When, I was young growing up in eastern Tennessee, my family went camping every weekend except holidays. At that time, camping was allowed in almost every area that is now picnic only. My memories of Chimney Rock are awesome! We had Park Rangers give talks around a campfire, the visitor’s center was stocked with information and showcases. I learned how to be around black bears, had guided walks where the special trees and plants were identified watched sorghum production in Cades Cove, saw many old cabins, learned about history life and survival. I earned my junior ranger badge. I swam in the ICY streams with my siblings. I woke up to fresh air and frequently animals outside our tent. Learned how to protect our food from nighttime rascals, and would just sit and look at all the amazing sights, sounds, and smells. To this day, I still bang pans together to frighten off foxes and coyotes (I now live in Texas). The smell of wood burning brings me back to the campfire, roasting “weenies” and marshmallows. I can identify most of the plants and trees from that area. Every year we went to visit my grandparents for my dads 2 weeks vacation. Because I had learned so much about Tennessee flora and fauna, I spent most of my time in army and Louisiana wandering around identifying everything I could. I have an intense desire for the sounds and vibes from all the NPS. I have been to all the National Parks in the continent of the US. My passport book is stamped all over and it is something I am proud of and treasure. I have traveled with my husband and sons to many of the NPS and I learn something new each time. The Smoky Mountains National Park was just the beginning of my learning to appreciate the natural beauty and wonders the US has to offer.
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
“It all started in the Smoky Mountains and my love for the NPS has continued with me even today. My sons have visited many NP and appreciate the nature after being suburb raised. After, one visit to Mesa Verde, my young son, not in school yet, asked if he could be a park ranger. I said whatever he wanted to be was fine with me. He earned his junior ranger badge and we bought him a grey shirt, brown pants and brown hat and he was a park ranger for years. His live if nature and learning led us into the scouts and both of my sons achieved Eagle and AOL. I know you can buy a golden passport and it’s cheaper than paying at each individual park. But, I know the NPS is underfunded and that as well as my monthly donations is my way of giving back. I am deeply distressed by the current USA administration and its raping and pillaging and destructuring of the parks and rangers what will be left for my grandchildren? I have no pictures electriniaccessible to post the beauty and experiences I had, my dad used slides and they were destroyed in a hurricane. But, I have my memories.”
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 }}-
Greetings from Great Smoky Mountains National Park
A Park Ranger here not only told us all about the synchronized fireflies, but also how to secure a campsite 6 months in advance in order to have the best chance of witnessing their rituals. It was truly an amazing experience that we would otherwise have not known about.
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