Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee

"Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee" is a comprehensive handbook produced by the National Park Service and published in the late 20th century, specifically in the 1980s. This guide provides readers with insights into the natural history, recreational opportunities, and cultural heritage of the Great Smoky Mountains, emphasizing its botanical and ecological diversity as well as historic settlement narratives. The book aims to enhance the understanding and enjoyment of the park, making it a valuable resource for visitors. The opening of the handbook introduces Glenn Cardwell, a local who offers a personal perspective on the park and its cultural history, sharing a poignant memory with his family that reflects the connection between the land and its people. The reader is welcomed into the Smokies through vivid descriptions of its landscapes, the rich variety of flora and fauna, and the profound changes brought about by human settlement. This section sets the stage for the subsequent discussions about the park's natural history, human impact, and the ongoing efforts to preserve its unique ecosystems, inviting visitors to engage with and explore this pivotal natural treasure. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

The National Park Service (NPS) is an agency of the United States federal government, within the US Department of the Interior. The service manages all national parks; most national monuments; and other natural, historical, and recreational properties, with various title designations. The United States Congress created the agency on August 25, 1916, through the National Park Service Organic Act. Its headquarters is in Washington, D.C., within the main headquarters of the Department of the Interior.