The heart of American folk culture resides in the Appalachians, a place of history, music, tradition, and evocative mountain scenery. The Smokies, at the southern end of this old mountain chain, showcase a diversity of plant life (over 4,000 varieties) and wildlife (65 species of mammals, 230 of birds, and more types of salamanders than anywhere else on earth), and provide a convenient and inspiring place for East Coasters to escape for hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping, paddling, driving, and learning.

And fishing. Brook trout, the only native species (and target of a restoration program), have been supplemented with brown trout and smallmouth bass, and these three fish will be your main adversaries. The nearly 500 miles of stream in the park can be challenging in places, full of vegetation and slick rocks, but when you find that pristine spot, away from the roads and free and clear for some strategic casting, you'll know why fishing in the Smokies can be so exhilarating.

Move on to Shenandoah, Virginia