Newfound Gap in Sevier County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

Land of Diversity

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 6, 2012

1. Land of Diversity Marker

Inscription.
Few places in North America sustain a greater variety of life than the Great Smoky Mountains. The forests, streams, and meadows here support more than 100 types of native trees, some 50 kinds of fish, some 1,500 flowering plants, more than 240 bird species, and an array of mammals that includes black bear, squirrel, and gray fox.

Such abundance is a function of topography and climate. Varying elevations provide endless combinations of moisture, temperature, wind, sunlight, and soil types. Most plant species of eastern North America can find a niche somewhere among the slopes and coves of the Smokies. And in a few cases, the region has nurtured species all its own; some plants and animals here are found nowhere else.

Erected by National Park Service.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Natural Features.

Location. 35° 36.645′ N, 83° 25.508′ W. Marker is in Newfound Gap, Tennessee, in Sevier County. Marker can be reached from Newfound Gap Road (U.S. 441) north of Clingman's Dome Road, on the right when traveling north. Marker is near the parking lot of the Oconaluftee Valley Overlook, just north of the NC state line. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Gatlinburg TN 37738, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers

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are within walking distance of this marker. People of the Mountains (a few steps from this marker in North Carolina); Hands That Built (a few steps from this marker in North Carolina); The Appalachian Trail (within shouting distance of this marker in North Carolina); The Great Smokies (within shouting distance of this marker in North Carolina); “To the free people of America” (within shouting distance of this marker in North Carolina); A Mountain Sanctuary (within shouting distance of this marker in North Carolina); Rockefeller Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Great Smoky Mountains National Park (within shouting distance of this marker in North Carolina).

More about this marker. The right side of the marker features a photo of a forest in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The lower left of the marker contains pictures of a Pink ladyslipper, and a salamander. The later has a caption of “The aptly named slimy salamander is one of more than 30 salamander species found in the Great Smoky Mountains. The Smokies have one of the most diverse salamander populations on earth.”

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 6, 2012

2. Land of Diversity Marker

Marker in Great Smoky Mountains NP image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 6, 2012

3. Marker in Great Smoky Mountains NP

View from Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 6, 2012

4. View from Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 29, 2012, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 454 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 29, 2012, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.