The Great Smoky Mountains are a portion of the Appalachian Mountain system named for their smokelike haze characteristic.  These mountains are some of the oldest upland regions on earth and stretch from western North Carolina up into eastern Tennessee. They rise to a maximum elevation of 6,643 ft at Clingmans Dome, and they are noted for their luxuriant forest cover, large portions of which are virgin growth. Cherokee Indian Reservation, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and parts of several national forests are located here.

     Located at the northern entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the city of Gatlinburg, tucked away into its high mountain valleys beside the rushing Little Pigeon River. Just north of Gatlinburg is Pigeon Forge home to the world-renowned Dollywood theme park. Pigeon Forge is full of attractions - from country music theaters, to comedy & dinner shows, to go-cart tracks and water parks. On north, past Pigeon Forge at the joining of the Little Pigeon River's two major branches lies Sevierville, the county seat and center of commerce for Sevier County.