A picture of a river in the smokey mountains A River in the Smokey Mountains, taken summer 1985. The Smokey Mountains is one of the largest protected areas in the Eastern United States. World renowned for the diversity of its plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture, and the depth and integrity of its wilderness sanctuary, the park attracts over nine million visitors each year. Once a part of the Cherokee homeland, the Smokies today are a hiker's paradise with over 800 miles of trails.

Located in the Foothills of East Tennessee, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville offer a wide variety of things to do and see. Over 10 million visitors come to The Smokies each year to enjoy all that this beautiful and majestic area has to offer. From kids to adults, there is something for everyone here. Wedding Chapels abound. There were more weddings performed in Gatlinburg than in any other city in the Country last year, including Las Vegas, NV.

Text taken from yahoo travel