Number of visitors at record high

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park marked a record 9.4 million visitors in 2006, up 2 percent from 2005.

The increase was the largest recorded in the past five years.

A total of 9,416,734 visitors entered the park through its three main entrances and outlying areas.

Straddling the Tennessee-North Carolina state line and encompassing 800 square miles of almost entirely forested land, the Smokies is the most-visited national park in the country - attracting more visitors per year than the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona and Yosemite National Park in California combined.

Designated a national park on June 15, 1934, the park's hallmarks are its animal life and its preservation of structures and artifacts reflecting the mountain culture of the Southern Appalachians.

Weather/climate With elevations ranging from 875 feet to 6,543 feet above sea level, the park's topography definitely affects its weather.

Temperatures are 10-20 degrees cooler on the mountaintops, while annual precipitation averages 65 inches at lower elevations and 88 inches in the high country.

Spring often brings unpredictable weather, particularly on the mountain crests. Summer is hot and humid at the foot of the mountains, but more pleasant higher up. Fall has warm days and cool nights and is the driest period. Frosts begin in late September.

Getting there Several major highways lead to the park. The following routes provide access to the three main entrances. There is no public transportation to the park.

• From Interstate 40 in Sevier County, take Exit 407 to state Highway 66 south and continue to U.S. Highway 441 south in Sevierville. Follow U.S. 441 to the park.
• From I-40 in Knoxville, take Exit 386B and follow U.S. Highway 129 (Alcoa Highway) south to Alcoa, then take U.S. Highway 321 south through Maryville to Townsend. Leave U.S. 321 as it forks off east into Wears Valley and continue straight on state Highway 73 into the park.
• From eastbound I-40 in Knoxville, take Exit 387 onto U.S. Highway 441 (Chapman Highway) south and follow through Knoxville, Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg to the park.

Camping The park's campsites are divided into front country (developed) and backcountry (backpacking). There are also a limited number of group tent campsite areas. The procedures and facilities for each are different.

Front country The National Park Service maintains developed campgrounds at 10 locations in the park. They are at Abrams Creek, Balsam Mountain, Big Creek, Cades Cove, Cataloochee, Cosby, Deep Creek, Elkmont, Look Rock and Smokemont. A map of these sites may be downloaded online.

Each site has rest rooms with cold running water and flush toilets, but there are no showers or electrical or water hookups. Each site has a fire grate and a picnic table.

During summer and fall, sites at Elkmont, Smokemont and Cades Cove may be reserved. Reservations may be made by calling 877-444-6777 or by visiting www.recreation.gov. Reservations are accepted only for May 15-Oct. 31. Sites may be reserved up to five months in advance. All other campgrounds are first-come, first-served.

No more than six people may occupy a campsite. Two tents or one RV and one tent are allowed per site. Maximum stay during summer and fall is seven days. Maximum stay during the off-season is 14 days. Pets are allowed as long as they are restrained by a leash or are otherwise confined at all times.

Group camping (minimum 8 campers) is available at seven sites: Big Creek, Cades Cove, Cataloochee, Cosby, Deep Creek, Elkmont and Smokemont. Maximum stay is seven days. These areas will accommodate tents only.

All group sites require reservations, which may be made by calling 877-444-6777.

Cades Cove has the only store on site, selling convenience items, groceries and camping supplies.

• Abrams Creek: March 9-Oct. 31; 16 sites; maximum recreational vehicle length is 12 feet; fee is $14.
• Balsam Mountain: May 11-Oct. 9; 46 sites; maximum RV length 30 feet; $14.
• Big Creek: March 9-Oct. 31; 12 sites; no RVs allowed; $12.
• Cades Cove: open all year; 159 sites; maximum RV length is 40 feet; $17-$20.
• Cataloochee: March 9-Oct. 31; 27 sites; maximum RV length is 31 feet; $17.
• Cosby: March 9-Oct. 31; 165 sites; maximum RV length is 25 feet; $14.
• Deep Creek: April 1-Oct. 31; 92 sites; maximum RV length is 26 feet; $17.
• Elkmont: March 9-Nov. 30; 220 sites; maximum RV length is 32 feet for trailers, 35 feet for motor homes; $17-$23.
• Look Rock: May 11-Oct. 31; 68 sites; no size limits for RVs; $14.
• Smokemont: open all year; 142 sites; maximum RV length is 35 feet for trailers, 40 feet for motor homes; $17-$20.

Backcountry All backcountry campers are required to have a free permit, which is available at most ranger stations and visitor centers. Campers must stay in designated sites or shelters. Reservations are required for shelters and tent sites.

Reservations may be made by calling 865-436-1231. A backcountry map, showing trails, camping areas and a list of rules is available when you plan your trip online.