Exploring the trails along Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail one fine August day during our latest stint as this year’s Steve Kemp Writer and Illustrator in Residence brought the usual feast of Smokies sensations—the music of the rushing creek, the rich organic scent of the forest, sunlight here and there reaching down through the varied green canopy to dapple the forest floor. I fancied this
Avid botanist, dedicated environmentalist, and lifelong educator Dr. J. Dan Pittillo passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 10, surrounded by family and friends, at the age of 86. This story, originally published in June 2021, celebrates his decades of contributions to natural science and environmental education in the Great Smoky Mountains region. I met and became friends with Dr. Dan Pittillo through this column. He
The Great Smokies Welcome Center is located on U.S. 321 in Townsend, TN, 2 miles from the west entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Visitors can get information about things to see and do in and around the national park and shop from a wide selection of books, gifts, and other Smokies merchandise. Daily, weekly, and annual parking tags for the national park are also available.
