The Most Popular National Park isn't What You Think

🎉 Click the link to get unlimited downloads of stock photos, 3D assets, royalty-free music, videos, graphics & more with Envato Elements: 1.envato.market/c/3630125/298...
🎵 Music I use for my videos (2 additional months free with this link): geni.us/aidinartlist
🎧 Sound effects I use for my videos: bit.ly/2WI2aJ7
🎥 Stock footage I use for my videos (additional two months free): bit.ly/307JPqG
Become a channel member to access raw footage and extended tutorials: / @aidinrobbins
📧 Contact Me: [e-mail]
📸 Instagram: / aidinrobbins
📷 Gear I used to make this video:
Main camera: geni.us/aidins5
Drone: geni.us/aidinair2s
Camera bag: geni.us/aidinbag2
Sigma 14mm f/1.8: geni.us/aidin14mm
Sigma 35mm f/1.4: geni.us/aidin35mm
Panasonic 70-200 f/2.8: geni.us/aidin70200
ND Filters: geni.us/aidinnds
Microphone: geni.us/aidinmic2
Tripod: geni.us/aidintripod2
Hard Drives: geni.us/aidindrives
FULL KIT: kit.co/aidinrobbins
0:00 - Intro
1:24 - Sponsor
2:52 - The Park
7:22 - Outro
The links above are affiliate links, from which I gain a small monetary compensation when purchases are made. They help keep the lights on ;)

[@KarenBarnettAuthor]

I’m from the Pacific Northwest and write novels set in our national parks. My first day in the Smokies, I was a little underwhelmed. But after a few days of hiking the trails and visiting the old cabin sites, I realized something important. Though some of the western parks have beauty that just knocks you ever the head, Great Smoky Mountains National Park has a quiet serenity and spirit that slowly seeps into your soul. It’s a gentle, calming beauty. I hated to leave it and come back home. I long for a return visit. Thanks for sharing this beautiful footage.

[@axlent123]

I suppose that there is more history you can find in the smokies than the western parks… although, there is a lot of native American history to be found in the west, as well as the east.

[@KarenBarnettAuthor]

@@axlent123 True!

[@kinocorner976]

@@axlent123 Oh boy, you’d be wrong. The mining towns, and abandoned towns, shit anything with westward expansion is here. These are a good examples that the west isn’t some new thing without history. There’s a reason why the Wild West exist in the US’s lore for a good reason. It’s an identity of how the world sees us.

[@tomstanley7568]

yeaaahh you can say that especially about the dragon spirit part

[@tomstanley7568]

why is the devils backbone st park named the devils backbone ?

[@NateSonger]

Love when people bring attention to the Appalachians. Growing up in East Tennessee I’ve only made a few trips out west. In this time I’ve slowly realized how different our mountains are. I used to struggle finding the beauty within them because they were always around. After taking some trips out west I began to appreciate them in a different way and began to see their beauty. I feel that a large portion of people who live on the east coast find themselves in a similar position. Seems like most people here only want to see places much further and much more drastic in their environment. If anyone is watching this and can relate i push you to go find the insane terrain the Appalachians hide within.

[@bluemountainway0098]

I absolutely agree! Growing up in Southwest Virginia, it is something that is easy to take for granted, easy to pass off and not realize just how fortunate you are to live in such a beautiful environment. I've often dreamed of moving far away to some "magical place" when maybe the real magic is right here in front of me. All about perspective and being grateful for what you have.

[@badatpseudoscience]

Absolutely. I grew up on Roane county. Just west of Knoxville. The west is a totally different experience. Not a better experience. There is a majestic aspect of the Appalachian Moutons that I have not found anywhere else.

[@bluemountainway0098]

@@badatpseudoscience Awesome! I have actually never been out West, not yet anyways, so I have no say in that matter. But I can believe that it is indeed a different kind of beauty, not a better kind. I love East Tennessee, btw. It's like SWVA, without all the regulations on everything. Lived in the Tri Cities region all my life. Currently near Abingdon, VA.

