The hidden complexity of America's most visited national park

Staggering Biodiversity in America's most visited National Park | Full Documentary · 48:04 · Video: Free High-Quality Documentaries · Watch at the source

In short: While millions flock to the Great Smoky Mountains for its views, few grasp the sheer scale of its biological density. This documentary explores how a unique combination of elevation and climate creates a sanctuary for thousands of species.

Covering parts of North Carolina and Tennessee within the Appalachians, approximately 95% of this park consists of woodland. This area preserves a massive portion of ancient temperate forest in North America, defined by significant height variations and high precipitation.

The region supports an estimated 19,000 documented species. This includes over 100 tree species—ranging from valley hardwoods to high-altitude Fraser firs—alongside 1,400 flowering plant species and thousands of non-flowering plants.

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