Before she went missing, Susan Clements was hiking with her daughter on one of the most popular trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, less than a mile from Clingmans Dome. When Nancy East’s search and rescue team joined the effort to find her, she learned Susan was a mother to three children who adored her. What Nancy didn’t know then was how much the search for Susan would impact and influence her own life’s path afterward. Two years later, Nancy and her good friend, Chris Ford, set out to improve the speed record of hiking all 801 miles of trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park while raising funds for hiker safety and preparedness. While chasing the record, the duo faced tropical storm rains, swollen, unbridged creek crossings, injuries, night hiking, and wildlife encounters. Their arduous journey also became intertwined in one of the most rare human-bear tragedies in the park’s history. Maintaining a positive mental attitude was their superpower through it all. The enormous feat of endurance was one of the most grueling endeavors that Nancy, a mother and everyday athlete, had ever faced. However, the hardest things she had endured were in her past. The strength she gained from those experiences was now moving her forward, one difficult step at a time. Chasing the Smokies Moon is a story of grief, hope, empowerment, and love, and the thread that binds them all. ADVANCE PRAISE FOR CHASING THE SMOKIES MOON "If you think that setting trail records is about speed and hubris, Nancy East will prove you wrong. It is not her success, but her vulnerability that will encourage you to keep moving forward when the next step feels impossible. It is not her impressive miles, but rather her insightful reflections that allow you to recognize feelings of gratitude and connectedness in the midst of pain and loss. And it is not her attributes as a hiker, but her roles as a mother, spouse, and friend that make this book a valuable resource for anyone who is trying to navigate through relationships - and adventure." --Jennifer Pharr Davis, author of The Pursuit of Endurance: Harnessing the Record-Breaking Power of Strength and Resilience “I have always thought of Nancy East as somewhat of a real life superhero -- this harrowing and transparent account of her FKT attempt and SAR fundraising effort has certainly solidified that sentiment!” --Steven Reinhold, Backpacker Magazine, Brand Ambassador “Chasing the Smokies Moon is a deep dive into the depths of a Fastest Known Time record attempt. East relays with humor, profundity, and humility the highs and lows of an intense journey through the Great Smoky Mountains and human connection." --Heather Anderson, author of Mud, Rocks, Blazes: Letting Go on the Appalachian Trail “This story is more than just a recounting of an incredible feat of endurance and perseverance, it is an insightful and revealing look into the mind and soul of multi faceted adventurous woman.” --Kevin Fitzgerald, former Deputy Superintendent of Great Smoky Mountains National Park

From the Outer Banks to Asheville, discover the best of the Tar Heel State with Moon North Carolina. Inside you'll find: Flexible itineraries, including scenic drives along the Blue Ridge Parkway, a weekend in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and getaways to Asheville, Raleigh-Durham, and Charlotte Strategic advice designed for hikers, beach-goers, foodies, wildlife-watchers, and more The top local experiences: Explore the gardens of the Biltmore Estate, check out the art museum in Raleigh, or kick back with a craft beer at an outdoor concert in Wilmington. Escape to the Outer Banks for a glimpse of wild horses, historic lighthouses, and remote islands. Tap your foot to live bluegrass and dig in to famous North Carolina barbecue Outdoor activities: Hike to waterfalls or challenge yourself to climb the highest peaks in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Kayak around Kitty Hawk, whitewater raft in the wild Nantahala River Gorge, hang glide, or spend a day fly-fishing Expert tips from North Carolina local Jason Frye on when to go, how to get around, and where to stay, from rugged campgrounds to historic inns and beachside B&Bs Full-color photos and detailed maps throughout Thorough background on the landscape, climate, wildlife, and local culture With Moon North Carolina's expert advice and local insight, you can find your adventure. Focusing on the mountains? Check out Moon Asheville & the Great Smoky Mountains. Can't get enough of the beach? Try Moon North Carolina Coast.

A guide to sights, activities, restaurants, and accommodations in different areas of the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains, with maps and photographs.

Filled with detailed information on the best hikes, scenic stops, waterfalls, and historic locations, this is the ultimate guide to the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina and Virginia, one of America's most visited national parks. Information on lodging, way stations, side trips, hiking trails, and attractions of interest is included--ideal for the time-pressed traveler who wants to hit the high points of the park. Full-color photographs, photographer's notes, and photo tips complement the detailed descriptions of the park's attractions, making this handbook both a travel guide and a compilation to treasure.