[@skip1860]

There clearly not mountains

[@skip1860]

@blueMountainWay 00 much much better kind

[@tomp6685]

I live in East Tennessee and every time I go to the Smokies it feels like a magical experience. I have been to many national parks, but the smokies with their ancient mountains, incredible plant and animal biodiversity, and some of the best fall foliage you'll ever see it will always be my favorite.

[@gosnooky]

Another reason may be that western states have a multitude of state parks, national forests and other places of natural beauty that have no entrance fees. I grew up in Colorado, and we went hiking all the time right in our backyard, took day drives through areas of unrivaled beauty that didn't cost a cent. We went to Rocky Mountain NP only once, and that was with visiting family that wanted to go. People back east just don't have these options close by because the population density is much higher, and there are much fewer areas of pure wilderness.

[@TheBlackToedOne]

My wife and I relocated to CO from northern VA. We used to go through the Shannondoah and the Blue Ridge and Catoctin Mountains and enjoyed them especially during the fall color change, but I told her that moving here to CO was like living in a national park. People just pull off the side of the road like it's nothing to fish, rock climb, kayak, camp, hike... it still amazes me. Even w/ all the ski lodges around here, to see someone trudging up a mountain w/ skis on their shoulders to do some back country skiing to me is still one of the coolest things. Back east they have signs all over telling people they can't do this or that but in CO the signs basically just remind people to don't be stupid. And the wild life. I've started doing some of the 14ers and to literally share the trails w/ mountain goats, or to see the elk wandering through Estes Park at the local Starbuck's, bank or grocery store parking lots still blows my mind. And the best thing is that people really do take care of the place and take "pack it in, pack it out" and "take only pictures, leave only footprints" seriously and know how to act around the wild life. Back east is something special to be sure especially during the color change and we do miss that, but here is something I've never experienced before.

[@Callsign_Prophet]

Time will undo any advantage however. Less regulation goes hand in hand with smaller population. As urbanization continues to grow those wild areas will shrink the same as the east coast. They just have a century head start.

[@AdamSmith-gs2dv]

? There's plenty of wilderness to still be found on the east coast. Sure it's different than the west and much less talked about but it is here. Tennessee especially has alot more than just the Smokies, we have tons of state parks and other federal land that's not part of the parks service

[@SSL0707Star]

@@AdamSmith-gs2dvBLM is way more in the west, for sure. But like many comments saying west is dramatic and amazing, east is peaceful and pleasant

[@SSL0707Star]

@@TheBlackToedOnethank you for sharing. We now live in northern Virginia, but always want to go to Colorado and hike hike hike!

[@adamscott_]

Growing up in North Carolina, The Smokies was my first National Park. I’ve now been to over 30 National Parks and National Monuments, but The Smokies is still one of my favorites. Maybe because it feels like home there. Great video Aiden!

[@jalenparson5006]

That's actually what a lot of people tell me (and what I feel) Great Smokies and Blue Ridge mountains in general. May not be the best or the highest/tallest but it feels like home.

[@alaska-bornfloridaman]

Same here. Something about it I love. I can't explain it.

[@izaingsani1916]

I live in tropical country, whenever i watch your video, i always like all the forest or national park where you at. When the forest is all white covered with snow, and when it comes to fall season all leaves change colours is so beautiful. i feel like forest in 4 season country are all beautiful. Because they change colour following the season. love from Indonesia 🇮🇩

[@BenPatrik]

I’ve grown up in central Florida my whole life but my family would vacation in west NC every spring for as long as I can remember. I’ve always felt more at home there than where I actually grew up. There’s just something so serene and enchanting about those hills, I absolutely love it and look forward to moving my little family out there in the not too distant future. Thanks for this video; it landed.

[@spjr99]

my favorite part about these mountains is that when the mist clears and the sun is setting or rising, you can see so many of them. you just look around and see dozens oif mountaintops everywhere. i moved here from illinois. almost surreal

[@LennonMapes]

Amazing. Reminds me so much of the Green Mountain National Forrest in Vermont which is in my backyard. Rolling mountains, low clouds, quiet, autumn colors... simply peaceful. Great work!!

