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Safety Alert: Why You Should Never Feed Wild Elk in Maggie Valley As someone who’s spent years exploring and writing about the majestic Smoky Mountains, I’ve witnessed firsthand the remarkable return of elk to our region. Their reintroduction has been a conservation success story that fills me with joy every time I spot these magnificent […]

Mysteries of Enloe Cemetery: Hidden Histories in the Smoky Mountains In a shaded clearing near Mingus Mill lies a cemetery. Small, unmarked rocks sit at the head and foot of each plot, adorned with shimmering coins visitors have left as tokens of respect. The names, life stories, and even the exact number of people occupying

The Tale of Charlie Conner and the Smoky Mountains: How Charlies Bunion Got Its Name As I gaze out over the misty peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains, I’m reminded once again why this place has captured my heart for all these years. The rolling blue ridges, the ancient forests, and the stories—oh, the wonderful

Helene Recovery: Debris Removal Boats Working to Restore French Broad River in Asheville As I gaze out over the French Broad River this morning, there’s a different kind of activity stirring its waters. Having written about the majestic Smoky Mountains region for years, I’ve witnessed many changes to this treasured landscape, but few as urgent

I-40 Reopens Through the Smokies: A Welcome Relief for Travelers and Locals As someone who’s spent years exploring every ridge and valley of the Great Smoky Mountains, I can tell you there’s something almost sacred about the narrow corridor where Interstate 40 cuts through these ancient hills. So when I heard the news that crews

Interstate 40 Reopens Through Great Smoky Mountains After Flooding and Rock Slide As someone who’s spent countless hours exploring the majestic terrain of the Great Smoky Mountains, I’ve seen firsthand how nature can both inspire and challenge us. The recent closure of Interstate 40 through this breathtaking region is a powerful reminder of the mountain’s

I-40 Reopens in the Smokies: Navigating Nature’s Force in Tennessee’s Mountain Corridor When it comes to the majestic Great Smoky Mountains, Mother Nature occasionally reminds us who’s really in charge. As someone who’s spent years exploring these ancient hills and writing about their magnificence, I’ve seen firsthand how quickly conditions can change in this rugged

Exploring the Carolinas: Your Guide to News, Weather & Sports in the WSPA 7 Coverage Area As the morning mist lifts from the Blue Ridge Mountains, communities across the western Carolinas begin their day tuned into familiar voices and faces that keep them connected. For years, I’ve been wandering these mountains, falling in love with

I-40 Reopens in the Smokies: Hurricane Helene Recovery Milestone Reached As a long-time admirer and chronicler of the Great Smoky Mountains, I’ve witnessed this beloved region face numerous challenges over the years. Yet few have tested the resilience of both the land and its people quite like Hurricane Helene. Today brings encouraging news that marks