Annually millions of people admire the Great Smoky Mountains National Park's primeval beauty - towering peaks, sparkling cascades, virgin forests, and remarkable variety of wildflowers and shrubs. One of the nation's most popular national parks did not just "come to be" a logical and natural development on federally-owned land. Instead, it was the first national park to be acquired from private owners and given by the people to the federal government. Establishment of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park climaxed an unprecedented crusade that is a story of almost fanatic dedication to a...

Carlos C.Campbell's love affair with the Great Smoky Mountains lasted for more than fifty years. One of the principal figures in the movement to have the smokies established as a national park. Campbell helped to ensure that future generations would enjoy the mountains just as he enjoyed them. As one of the founding members of the Smoky Mountains Hiking Club, he biked more than four thousand miles of the park's trail system and participated in the marking of the Appalachian Trail. Today, due in part to Campbell's efforts, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited destination...