The TRAVELER'S JOURNAL: May eighth, with the essential Great Smokies.

Several hundred million years of unceasing geology have transformed North America's oldest mountain range into ridge after ridge of majestic forest, which ripples from Georgia north to Maine. The southern Appalachians rank among America's most ecologically diverse areas. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the best places to see and be in among these ancient, verdant folds of earth.

The half million mountain acres draped across the border of North Carolina and Tennessee are America's most visited national park. There are outdoor activities of every kind, from picnicking and day hiking to caving, white water rafting and hang gliding. Yet despite tides of humanity, vast tracts remain relatively wild, with old growth forests, rhododendron tunnels, mountain meadows and misty valleys where the bobcat, black bear and wild hog roam. In fact, it's remarkable so much nature can persist amid east coast development.

To make the most of a visit to a park so big, it's important to have a knowledgeable guide. The latest issue of the award-winning magazine National Geographic Traveler, a supporter of our program, takes a loving look at Great Smoky, the third of an on-going series detailing America's national parks. Accompanied by rich photography and marvelous maps, the guide explores the park's mant slopes and valleys. A panel of six Great Smokey pros offer their insights regarding places to go, sights to see, people to meet and wild edibles to find.

It's an essential resouce for anyone looking to get in to the Great Smokies. You can register for a free sample copy on home page.

FMI For Great Smokey National Park, 865-436-1200 or www.nps.gov/grsm

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