Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina The park is one of the true gems of the park system. Most of the park is only accessable by foot, leaving the beauty untouched. PArk the car and explore the many oppertunities for short day-hikes and you will be rewarded with spectacular waterfalls and breathtaking views, few are lucky enough to see. The park is also dotted with historic sites from a century ago when life was simple. The Mountain Farm Museum is a collection of buildings that have been relocated from around the park to give the visitor an idea of what a mountain homestead once looked like. There is a working blacksmiths shop, farmhouse, spring house, and multiple barns all built out Chestnut that once dominated the forest. The American Chestnut was deciminated in the 30's by an blight and is currently being reintroduced to the park.. Mingus Mill A half-mile north of the Oconaluftee Visitor Center is Mingus Mill. Built in 1886, this mill uses a water-powered turbine instead of a water wheel to power all of the machinery in the building. Located at its original site, Mingus Mill stands as a tribute to the test of time. Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily mid-March through mid-November. Also, open Thanksgiving weekend.   Cataloochee Valley (Not to be confused with Cataloochee Ski Area) Cataloochee Valley is nestled among some of the most rugged mountains in the southeastern United States. Surrounded by 6000-foot peaks, this isolated valley was the largest and most prosperous settlement in what is now the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Once known for its farms and orchards, today's Cataloochee is one of the most picturesque areas of the park. The most direct route is to take Cove Creek Road (partially graveled) off route 276 near Dellwood, NC into Cataloochee. A more scenic route (not recommended for RVs) is to take a long winding road, route 32, from Cosby, TN to the TN/NC border. Here the road becomes gravel. It twists and winds into Cataloochee.   Cades Cove An 11-mile long loop road winds through the valley of Cades Cove offering visitors beautiful scenery and the opportunity to tour historic buildings and view wildlife. Visit the Cades Cove page for additional information about the cove.