Nestled in the heart of the Southern Appalachian Mountains, next to our property at Elk & Embers, lies one of America’s most extraordinary natural treasures: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. While you’re enjoying the luxury and tranquility of our mountain retreat in Waynesville, North Carolina, you’re perfectly positioned to explore the nation’s most bio-diverse and most visited national park.

A Living Laboratory of Biodiversity

What makes the Great Smoky Mountains truly exceptional isn’t just their age. Though these ancient peaks formed an estimated 200 to 300 million years ago and rank among the world’s oldest mountain ranges,  it’s the incredible variety of life they support that sets this area apart. During the last ice age, countless species migrated to these mountains seeking refuge, and they’ve thrived here ever since.

Today, the park’s 800 square miles are believed to hold approximately 100,000 species of plants, animals, and fungi… more than any other U.S. national park. Remarkably, only 19,000 of these species have been documented, meaning there are still countless discoveries waiting to be made. This living laboratory of biodiversity offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to experience nature’s richness in all its forms.

Where History Meets Natural Splendor

Established in 1934, Great Smoky Mountains National Park has captured the hearts of generations of visitors. In 2024 alone, over 12 million people explored its misty peaks, verdant valleys, and cascading waterfalls, making it the most-visited national park in the nation. Yet despite its popularity, the park’s vast wilderness still offers peaceful moments of solitude and connection with nature.

One of the park’s crown jewels is Clingmans Dome, soaring 6,643 feet above sea level. As Tennessee’s highest point and the third-highest peak east of the Mississippi River, Clingmans Dome rewards hikers with breathtaking panoramic views. On clear days, you can see for 100 miles in every direction, taking in the layered mountain ridges that give the Smokies their name.

Your Gateway to Mountain Adventure

At Elk & Embers, we’ve created the perfect base camp for your Smoky Mountains adventure. After a day of exploring forests, spotting wildlife, and breathing in the clean mountain air, return to the comfort and elegance of our luxury resort. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a destination wedding surrounded by mountain majesty, our location offers the ideal balance of wilderness adventure and refined comfort.

The Great Smoky Mountains aren’t just a backdrop to your stay; they’re an invitation to experience something truly extraordinary. From the biodiversity that scientists are still working to catalog to the timeless beauty that draws millions of visitors each year, these mountains offer a connection to the natural world that’s increasingly rare in our modern age.

Ready to experience the magic of the Smokies from the comfort of luxury mountain accommodations? Contact Elk & Embers today to plan your unforgettable mountain retreat.