Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is another special national park, one that holds some of my fondest memories. It was here that Marty and I traveled for our first honeymoon, after our student wedding while still at Life University. I have visited again since then, but it is that first trip, exploring this beautiful area of Tennessee together, that remains the most meaningful.
There is something about the Smokies, the soft blue haze that settles over the mountains. This “smoky” haze is caused by the natural release of organic compounds from the dense forest. The Smokies are one of the most biodiverse areas in North America, home to thousands of plant and animal species.
During this trip, we explored winding mountain roads and historic settlements that tell the story of the people who once lived in these mountains. We found ourselves drawn not only to the landscape, but to the Appalachian lifestyle, the simplicity, the craftsmanship and the connection to the land. We were so taken by it that we brought a dulcimer, a small reminder of that time and place.
The park was established in 1934 by Franklin D. Roosevelt, the result of years of effort by local communities to preserve this land before it was developed. Today, it stands as the most visited national park in the United States.
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