Under the Smoke: Personal Stories of the Smoky Mountains

Within these pages are recorded memories so they may endure indefinitely. There are stories of wildlife, trails, quiet, and humorous escapades. Visit cabins and high peaks or hold your breath in anticipation of the perfect picture. Interspersed within are factual anecdotes concerning the people, places, and wildlife of the area. Maybe these pages will conjure up your own memories from days past or urge you to create new ones.

I have been camping and hiking in these mountains since before I can remember. I truly consider them my second home and a peace comes over me when under their shadow. The Cherokee refer to this area as Shaconage or “place of blue smoke”. Fall in love, as I have, with this land "Under the Smoke" – the Great Smoky Mountains.