Episode Details

In September 2024, the highest peak in the park got its name back — Kuwohi, mulberry place, the sacred Cherokee summit renamed after a Confederate general in 1859 and formally corrected by unanimous federal vote after a campaign led by two Eastern Band citizens. That's the spirit of this whole visit: the busiest national park in the country rewards people who know what they're looking at before they arrive.

Host Shawn Spainhour, a former Army officer, walks you through the greatest hits and the practical skill of not spending your vacation in traffic. The Park It Forward parking tag and the near-total lack of cell service. Cades Cove — the historic cabins, the reliable bears and elk, the four-hour bear-jam problem, and how the early hours and the car-free summer Wednesdays beat it. Kuwohi and its flying-saucer tower with views into seven states. The synchronous fireflies near Elkmont and how the lottery actually works. A walkable piece of the Appalachian Trail at Newfound Gap and Charlies Bunion. Plus the quieter waterfall hikes — Laurel, Grotto, Abrams, Chimney Tops — the wildlife rules, season-by-season timing, and a realistic weekend itinerary.

This is Part 2 of the Wildlands Great Smoky Mountains series. Part 1 covers the deep history; Part 3 covers where to stay.

Wildlands — know the land before you reach it.