Editor’s Note: This essay is part of a series written during Railback’s stay in the park from June 22 to August 4, 2023. I try to bike Cades Cove Loop every day, but this afternoon I hesitate at the entrance. The line of vehicles extends from beyond the information kiosk to
I love snowy days in the woods! Wow, did I really just say that? There was a time when cold temperatures made me want to burrow into the blankets with a good book and a cup of cocoa refusing to emerge. But about 15 years ago, I started spending more
Editor’s Note: This essay is part of a series written during Railback’s stay in the park from June 22 to August 4, 2023. Afternoons here are for looping. July days are hot and humid. I stick a water bottle in my pocket, put sunscreen on, strap on the helmet, and ride
If you plan to travel around Western North Carolina or East Tennessee to visit friends or family and eat turkey for the coming Thanksgiving holiday, there is a good chance you’ll spot a few wild turkeys along the way. Although sometimes we humans may call one another “turkey” as a
One of the participants shares her experience at the 2023 Tremont Writers Conference, held October 25-29 at Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont (GSMIT). Tremont Writers Conference is a joint creation of GSMIT and Great Smoky Mountains Association. After the conference, once the whirlwind of information, connection, and excitement had
Editor’s Note: This essay is part of a series written during Railback’s stay in the park from June 22 to August 4, 2023. At this Great Smoky Mountains National Park apartment that I call Second Acts, dusk is the time for camp walks. The stream of cars leaving Cades Cove Loop
No one was more responsible for the romantic image of the moonshiner than Lewis Redmond. His story was chronicled in newspapers including the New York Times and the Atlanta Constitution, the National Police Gazette (a periodical geared toward the curious public), a short book entitled The True Life of Maj.
“I’m just a backwoods guy,” Bill Gober says. “I try to stay out of the limelight.” It’s 10 a.m. on a Wednesday, the beginning of his shift volunteering with the preventative search and rescue (PSAR) team at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. After a long career in medical equipment sales,
Most people come to Great Smoky Mountains National Park for its scenic vistas, waterfalls, and wildlife—seeking an escape to the great outdoors. But there are also wonders to discover indoors when you visit the Collections Preservation Center on the peaceful side of the Smokies in Townsend, Tennessee. Here, unbeknownst to
Editor’s note: In 2022, the Tribal Council of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians unanimously supported a resolution to restore the name Kuwohi to the mountain presently known as Clingmans Dome. In light of a forthcoming application to the US Board of Geographic Names, which maintains the authority to officially
Editor’s Note: This essay is part of a series written during Railback’s stay in the park from June 22 to August 4, 2023. I try to
I love snowy days in the woods! Wow, did I really just say that? There was a time when cold temperatures made me want to
Editor’s Note: This essay is part of a series written during Railback’s stay in the park from June 22 to August 4, 2023. Afternoons here are
If you plan to travel around Western North Carolina or East Tennessee to visit friends or family and eat turkey for the coming Thanksgiving holiday,
One of the participants shares her experience at the 2023 Tremont Writers Conference, held October 25-29 at Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont (GSMIT). Tremont
Editor’s Note: This essay is part of a series written during Railback’s stay in the park from June 22 to August 4, 2023. At this Great
No one was more responsible for the romantic image of the moonshiner than Lewis Redmond. His story was chronicled in newspapers including the New York
“I’m just a backwoods guy,” Bill Gober says. “I try to stay out of the limelight.” It’s 10 a.m. on a Wednesday, the beginning of
Most people come to Great Smoky Mountains National Park for its scenic vistas, waterfalls, and wildlife—seeking an escape to the great outdoors. But there are
Editor’s note: In 2022, the Tribal Council of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians unanimously supported a resolution to restore the name Kuwohi to the
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.
