It's called a valley because it is lower than the Cumberland Plateau to the northwest and the Blue Ridge province of the Appalachian range to the southeast, but it is actually a series of corrugated folds made up of valleys and ridges. Look at the Tennessee map and you will see clearly how all major roads take a parallel track. It is widest and highest in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most-visited national park in the United States. Seasons in the Smokies Smokies visitation has four seasons with hardly a break in between. Spring is many people's favorite for hiking and wildflower viewing, although winter storms can appear even as late as April.
Summer brings families, and finding accommodations can be challenging.
Fall usage is heavy, too, especially on weekends. Cool nights and changing leaf color make this season especially attractive. The first single event of the year for nature lovers is in Pigeon Forge in mid-January. It's the Wilderness Week of Nature. Call the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism for details.