When a National Park
Is in Your Backyard

Summertime is a peak season for the National Park Service, which hosted more than 276 million recreational visitors in 2004. Below are three houses close to parks in mountain destinations.

• Gatlinburg, Tenn.
• Grand Lake, Colo.
• Three Rivers, Calif.

PLACE/PRICE:  Gatlinburg, Tenn./$849,900

PROPERTY TAX*:  $1,374

THE PROPERTY:  3,940 square feet with 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, on 4.6 acres a mile from Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

DESCRIPTION:  This handcrafted lodgepole-pine mountain retreat has views of The Great Smokies and the Bent Creek Golf Course, nestled in the valley below. Amenities include hand-pegged pine flooring, a spa/hot tub, a game room and a deck.

NOTABLE:  Great Smoky Mountains National Park was the No. 1 visited national park in 2004 and offers 2,115 miles of streams and wild trout and 800 miles of hiking trails -- the Appalachian Trail runs for 70 miles along the park's top ridge. Gatlinburg offers more than 400 shops and boutiques, golf and skiing opportunities, an aerial tram and more than 100 restaurants.

Note: *Current owner's payment

Sources: The Jason White Team, Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties, Century 21 Three Rivers

-- Ms. Kim is a senior editor at RealEstateJournal.com.

Email your comments to lauren.kim@dowjones.com.