1999-2003: 20.3 miles
Natural Visibility: 80-117 miles2
In a 1996 survey of park visitors, 84 percent responded that clear scenic views were "extremely important."3 The naturally occurring blue mist giving the park its name has been replaced with an unnatural haze that blocks mountain views. Some of the worst visibility occurs during summer months. Sulfate particles formed mostly from pollution emitted by power plants are responsible for more than three-quarters of the park's haze.4
Check the real-time views in the Smokies by visiting the National Park Service webcams.
Unhealthy Smog: Second Smoggiest Park
Getting worse 1991-2003
150 Unhealthful Air Days 1999-20035
In April 2004, EPA formally designated Great Smoky Mountains National Park as an ozone nonattainment area, with levels of ozone pollution that threaten human health.
Scientists first documented ozone-like damage on park plants in the 1970s. Additional research indicated that 60 park plants are sensitive to ozone pollution, and 30 show signs of damage when exposed to levels commonly recorded in the park including reduced growth in black cherry and tulip trees. Plants found on mountain tops and ridges may be most at risk because these areas often receive high levels of ozone for extended periods of time.6
Acid Precipitation: Second Most Acidic Park
No significant change 1991-2003
The Smokies receives more nitrogen and sulfur pollution than any other monitored national park. Rainfall in the park is five to ten times more acidic than natural precipitation. Clouds as acidic as vinegar blanket the red spruce and Frasier fir forests on the park's highest peaks. High elevation streams and soils receive more pollution than they can naturally process.7
Solutions:
Enforce and strengthen our clean air laws. EPA must deliver a strong, effective, and enforceable park haze rule to clean up some of the largest outdated power plants and industries with inadequate pollution controls.
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