Natural Wonder
Our Take
It's not hard to see why this is America's most-visited National Park; it's a quick trip from many major cities in the South and Midwest, the Appalachian foothills are gorgeous, and it's free. Drive or bike the serene hidden valley of Cades Cove, explore the ghost town of Elkmont, or take in the views from Clingmans Dome during the day, and bask in the folksy kitsch of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge at night. Oh, and did I mention that the park is totally, 100% free?