National Parks

Great Smoky Mtns. National Park

Location: STAT

Known for: The largest stands of old-growth forest in the eastern United States, and the greatest mountains east of the Rockies.

Biggest crowds: Summer and early Fall.

Accessibility: You can see a lot from the car, including the 11-mi loop through Cades Cove, the most popular route in the park.

Why kids like it: Hayrides and horseback riding, along with the usual kid-friendly National Park classes and tours.

What hikers say: Few parks in the country offer as many diverse opportunities for hikers as this one.