East Tennessee

Being in East Tennessee gives one the opportunity to truly appreciate the Smoky Mountains. As part of the Appalachians, the Smoky Mountains are among some of the oldest in the world. To really appreciate the Smoky Mountains, you have to come and experience them first hand. Experience the people, their land, the heritage and history that make this part of the country truly unique and different from anywhere else in the world. The environment of the Smoky Mountains is among the richest in the world.

There are more species of trees in the Smoky Mountains than in all of Europe, more species of plants than anywhere else in the entire continental United States. 

These mountains are rich in another way as well, the American Spirit. It has taken root in these mountains. It’s been nurtured for thousands of years in the heart and soul of the Woodland Indians who first inhabited these mountains and by the Eastern Cherokee who followed. The heritage of our American Forefathers is etched in the sides of these Mountains.

Traveling through this website, you’ll begin to understand the character of the mountaineers, of William Bartram, the flower hunter, who introduced the Smoky Mountains to the world, Wiley Oakley, the famous storyteller. We talk about Horace Kephart, and his one man attempt to save a mountain range as well as the attempts today to save the animals of the Smoky Mountains and the dangers that threaten to take away the natural wonders of this great forest. We introduce you to Francis Asbury the most well known circuit riding preacher of them all who crossed these mountains more than sixty (60) times on horseback. These are only a few of the topics we’ll cover about East Tennessee and the Great Smoky Mountains.