Blog

Your blog category

Sierra Club: Bill Threatens Smokies Repair Funds – What You Need to Know

Sierra Club Warns: ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ Could Be the Worst Environmental Legislation in American History As someone who’s hiked through the misty trails of the Smoky Mountains for years, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for Tennessee’s natural treasures. That’s why recent environmental policy developments have caught my attention – and should catch yours too. A […]

Sierra Club: Bill Threatens Smokies Repair Funds – What You Need to Know Read More »

Great Smoky Mountains’ Famous Alum Cave Trail Closing for Repairs

Beyond the Beaten Path: Exploring Hidden Gem Hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains There’s something magical about standing on a trail in the Smoky Mountains, breathing in that misty mountain air as sunlight filters through ancient trees. After 15 years of exploring these mountains, I still discover new trails that take my breath away –

Great Smoky Mountains’ Famous Alum Cave Trail Closing for Repairs Read More »

Abrams Falls Trail: Temporary Closure for Maintenance in GSMNP

Abrams Falls Trail Closure in Great Smoky Mountains National Park: What Visitors Need to Know As someone who’s spent years hiking through the misty valleys and verdant forests of the Smokies, I always feel a little pang when a beloved trail closes—even temporarily. If you’ve been planning a trip to see the picturesque Abrams Falls,

Abrams Falls Trail: Temporary Closure for Maintenance in GSMNP Read More »

Veterans Day Tribute: Honoring 250+ Heroes in the Smoky Mountains

Veterans’ Tribute Event at Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center There’s something magical about the Smoky Mountains in any season, but when they become the backdrop for honoring our veterans, the experience takes on an even deeper significance. I’ve spent years exploring every hidden trail and local tradition these mountains have to offer, and I’m particularly

Veterans Day Tribute: Honoring 250+ Heroes in the Smoky Mountains Read More »

Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Anniversary of 1934 Dedication

Celebrating Father’s Day and the Anniversary of Great Smoky Mountains National Park Today is Sunday, June 15, 2025 – the 166th day of the year with 199 days remaining. As we celebrate Father’s Day across the nation, it’s also a perfect time to reflect on a significant historical milestone that occurred on this very date:

Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Anniversary of 1934 Dedication Read More »

Smoky Mountains Park Created: History & Natural Wonder Milestone

Father’s Day 2025: Celebrating Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s Historical Legacy Today is Sunday, June 15, 2025—the 166th day of the year with 199 days remaining. As we celebrate Father’s Day across the nation, it’s also a perfect time to recognize a significant milestone in American conservation history. On this day in 1934, Great Smoky

Smoky Mountains Park Created: History & Natural Wonder Milestone Read More »

Urgent: Rockslide Closes Inbound Lane on GSMNP’s Laurel Creek Road

Rockslide Closes Inbound Lane to Cades Cove in Great Smoky Mountains National Park As someone who’s spent years exploring the winding roads and hidden corners of the Great Smoky Mountains, there’s nothing that concerns me more than unexpected closures that might impact your visit to this treasure of the Appalachians. This evening, I learned about

Urgent: Rockslide Closes Inbound Lane on GSMNP’s Laurel Creek Road Read More »

East TN Veterans: 250+ Heroes Honored in Smoky Mountains Cemetery

Honoring Our Heroes: Annual Smoky Mountains Veterans Memorial Event in Townsend As someone who’s spent countless days exploring the mist-covered ridges and historic corners of the Great Smoky Mountains, I’ve always been drawn to the rich tapestry of stories these ancient hills contain. Few stories are as powerful as those of the veterans who once

East TN Veterans: 250+ Heroes Honored in Smoky Mountains Cemetery Read More »

Smokies’ Cades Cove: Vehicle-Free Days Return for Nature Lovers

Explore the Serenity of Cades Cove: Vehicle-Free Days Return to Great Smoky Mountains National Park As someone who’s hiked countless trails and driven the winding roads of the Smokies for over a decade, I always get a little thrill when vehicle-free days at Cades Cove are announced. This year, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Smokies’ Cades Cove: Vehicle-Free Days Return for Nature Lovers Read More »

Thru-Hiking Essentials: Master Appalachian & Pacific Crest Trails

The Trek: Your Ultimate Guide to Thru-Hiking America’s Legendary Trails As someone who’s spent countless dawns watching the mist rise over the Smoky Mountains, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for long-distance hiking. While my heart belongs to those ancient Appalachian ridges, there’s something magical about all of America’s long-distance trails that captures the imagination of

Thru-Hiking Essentials: Master Appalachian & Pacific Crest Trails Read More »