The most popular National Park in the USA, the one which attracts the largest number of visitors yearly, is located in the eastern half of the U.S. What is the name?

Straddling the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, this national park consistently holds the title of the most visited in the United States, often welcoming more than double the number of visitors as the second most popular park. A primary reason for its immense popularity is its accessibility; the park is located within a day's drive of roughly two-thirds of the nation's population. Another significant factor is that there is no entrance fee, a unique condition set when the park was established. This combination of convenience and affordability makes it a frequent destination for millions.

The park's appeal extends far beyond its accessibility. It is a world-renowned sanctuary of biodiversity, sometimes called the "Salamander Capital of the World" for its impressive variety of salamander species. The name itself comes from the natural fog that often hangs over the mountains, a vapor released by the park's dense vegetation. This creates the iconic "smoky" vistas for which the area is famous. The park’s vast wilderness includes over 800 miles of hiking trails, a significant portion of the Appalachian Trail, and numerous historical structures that preserve the region's mountain culture.