Happy 75th to the Great Smokies
Travel Blog • Jenna Schnuer • 03.06.09 | 1:30 PM ET
Photo courtesy of the National Park Service.Great Smoky Mountains National Park turns 75 this year. So go there and take a hike (or listen to some mountain music or check out the wildflowers or…) Then, come back and tell us all about it. Or, of course, if you already have a tale of the Smokies, share away.
My favorite memory of the Smokies: seeing evidence of the lives lived there before the land was designated a park. While on a horseback ride in the park, my guide pointed out a nearly perfect square of bright pink flowers. Though the cabin they had been planted around was long gone, the flowers have returned year after year to give a pretty tip of the hat to the woman who used to live on the land.
Can’t go right now? Take a virtual visit via a webcam from Look Rock or Purchase Knob
And, cause it’s good for you, listen to Dolly.
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Freelancer Jenna Schnuer writes about travel, food, culture, books, and life's quirky bits (and bites) for publications including American Way, National Geographic Traveler, Southern Living, and many others. She also co-writes Flyover America, a site filled with quieter stories from around the U.S. Send Jenna an email or, if you're so inclined, follow her on Twitter.
Chris 03.06.09 | 3:22 PM ET
I’ve always thought it was interesting that there is no entrance fee:
http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/whyfree.htm
mary firsdon 03.06.09 | 7:15 PM ET
We only live 3 hours from the Smokey mtns. so we go every chance we can. There is always something new to see and of course, there are the old favorites. My favorite place to go is Cades Cove. Can you even begin to imagine living there 100 years ago? It is truly a beautiful place to be any time of the year. The simplicity of life never ceases to amaze me, even now, in the hustle and bustle of the here and now.
Jenna Schnuer 03.06.09 | 9:36 PM ET
Chris—Thanks for that link. I knew nothing about that. The NPS sites are just loaded with so much good info and photos and ideas. They do a really good job with them.
Mary—I need to go back and explore Cades Cove (and a lot of other spots in the park). Why does that area top your list?
Chris 03.07.09 | 2:21 PM ET
I’m a sucker for the National Park Service. Have you gotten the passport book they sell now? You get stamps in it for all the parks and monuments and a few other sites.
Michelle 03.07.09 | 7:59 PM ET
I live in Pigeon Forge…right beside the Smokies. A lot of the time I just hop in my car and drive the short 10 minutes to the park. It is my favorite place to go. I especially like Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. It is a loop…small than Cades Cove, but very similar. I like to go there alone and just drive through and walk to the old homesteads. It really brings me back to reality and what is really important.