Why are the Smokey Mountains smokey?  The mountains of East Tennessee and western North Carolina are blanketed by a smoky haze.  The Cherokee Indians named these mountains "Shaconge", meaning land of blue smoke.

The famous fog that surrounds the Smoky Mountains is actually produced by native vegetation in the area.  Plants take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen.  Plants also release something called volatile organic compounds.

This is totally natural.  These chemicals have a high vapor pressure and in the right environment form the vapors or fog that you see.  With millions of plants and trees in the Smoky Mountains they all give off of these vapors.  These are also the reason for the blue tint that you see.

Our mountains are beautiful and majestic.  We hope you enjoy your visit.