I found coming to the entrance of Smoky Mountain Park, most humbling. However, long before I got to the official area, I could feel the vast space and a comforting isolation. This place was one of the homelands of the Cherokee Indians. How beautiful it is now and how breath taking it must have been then. Standing on the edge of the roadway you had to be careful not to slip on the wet leaves while trying to see the white water streams whipping below. This is truly a lovley place. The park is preserved beautifully and worth a visit.
One thing I noted most was the quiet. Living in a place like the Smokies your thoughts would have to be so clear. On the trail of tears the hardships I am sure were great but leaving such a beautiful place must have been devastating. There are so many high peaks standing as if they all grew up together. Mother nature watching as if noticing a naughty child. There are many who can tell you how high the elevations are,where the waterfalls are, and the great shopping in Gatlinburg. But I can only say the Smoky Mountains are like the ocean, they are a must see.
