The Sierra Club and Our National Parks

Great Smoky National Park, Tennessee

Autumn colors in Great Smoky National Park

Great Smoky National Park, with over 500,000 acres of protected area, is a jewel of our national parks system. With Black Bears, elk, Fraser Fir and Lungless Salamanders, Great Smoky is an area that must be protected as part of our natural heritage for future generations. But the development of North Shore Road, a 30+ mile parkway road inside the park near its southwest boundary threatens this area and we must take action now before it is too late.

Over the years, the Sierra Club has played a major role in protecting the Great Smoky and making sure that we preserve it for future generations. From its first presence in the two Carolinas in the late 1960s, the Sierra Club has been the major organization in preventing the building of the North Shore Road in the Smokies. The battle has been continuous. We can say with authority that for forty years the Club has held back the road and prevented the despoiling of the park.

The fragile, steep terrain, laced by finger ridges and home of acidic rocks has been kept intact. The massive cuts and fills, and the sterilization of the streams have not been allowed to gouge the pristine landscape. The only question is whether we can hold out long enough to see a Swain County settlement, and a final rescission of the contract to build this killer boondoggle.

Trails To Enjoy In This Park

Albright Grove Loop

Boogerman

Gregory Ridge Trail

GPS Coordinates

35°41'0"N 83°32'0"W