The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, straddling the North Carolina and Tennessee state lines, is the nation's most visited National Park. It is renowned for its beauty and biodiversity. However, as a cultural region it is the subject of many negative stereotypes and has struggled with enduring poverty. While exploring the native flora and fauna of the Great Smoky Mountains, students will also become familiar with the history and culture of those that call southern Appalachia home, including the Cherokee.