Smokies Light

One of the most popular trails in the Smokies isn't even an official trail....

If you visit...... I've become increasingly concerned about too many visitors to these pristine areas which harbor many rare examples of wildflowers. It isn't the sheer number of visitors that concern me but rather the fact that some hikers lead large groups of people into these areas without a proper briefing on how to avoid damage to the fragile nature of the area. In 2007, for example, the Virginia Bluebell flowers in White Oak Sinks, were literally trampled into a mass of smashed leaves and blue petals by people trying to get a better view and/or take photos. The same can be said for a few other rarely found wildflowers in the park. So, if you visit, please stay on the trail and avoid trampling other plants. I understand that everyone wants to get a closer view of something interesting and beautiful, however, instead of getting off the trail, use that zoom lens on your camera and take photos with your highest resolution settings. Leave the beautiful flowers unimpaired for the future enjoyment of others.

And for you park service managers.....Face the facts: People want to hike to White Oak Sinks. Adopt the trail. Maintain it. Map it. Protect it. Do your job to protect and manage our beautiful park resources for the enjoyment of all instead of blowing your money on structures like that Swiss Chalet-style resort you built at Twin Creeks.