The first time I experienced it.. It was February and 15 degrees. I was standing on the Appalachian Trail in Virginia, next to a tree that had caught my attention. A tree that I had discovered was also a man’s final resting place. A man that I had never met, yet just happen to share […]
Winter in the Great Smoky Mountains
Stars shine brightest during the most cold and dark parts of night. It is often when you are surrounded by fire that you learn that the fire inside of you burns brighter than any other flame. On Monday, November 28th, 2016, the people of Gatlinburg, TN were faced with their darkest of nights – they found themselves […]
Tremont: A Smoky Mountain Hideaway
On the Townsend side of the Smokies you’ll find one of the most charming sections of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. An area that was once a hustling and bustling logging community – complete with hotel, post office and tiny homes… Yes, tiny homes – before they were hip. You’ll find an area that […]
Destination Spotlight: Roan Mountain
“Never change your plans because of the weather forecast.” Those were the words of a friend last October when we had planned to hike the highest section of the Appalachian Trail. We stuck to our plans that day – hiking the Newfound Gap to Clingmans Dome section of the trail. It absolutely poured on us […]
Insider’s Guide to Cade’s Cove
Chances are you’ve been to Cades Cove. You’ve most likely driven the 11 mile loop with family and friends. You’ve been there, you’ve seen it… However, unless you’ve spent the day outside of the car in the cove – you have yet to truly experience it. The cove is the heart of the Great Smoky […]
Hiker’s Guide to Hemphill Bald
Article and photographs courtesy of Kristi Parsons for Rock/Creek. Every year, millions of visitors drive the roads of our Great Smoky Mountains National Park – looking for the perfect picnic spot. However, most of them will never see the most amazing of spots in the park. Most specifically, they’ll never see the breathtaking beauty of […]