[@travisrainey1171]

It is like that - I feel like I'm in the mountains of New Hampshire when I visit the Smokies.

[@sharonallen6921]

I've visited national parks all over the country and the Smokies does have a different vibe. In other areas I have noticed that people tend to live away from their parks. Here, we want nothing more than to live in and with our mountains. I live in South Carolina and going to the Smokies is often more of a 1 day and back adventure for me. I do stay longer a lot of time but I also love the 1 day trip - maybe visit a restaurant in Asheville and then a ride through the mountains or hike a short trail to visit a waterfall and then drive into town for a nice dinner before heading home. Many of us have family ties to people who live in the mountains. Going to visit the Smokies is not so much a vacation, it's like going home, as you said - our backyard. I may go on 3 vacations a year but I'll be in the Smokies 10 or 15 times a year.

[@SuperCatacata]

I'll respect both sides. There is definitely a place for those who live away from the national parks. Helps keep the park feeling like nature should.

[@BenjaminValenzuelaWallis]

Hey Aidin, your video would have helped me 1 week ago when I was looking for information about this park. Im from Chile and I was in USA for 10 days, had an airplane layover on Atlanta for 3 days and we rented a car and went to the Smoky for 2 days. There is not much info out there about it, and we had a really great time there in the cataloochee area. Great content man, you have 1 more sub, cheers from Chile!

[@Tornnnado]

Hah, no way! I'm from the US and am now living in Chile. Chilean landscapes are unrivaled imo. I live in Valparaíso and the hot, rolling hills are amazing to me, especially right near the ocean. I wanna get up to San Pedro at some point too, but I'll have to see if I have time before I return to the US in a few months

[@KevinHPhotography]

Smoky Mountain !!! I went there last year during Peak Foliage and it was epic. Best scenery I’ve ever seen

[@Offroadviking]

Great cinematography as usual. To add on to what you have already talked about, I would guess the fact that it is sandwiched between PigeonForge/Gatlinburg and Cherokee has a ton to do with it. And to say it doesn’t feel like the most visited, that’s somewhat deceptive to folks who may be watching that have never visited. While it is true that most days during the week aren’t too crowded, it’s a much different story on weekends. Trail heads are extremely crowded and cars are lined on both sides of the road. More times than not I have personally experienced bumper to bumper stop and go traffic inside the park. So for those who are new to the GSM park, be prepared, it can be very congested.

[@DharmendraKuntal]

The thing you're doing, nobody else seems to care. Requires a lot of research and hunt. And the biggest of all, waking up early morning😃 Thanks Aidin for such amazing videos

[@brysonl1275]

Those Timelapse shots of the fog are some of the best shots I’ve seen of GSMNP. I live about an hour away and go often and I completely agree that it doesn’t feel like the most visited park.

[@TheGatlinburgHussey]

Hello from Gatlinburg.. great video huh?? I make daily Vlogs kzbin.info

[@alaska-bornfloridaman]

If you've ever driven through Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg, it's pretty easy to see why it's the most visited. The traffic is absolutely ridiculous.

[@thomasshealy962]

Great video on the good ole Smokeys! Can't wait for another autumn video!

[@RS-ms1bz]

The Smokies aren't the "wow" factor of many of the western parks, but spend a couple days there, and you'll definitely feel something spiritual. I have never felt that with other national parks. There is definitely something special about those mountains.

[@bhushan.52]

I like your story telling , the way you edit your videos 🤩🤩

[@BenWillKing]

The rare clear-sky day at Clingman’s Dome is magical.

[@brysonl1275]

More like clear-sky sunrise. I’ve been up there 7 times for sunrise and the last 4 times it’s been foggy with zero visibility.

[@Stedmen]

Great story teller. Keep pumping these informative videos out! Makes me want to start hiking!

[@thorbrandal1870]

That feeling you are describing at the end is 'alive'. Rainy day walks can be the best. Air is clean and everything is green. Spoken from the PNW.

