When you stay at Eagles Ridge Resort, you’ll only be five miles from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Here are 11 interesting facts about the Smoky Mountains you’ll want to know for your visit.
1. It’s the Salamander Capital of the World
Yes, it’s true. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is considered the salamander capital of the world! There’s 5 families of salamanders represented in the park and even 24 species of lungless salamanders!
2. Plenty of fish in the streams
Do you love to fish? So do we! The Great Smoky Mountains have about 730 miles of fish-bearing streams, as well as 1,300 miles of tributaries. All you need is a Tennessee or North Carolina fishing license!
3. Go chasing waterfalls
The Smoky Mountains have so many waterfalls it’s hard to keep track of them all! Let your stress and worries get washed away by the sound of the water cascading down the rocks. Some of the most beautiful waterfalls include Grotto Falls, Laurel Falls and Abrams Falls.
4. Beat the summer heat with cool temperatures
Tired of the sweltering heat you often run into on all your beach vacations?
Then the Smoky Mou
ntains are perfect for you. Temperatures never go above 80 degrees. You can enjoy time with family and friends outside without worrying about the weather ruining your time.
5. Enjoy dinner with a view
Whether you get hungry in the middle of a hike and want to stop for a snack, or want to share a meal with your loved ones, take advantage of the Smoky Mountains’ 11 picnic areas and experience the true meaning of “dinner with a view.”
6. Free for all
Vacationing on a budget? Well, the Smoky Mountains don’t cost a thing for visitors! When the mountains were created, it was decided there would never be a fee to enter the park, and that still remains true today!
7. Miles and miles of hiking trails
The Smoky Mountains have more than 800 miles of hiking trails, so visitors can get in their exercise while experiencing all the beautiful sights the national park has to offer.
8. Diverse plants and animals
The Smoky Mountains are home to more than 10,000 species of animals and plants. Cades Cove offers the perfect opportunity to spot some of the wildlife, such as elk, deer, black bears and turkeys.
9. Tour the mountains from your car
Auto touring has become one of the visitors’ favorite ways to enjoy the Smoky Mountains. There are more than 384 
miles of road to drive on. You’ll experience beautiful views, streams, historic buildings and hardwood forests right from your vehicle!
10. Visit the most popular national park!
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most popular park in the United States, drawing in more visitors each year than any other park in the country. The Smoky Mountains have about 10 million visitors each year. In 2016, the park had more than 11 million visitors.
After reading these top facts about the Smoky Mountains, you’ll definitely want to check out what’s drawing everyone in — start planning your trip to the Smoky Mountains by booking one of our Pigeon Forge cabins!
