Explore the sacred homeland of the Cherokee people

Created in 1920, the 650,000-acre Cherokee National Forest lies north and south of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Located in the sacred homeland of the Cherokees, it pays tribute to its heritage in its name and protects ancient indigenous burial caves and portions of the Trail of Tears. By car, foot, horse, or watercraft, visitors explore the natural beauties of the region, such as the Roan, Max Patch, Unicoi, and Unaka mountains and the Ocoee, Hiwassee, Nolichucky, Watauga, and French Broad rivers. The Appalachian, Benton MacKaye, and John Muir trails and other pathways lead to mountain-top views, rock cliffs, forested coves and gardens of abundant wildflowers.

Local author Marci Spencer tells the stories of these wonders and the early settlers, railroad workers, loggers and miners who lived and worked among them.

A retired nurse practitioner and native of Asheville, North Carolina, Marci Spencer has volunteered for a wildlife rehabilitation center, a black bear rescue organization, the National Park Service and the National Forest Service. After earning certification as a naturalist/environmental educator, Marci wrote Clingmans Dome: Highest Mountain in the Great Smokies; Pisgah National Forest: A History; Nantahala National Forest: A History; and Pisgah Inn (Images of America series)--all published by Arcadia Publishing/The History Press. Her writing background also includes a children's book, Potluck--Message Delivered: "The Great Smoky Mountains Are Saved!," published essays for the Yosemite Conservancy and the Personal Story Project and nature articles for a local newspaper.