Take a colorful journey through the seasons of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to reveal captivating life and growth beyond the lookouts. Formed around 200-300 million years ago, the Great Smoky Mountains are among the oldest mountains in the world. They have become home to thousands of species. Explore the scenery and the incredible diversity of plants and animals that make it the most visited park in the National Park system. The park was created in 1934 by purchasing land from private owners and turning the tamed land back into wilderness.