[@marcofrey2903]

Yes! The Smoky's may be the most visited and yet they remain mysterious and underrated. I'd say gentle rolling hills is an understatement as they contain the highest peaks East of the Mississippi. They're just a different kind of rugged with their temperate rainforest climate, tree density, and biodiversity. And when you imagine the last band of Cherokee hiding out here to resist the Trail of Tears, the whole place takes on a vivid place in your imagination.

[@stephenchalmers71]

I'd like to see the people who refer to the Smokies as rolling hills actually get out of their cars and backpack across the park. It is deceptively rugged due to the absence of a tree line.

[@edwingonzalez5610]

@@stephenchalmers71it is very true, smokies are just as big as the rocky mountains in colorado.

[@Ace0555]

Growing up in Chicago, I know nothing about these parks, but it’s cool to watch your videos and I learn so much. Thanks for sharing.

[@niklasseitz8586]

Such a good video ! Would love to see a whole series of you visiting all national parks :)

[@IAF1900]

Loving the vibe in this one! The atmosphere, the super wide shops, the color graing... Everything feels so natural!

[@jacksonfuller1995]

I take five trips to the smokies every year to backpack over a weekend. So I’m glad I’m not the only one. Lol

[@thisangalithmin]

Good one Aidin( nature lover) hope more videos like this ...

[@caseybalon]

There is a new texture (and 'flavour') to the way you crafted this particular piece. I'm enthralled, and can't wait to visit Great Smoky.

[@Louie_Ponce_Motography]

Great content brother! You’re my biggest inspiration right now and I’m trying to get on your level, but I’m sure it’s gonna take some time. We just got back from Canyonlands and Arches national yesterday. Absolutely gorgeous. Keep up the great work!!

[@BrandonShi]

Aidin, thanks for making this. Been having a crazy hectic relationship with Social media being "too fast" this was exactly what I needed to detox. Slow, great relaxing music, and amazing visuals. Thanks again Mate!

[@TBH_Inc]

Great timing, I just got back from a 50 mile backpacking trip in the smokies this weekend. Maybe not the most iconic park, but it is certainly pretty and great for backpacking!

[@Peter.Junior_]

Raleigh homie here, im actually moving to Chicago tomorrow so this hit hard. Really well done already making me miss those blue ridge mountains

[@The-Drone-Hobbyist]

I live in Alabama and been through quite a few national parks but The Smoky Mountains are my favorite out of all of them. Beautiful and amazing

[@spjr99]

Recently moved to within 30 miles of the park. All I can say is this area of the country is by far!!!! the most diverse area of the lower 48. amazing climate, lots of rain. great weather for growing plants. lots of different ecosystems

[@TheHungryCubanAdventures]

Another beautiful video thank you Aidin

[@redflamearrow7113]

I love the Smokies, not only for its beauty and serenity but also for the incredible history of the people who lived there.

[@SSL0707Star]

May I ask what are the best place to learn about the history? Planning a trip this August.

[@cchaffincc]

A good read is “Appalachia A History” by John Alexander Williams.

[@labonnemedia]

I can smell your videos. I grew up near the Ocoee area and spent so much time in the park! Moved to Denver about 10 years ago, and while It's nice, I think I'm with you on the charm of the Smokies :)

[@RoccoGermani]

Awesome video Aidin! There's a certain charm that the Appalachian Mountains have that I feel can't be matched by any other mountain range. Sure, they're not the tallest, but they're super charming and special to me. You should head up north sometime and visit Shenandoah National Park, it's my local park and I know all the hidden gems, so if you're ever in the area, hit me up!

[@SSL0707Star]

Ha I’m interested in learning the hidden gems. We are in NOVA though, 1.5-2h drive. Plan to do a hike sometime next week.

[@RoccoGermani]

@@SSL0707Star me too, I may live in NOVA, but I feel more at home in the mountains! Hope you enjoy your hike!

[@travelloop]

Nice cinema like video. Cool editing - great job!

[@claudiuswick]

These videos just keep on getting better and better and better. Inspiring me to get out, hike and learn more about my surroundings, thank you!

