I spent most of my childhood growing up in the shadow of the Great Smoky Mountains. I have many fond memories of hiking and camping in the Smokies with my family. I was the kid begging my siblings to stop along the trail so I could rest. Hiking is hard work! Decades later I returned to the Smokies on a journey of healing from illness, starting with a hike on the shortest, flattest trail in the park. A few months later I revisited my favorite childhood trails, places I thought I’d never see again like Laurel Falls and Clingmans Dome. Now I’m giving back to the place that gave me my life back by serving as a park volunteer.
Sincerely,
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the country's most popular national park sites. It offers postcard-perfect views and plentiful wildlife.
State(s): North Carolina Tennessee,
Established: 1926
“We need unspoiled natural places to retreat to as we disconnect from our hectic everyday lives and reconnect with the peace and beauty of this world. We all need healing places. I found mine!”
National parks represent the best of America. Why do you care about protecting and preserving them? Tell us why parks matter to you!
Success! Thanks for sharing your story with us.
You’ll be notified by email when your story is approved and added to the collection on the My Park Story homepage.
In the meantime, you can share your own story page with your family and friends — and help us spread the word about these priceless memories and priceless places!
Here’s your unique story page link:
{{ storyUrl }}Preserve Our Parks
Make a tax-deductible gift today to provide a brighter future for our national parks and the millions of Americans who enjoy them.
Donate Now