If you come to visit Tennessee you need to stop and visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is the most visited National Park of all the parks. The two main visitors' centers inside the park are Sugarlands Visitors' Center near the Gatlinburg entrance to the park and Oconaluftee Visitor Center near Cherokee, North Carolina at the eastern entrance to the park. These ranger stations provide exhibits on wildlife, geology, and the history of the park. They also sell books, maps, and souvenirs. Unlike most other national parks, there is no entry fee to the park.
There are 850 miles of trails and unpaved roads in the park for hiking including seventy miles of the Appalachian Trail. You can pick up brochures that list the various trails and there are ones specifically for wildflower viewing, waterfalls, and wildlife.
One of the most popular destinations is Cades Cove. An eleven mile loop that goes past several historic buildings and is know for it's excellent wildlife viewing. All the buildings are open. There is a self-guided tour available for a minimal fee.
There are many hotels, motels and cabins for rent in the area, in addition to several campgrounds nearby.