[@brianracer6868]

Went on a 25 mile weekend backpacking trip near the smokies and saw 3 bears, such a freaking cool place.

[@erichstocker8358]

When I first started watching I thought it would be the Shenandoah National Park as that is always super busy and super filled. I love the Smoking Mountain National Park but there are areas in the Park where the gnats are so terrible one has to wear netting to really enjoy the area. However, those areas aside this is a gorgeous park.

[@SSL0707Star]

I don’t find Shenandoah is super packed. Been there several time, spring, summer and fall time.

[@REVIEWSONTHERUN]

Beautiful! Thank you for sharing it ✌️

[@BlueSpirit.]

It’s beautiful! I love the mountains. They are like a big hug. 😊

[@nickdlf]

Love the mood, look and feel of all your videos they have a relaxing effect that also inspires me to want to go exploring too.. (you make me want to escape London and the UK) Such a beautiful looking park, I would love to visit someday!!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Just stumbled on this channel and I’m so impressed. You’ve earned a new subscriber. 👊🏻

[@nes.torfernandez]

The most beautiful colors on the internet! The fact that you get up so early is also deserve recognition.

[@christopherjanousek7994]

I've seen many of the NPs in the western lower 48, but this one is on my bucket list

[@jchastain789]

I'm from nc, borned and raised. There's old settlements up in the mountains along the a.t. it's all so cool to see. We also have a wild menature horse park to which was crazy to wake up in and have horses all over the camp eating grass. I'll never forget it

[@IngridBlackburn]

Great story. I moved to NC six years ago, and haven't visited there yet. Need to get across state and check it out now. Loved this video, thanks!

[@FJcruisemissile]

I love being on the blue ridge parkway when it’s raining or at night when no one else is there, best decision I made moving here but also your video skills are absolute perfection!

[@tacrewgirl]

Great video from facts to scenery. I grew up in NC and the Smokies are a great weekend trip to get a break from the city. I love the way you capture scenes. I helping me in my video editing journey as an amateur. Thanks!

[@TheGatlinburgHussey]

Hello from Gatlinburg! This was a good video..hope to make them like this one day ..I do Vlogs Daily kzbin.info

[@hlash99]

You deserve wayyy more subs. This was such a well produced video. Keep it up!

[@levans3447]

That was beautiful footage . Great job.

[@ConservativeBlack]

I’m from Greenville SC and I’ve been up there several times. Absolutely love it. The drive up to Mt Mitchell is sooo nice.

[@cowboytx26]

Thanks for posting this! I’m from Texas - half way between the Rockies and the Smokies. I love both sets of mountains, but have spent my last three hiking vacations hiking the Smokies. They are definitely one of the most beautiful places in this country.

[@mcb187]

Lived in VA and took a weekend trip to the north part of the smoky mountain NP. Was super peaceful, lots of cool views, and although certainly not as iconic as Arches or Rocky Mountain NP, it was definitely one of my favorite national parks just due to how cool it was to just go hiking and stuff without having to see anyone else for hours. 10/10 would recommend.

[@VinOnline]

This is my favorite place to go to on the east coast! I absolutely love this place!

[@helencogan2187]

I have been wanting to visit and film this area since I started to follow you...one day!!!You bring it to life!! Thank you...

[@williamalexanderr]

Love this video ! As always ! The motion graphics go crazy along with the entire rest of the edit ! Btw I miss the smoky mountains ! I’ve been there like 5 times but to visit family never to actually film ! Would love to film there 1 day

[@asmanisaiba4344]

Great content and Love the colors 🔥🔥🔥

[@tilludhal4142]

Incredible editing skill 🔥🔥

[@NickandRachel]

There is something very special about the Great Smoky Mountains National Park 🌲 You said a lot of good reasons I agree with. But a lot of these people are coming to visit Gatlinburg and pigeon forge as you know. A lot of these people barely ever see any of the beautiful spots in the national park they just populate the overlooks or go to the one Waterfall they heard about on the internet which is Laurel Falls. We love this place we've been going for many years and making content there as well for the last several years and we still haven't seen all of the park. Hopefully we'll hike all 900 miles one day! Nice video man!

