Great Smoky Mountains National Park (1983)
United States of America

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Stretching over more than 200,000 ha, this exceptionally beautiful park is home to more than 3,500 plant species, including almost as many trees (130 natural species) as in all of Europe. Many endangered animal species are also found there, including what is probably the greatest variety of salamanders in the world. Since the park is relatively untouched, it gives an idea of temperate flora before the influence of humankind.
  • United Nations (Geneva) 2003. Great Smoky Mountains. 

United Nations (Geneva) 2003. Great Smoky Mountains.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in southeastern United States, in western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee.  

USA 2006. Great Smoky Mountains. Air Post Stamp.  The park was authorized in 1926 and established in 1930. The Great Smoky Mountains extend the entire length of the park and contain some of the highest peaks of eastern North America. Clingmans Dome (2,025 m/6,643 ft), located in Tennessee, is the park’s highest peak. 

The Great Smoky Mountains name was inspired by the ever-present blue haze that hangs above the area’s lush vegetation. This “smoke” results when vegetation releases water vapor and terpenes, natural oils produced by plants, into the air. 

  • USA 2006. Great Smoky Mountains. Air Post Stamp. 

The park is noted for its luxuriant and diverse vegetation. Nearly 25 percent of its area is covered with virgin forest, and a total of 100 native species of trees have been identified. Eastern hemlock, red spruce, silver bell, yellow buckeye, mountain ash, and other trees grow to great heights. The peaks themselves are covered with forests of spruce and fir. 

USA 1978. White Oak. USA 1978. Gray Birch. USA 1978. White Pine.

USA 1934. Great Smoky Mountains.

USA 1981. Woodland Habitats. Ruffed Grouse ([Bonasa Umbellus].

Rhododendron, dogwood, laurel, and flame-colored azalea are among the flowering plants that grow throughout the park. 

A wildlife sanctuary, the park harbors black bear, bobcat, deer, red and gray fox, wild turkey, and ruffed grouse. 

The many streams are noted for their rainbow and brook trout and smallmouth bass. The Appalachian Trail runs along the crest of the mountains through the park. 

  • USA 1934. Great Smoky Mountains. 
  • USA 1981. Woodland Habitats. Ruffed Grouse [Bonasa Umbellus]. 

Sources and links:

Other World Heritage Sites in USA (on this site). Inactive links are not described on stamps. Please refer to the UNESCO-listing, section United States for further information about such sites. 

 

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Revised 03 aug 2006  
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