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Cherokee National Forest’s Proposed “Heavy Fuel Reduction”: Understanding the Implications of Salvage Logging As I drive through the winding roads of the Cherokee National Forest, the scent of pine and earthy dampness fills my car. Having written about the Smoky Mountains region for years, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for these ancient forests. Today, though, […]

Wildlife Paradise: Great Smoky Mountains National Park Ranks #2 for Animal Spotting As someone who’s hiked countless trails through the misty ridges of the Smokies for over a decade, I’ve always known this magical place was special for wildlife encounters. Now, there’s scientific backing to what locals and regular visitors have long understood – the

Journey Through the Smokies: An 11.8-Mile Adventure on the Appalachian Trail There’s something magical about waking up in the Great Smoky Mountains, knowing you have miles of pristine wilderness ahead. I recently tackled an 11.8-mile section of the Appalachian Trail from Fontana Dam Shelter to Mollies Ridge Shelter, and let me tell you—Mother Nature pulled

Beyond the Road: Experiencing the Great Smokies’ True Majesty There’s something magical about the Great Smoky Mountains that photos simply can’t capture. That misty blue haze floating above ancient peaks, the symphony of rushing waterfalls, and the kaleidoscope of wildflowers that carpet the forest floor in spring. I’ve spent countless days exploring these mountains, and

Kuwohi: Discover the Most Treasured View in the Smoky Mountains for 2025 As someone who’s been exploring the misty ridges and hidden valleys of the Great Smoky Mountains for years, I’m thrilled to share some exciting news about one of my favorite spots in East Tennessee. The iconic landmark formerly known as Clingmans Dome has

Blackberry Mountain: East Tennessee’s Newly Crowned Treasure in USA TODAY’s 2025 Most Treasured Views There’s something magical about waking up to the misty blues and purples of the Smoky Mountains stretching as far as the eye can see. Having spent countless mornings watching the sun rise over these ancient hills, I can tell you that

Cades Cove Named One of USA TODAY’s Most Treasured Views for 2025: A Hidden Gem in East Tennessee There’s something magical about the morning mist rising over the meadows of Cades Cove. As someone who’s hiked, photographed, and written about the Smoky Mountains for years, I can tell you that this recognition from USA TODAY

Cosby Area Reopens in Great Smoky Mountains National Park: What Visitors Need to Know The peaceful morning mist rising over the mountains always fills me with a sense of wonder. After years of exploring these ancient hills, I still get excited when there’s news about our beloved Smokies – especially when it involves reopening an

Discovering the Most Treasured Views in East Tennessee: A Visual Journey There’s something magical about standing at a viewpoint in East Tennessee, watching the misty blue mountains roll into the distance like waves on a silent ocean. Having spent years exploring these hills and writing about their hidden treasures, I can tell you that the

The Great Meridian Invasion: Fantasy and Fun at Great Smoky Mountains Event Park Have you heard the rumors swirling through the misty valleys of the Smokies? Word has it that the Meridians are planning to invade Great Smoky Mountains Event Park on June 21, 2024! As someone who’s explored every trail and written about every