Although it may seem that this spot is only famous for its biological beauty, it bolsters one of this National Park's most fascinating geological features. 

It demonstrates what geologists call a techtonic window or fenster. This phenomenon is when the younger rocks shine through due to the erosion of the older layers on top. 

Thus, the rocks we may find here in Cade's Cove are significantly younger than the surrounding mountains. 

Composition: unmetamorphosed limestone and dolomite

Also called Chimney Tops, these bare rock summits are exposures of the Anakeesta formation. They resulted from the collision of the African and North American plates and natural erosion over millions of years. The substances in the ridgid parts are not so easily eroded as the soft sandstone around them, forming a foreboding and unique shape.

The name Duniskwalguni comes from the Cherokee word for antlers, but these structures were also fittingly called Chimney Tops by American settlers because of their tall stature.

Composition: Metamorphic rocks, including slate, phyllite, and metasiltstone.

The Great Smoky Mountains have an iconic shape that often doesn't scream "mountains" to most folks. 

Although once big and towering mountains, these glorified hills have been eroded through time. This is due mainly to their composition of soft sandstone and shale.

"Copper deposits in the Smoky Mountains were first discovered and used by Native Americans. They collected copper ore from exposed bedrock or shallow surface pits to create tools and adornment objects without the use of smelting or metallurgy" (Tennessee Council for Professional Archeology).

Because of the highly errosive substances (sandstone and shale), copper deposits were easily exposed and utilized by humans.