[@TheGatlinburgHussey]

Hello from Gatlinburg! Yes, great video

[@adahaydeeliriano4279]

I went last year for the first time to the smoky, it remained me to the mountains back home. I am from Honduras and felt they were very similar…I love the smoky mountains 🏔️ I want to go again in the fall 🙏🏼🍁

[@mlegrand]

Well written and perfectly executed as usual buddy. 👏

[@foxxmufasa]

Love the smokies. It’s free. Lots of trails, smokey… not as beautiful as the ones out west but a very beautiful park

[@jasonwilcox6637]

There's a spirit that entertains these mountains. Something you definitely feel when you're there. Knoxville.

[@fabiomorich]

Hey Aidin, I just came back from 3 days hiking in the Smoky Mountains because of your videos. This video pop out on time for me after that amazing experience. I’m gonna make a video about that! Thanks for sharing

[@TheGatlinburgHussey]

Hello from Gatlinburg!!

[@fabiomorich]

@@TheGatlinburgHussey I’ve been there and had a very nice dinner ;)

[@TheGatlinburgHussey]

@@fabiomorich nice!! I used to work at Howard's restaurant on the parkway for 22 yrs.. I have a channel if you'd like to say hi.. The Gatlinburg Hussey...I'm at the Skybridge now

[@mateosimon4237]

Great footage 👍. That segment of the trail you show at 7:12 is veeery creepy..

[@stephanhead7532]

Great video and thank you for compliments.

[@jteaguelll]

Hey Aidin I did not know that it was number one....and i am in Charlotte. that information is good to know always love going up to the High Country.

[@filmmakermama]

Beautiful as always

[@Bryan.Conley]

Gosh, I love that park. Been a few times, but the most memorable was while hiking through on the AT. Amazing memories. Something like 2/3rds of the country lives within a days drive. Fact check that*. Love your videos Aidin!

[@cadecomstock1703]

I love seeing videos of where I live. I live in Gatlinburg, about 20-30 minutes from a lot of the shots in the video. It reminds me that I live in a very special place because it’s easy to forget seeing it every day.

[@jerud6861]

Wait. Who hasn't heard of the Smoky Mountains? It's in the "America the Beautiful" song we learned in school...

[@stephenchalmers71]

Any American adult who hasn't heard of the Great Smoky Mountains NP must be living under a rock.

[@travisn346]

I've always wanted to go to Bryson City. The Deep Creek trail area looks stunning.

[@cchaffincc]

It is!

[@Duncan_Idaho_Potato]

I knew the answer to this but that's because it's literally in my backyard, as well. I'm about a 10-minute drive from the Cosby, TN entrance to the GSMNP. As Aidin mentioned in the video, there are some large population centers surrounding the park and a lot of major tourist attractions nearby. Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge (where Dollywood is located), and more ziplining and whitewater rafting/kayaking attractions than you can shake a stick at. It's natural beauty and peacefulness on the inside, adrenaline-junky, and/or family fun on the outside.

[@Velakowitz]

The smokies and other southern Appalachian sub ranges are biodiverse edens. I've been to nearly every big popular NP and smokies is always my favorite. Something about the boreal forests above 5,500ft and the changing leaves and the clear creeks with rhodendehedron.

[@basinho0211]

We have a mountain range here in Utah that starts off as desert, transitions into deciduous Aspen forest (beautiful colors during fall), then transitions into boral forest, then transitions to alpine tundra. In one days worth of hiking you can start with cactus and end with alpine grass and lakes. And as an added plus, they aren't very crowded! Stansbury Mountains

[@STAR-RADIANCE]

Sweet! Didn’t know this about the Smokies❤

[@alansach8437]

Smokey Mountains? If you live in the east, you've heard of it. Great place to see lightning bugs!

[@PhotoTrekr]

Like a lot of national parks the Smokies is overcrowded and being "loved to death". Don't believe me? It's October and the leaves are turning. The roads can be bumper-to-bumper traffic. I live about an hour from the park. And I consider the Smokies to be my "home" national park.

