Photo of the Day: Great Smoky Mountains National Park


Embark on an unforgettable journey that begins with a scenic drive through rolling hills and verdant landscapes, gradually ascending towards the majestic embrace of the Smoky Mountains. As you navigate winding roads, anticipation builds for the physical challenge that awaits – a short but undeniably strenuous hike promising breathtaking rewards. The trail, though brief, demands effort and determination, testing your endurance as you climb towards your ultimate destination. Finally, your perseverance is rewarded as you emerge onto the summit of Kuwohi. Here, standing tall as the highest peak within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and proudly claiming the title of the second highest peak east of the Mississippi River, a panorama of unparalleled beauty unfolds before your eyes. The sprawling vista of the Smoky Mountains, a seemingly endless tapestry of peaks and valleys cloaked in a characteristic hazy blue, stretches out in every direction. The sheer magnitude of the landscape inspires awe and a profound connection with the natural world, a truly unforgettable experience etched in memory long after the descent. 

Once known as Clingmans Dome, this majestic peak underwent a significant renaming in the year 2024. This change was implemented to formally recognize and honor the profound Cherokee heritage that is intricately woven into the very fabric of these ancient mountains. The new name, Kuwoh, is derived from the Cherokee language, the indigenous tongue of the people who have inhabited this land for centuries. In their language, Kuwoh translates to Mulberry Place, a name likely inspired by the abundance of mulberry trees that may have once flourished or continue to thrive in the area surrounding the peak, holding cultural and ecological significance for the Cherokee people. This renaming serves as a powerful act of remembrance and respect, ensuring that the deep historical and cultural connections to the Cherokee people are acknowledged and preserved for generations to come. 

Taken: June 8, 2016 at Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Bryson City, NC)
Location: Kuwohi, North Carolina 28713, USA

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