[@AdamSmith-gs2dv]

If you went a month earlier there is no one there. If you want to see the pretty fall foliage go up the Cumberland Plateau instead

[@noahfowler9791]

I grew up in north Alabama in a small town where everyone that grows up there spends their entire lives there. I moved to Montana when I was 18 simply because I was fascinated with mountains. It took some years there before I started missing home and found out the Appalachian Trail even existed. Thank you for shining light on the east coasts mountainous ranges I hope it reaches people like me at 18 and many more!!!

[@egorman2979]

I love your photography style. I moved into the Knoxville area and visit the Smokies at least once a month. They are truly serene. It's amazing how despite all the visitors, it is still possible to take a hike and not see another soul all day.

[@TravelHungryForLife]

Fabulous upload and sharing here thanks great channel see you again be safe

[@Ercrcrdsstff]

It’s the most ecologically diverse national park in the US. All that rain and mild weather allows some cool varieties of plant and animal life

[@TheReginagreene]

I love your videos!

[@GrannysGarage333]

Go in the summer… you’ll find the crowds and the traffic jams… especially in the popular areas like Cades Cove… still love them thar’ hills!!! 💚

[@aidanscherrer3314]

Been going to the smokies for 2 weeks every summer since I was a kid. Been to a lot of other national parks, but nothing beats the charm and nostalgia of the smokies for me.

[@BryanElliott_]

Your footage is so nice bro

[@BryanDeLay]

Having backpacked in 25 states in the last 30 years, people often ask me where is my favorite place to backpack. Most are stunned when I say the southern Appalachians. Maybe it's because I grew up and live in east Tennessee, or maybe it's because they are 150,000,000 years older than the Rockies or maybe it's the consciousness of all the plant life, but the energy of the southern Appalachians is more peaceful than the Rockies. Yes the west has majestic views, but after you get past the eye candy, the feeling and serenity of the southern Appalachians is just amazing.

[@alaska-bornfloridaman]

From someone who's been to every majestic National Park, I agree. It's weird that I can't quantify it, though. It's a special place.

[@arcanum3882]

It’s definitely well heard of

[@ethanmietzner5218]

I'm from Washington State and have been attending college in Georgia. I won't lie, I really really miss my state and all of the amazing views it offers. I've learned to appreciate it much more whenever I go back during my breaks. A few weeks ago, I visited the Smokies. Though I wasn't overly amazed by the views like Washington offers, it offered a different type of experience especially with all of the fire-like Foliage during the peak season of autumn. I'll definitely have to make it back before I move back west possibly in the near future especially since Georgia doesn't have too much to offer compared to it's bordered state.

[@stephenchalmers71]

You won't get the views that you do out west where the elevations are higher and the foliage considerably less dense, but there are definitely other things to appreciate about the Smokies. Geologically, it's the oldest mountain range in the world and it has an absolutely amazing biodiversity. It's kind of a shame that the AT goes through it, because its natural beauty is largely wasted on idiot thru-hikers who are more concerned with racking up miles and taking selfies in front of sweeping vistas than they are with appreciating things like unique species of salamanders and old growth cove forests.

[@heidiw8406]

When I was a kid and if we went on vacation, it was camping in the Smokies. We drove up from Florida.

[@drewdotson7325]

Great video, but another reason why the park visitation is so high is people passing through the park also count. The major highway is how people south of the park get to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, super-touristy mountain towns.

[@spottedcat9316]

great video. by the way i like your glasses

[@MongoBongo271]

Visitation of a national park is all about location, parks that get lots of visitors are all close to multiple major metropolitan areas with the exception of a few out liars like yellow stone. But the smoky mountains besides being amazingly beautiful are in the most densely populated part of the country with not a lot of competition from other nearby parks to compete with.

[@anttreks940]

im one of those people that walked thru to maine. this park rules the wet was horrid. but the experience priceless

[@radekjaster]

Love the Smokies, this makes me want to go back again

[@alexanderfrazier8840]

I’ve been there. I remember them saying something about it’s so popular cause most it’s visitors just drive through.