Moon Travel Guides: Find Your Adventure From majestic mountaintops to lush forests and untouched wilderness, take in the best of the Smokies with Moon Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Moon Great Smoky Mountains National Park features: Itineraries for every timeline and budget, ranging from one day in the park to a week-long trip, including: Best of the Smokies, Family Fun, Escape the Crowds, and Best Hikes Strategies for getting around the Great Smoky Mountains, avoiding crowds, and exploring the less-visited areas of the park In-depth coverage of gateway cities and towns in both Tennessee and North Carolina, including Gatlinburg, Asheville, Pigeon Forge, and Knoxville, as well as worthwhile stops like Cherokee, Bryson City, and Maggie Valley Full-color, vibrant photos and detailed maps throughout Expert tips for travelers looking to go hiking, biking, zip-lining, rafting, and more, plus essential packing and health and safety information The top activities and unique ideas for exploring the park: Cruise along Newfound Gap Road for epic views and scenic overlooks, try your hand at fly-fishing, and enjoy the refreshing solitude of a night camping under the stars. Hike to beautiful waterfalls, catch a glimpse of the buzzing fireflies, and sample a little local moonshine. Visit remnants of the region's historic settlements, spot local wildlife, or explore the bustling nearby cities Valuable insight from nature lover and Smoky Mountains aficionado Jason Frye Honest advice on where to stay inside and outside the park, including the best spots to pitch a tent, park your RV, or relax at an upscale resort Up-to-date information on park fees, passes, and reservations Recommendations for families, LGBTQ+ travelers, seniors, international visitors, travelers with disabilities, and traveling with pets Thorough background on the wildlife, terrain, culture, and history Staying in Tennessee? Try Moon Tennessee, Moon Nashville, or Moon Memphis. Making a road trip out of it? Try Moon Nashville to New Orleans Road Trip. For full coverage of America's national parks, check out Moon USA National Parks: The Complete Guide to All 59 National Parks.

Moon Travel Guides: Find Your Adventure! The soulful twang of bluegrass, miles of untouched wilderness, and warm and welcoming locals: journey through the storied heart of Appalachia with Moon Blue Ridge & Smoky Mountains. What you'll find in Moon Blue Ridge & Smoky Mountains: Full coverage of the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains regions of North Carolina and Tennessee, including Great Smoky Mountains National Park Full-color photos and detailed maps throughout Strategic itineraries for every budget and timeline, from a weekend getaway to a week-long road trip Curated trip advice for outdoor adventurers, history buffs, culture mavens, wildlife enthusiasts, and more Must-see attractions and off-beat ideas for making the most of your trip: Hike past waterfalls to rocky bluffs overlooking the misty mountain range, or go for a refreshing dip in the river. Zip-line through wild forests, spot eagles, elk, and bear cubs, or try your hand at fly-fishing. Ride the coasters at Dollywood, gain insight into Native American history in Cherokee, and explore Asheville's wealth of live music and culinary creativity. Find the best spots for classic southern barbecue, sip a little moonshine, and listen to a bluegrass band as the sun sets and the fireflies come out for a sparkling evening show Suggestions for a Blue Ridge Parkway road trip, including the best scenic stops organized by milepost Honest advice from Appalachia native and North Carolina local Jason Frye on when to go, what to pack, and where to stay, from charming B&Bs to secluded cabins and campgrounds Detailed hike descriptions with individual trail maps listing duration, elevation change, and effort Recommendations for families, LGBTQ+ travelers, international visitors, and travelers with disabilities Thorough background on the wildlife, terrain, culture, and history With Moon's local insight, myriad activities, and expert advice on experiencing the best of the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains, you can plan your trip your way. Full list of coverage: North Carolina High Country, Asheville, Southern Blue Ridge and Foothills, Cherokee and Maggie Valley, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Knoxville and the Tennessee Foothills Focusing your time in the park? Try Moon Great Smoky Mountains National Park. For more southern city charm, try Moon Charleston & Savannah. For full coverage of America's national parks, check out Moon USA National Parks: The Complete Guide to All 59 National Parks.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is among the most visited national parks in the country, and countless attractions around its borders have tried for decades to siphon some of those valuable tourist dollars. From ersatz western towns and concrete dinosaurs to misplaced Florida-type attractions and celebrity theaters, you will find them all preserved in this book. Author Tim Hollis showcases those businesses that no longer exist, from Hill-Billy Village in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg's theme parks on the Tennessee side to the motels of Cherokee and Ghost Town in the Sky on the North Carolina side.

From the sprawling green countryside of Shenandoah to the mists rising over the Great Smoky Mountains, endless adventure and beauty await along America's most scenic highway. Inside Moon Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip you'll find: Multiple Itineraries: Choose from flexible getaways along the Blue Ridge Parkway, including the ultimate two-week route, a four-day loop from D.C., and more Eat, sleep, stop and explore: With lists of the best hikes, views, restaurants, and more, you can listen to live bluegrass, find the best barbecue around, or sip local moonshine. Wander through the renowned museums in Washington D.C. or take a break in a charming mountain town. Explore a labyrinthine cave system, hike a leg of the famous Appalachian Trail, and spot black bears and elk in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Try your hand at gem mining, spend an afternoon antique hunting, or pick fruit at a family-owned orchard Maps and driving tools: Easy-to-use maps keep you oriented on and off the highway, along with site-to-site mileage, driving times, detailed directions, and full-color photos throughout Local expertise: North Carolinian and mountaineer Jason Frye shares his top tips for what to do Planning your trip: Know when and where to get gas, how to avoid traffic, tips for driving in different road and weather conditions, and suggestions for LBGTQ+ travelers, seniors, and road trippers with children With Moon Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip's flexible itineraries and practical tips you're ready to fill up and hit the road. Exploring more of America on wheels? Try Moon Nashville to New Orleans Road Trip or Moon Drive & Hike Appalachian Trail. Doing more than driving through? Check out Moon Great Smoky Mountains National Park. About Moon Travel Guides: Moon was founded in 1973 to empower independent, active, and conscious travel. We prioritize local businesses, outdoor recreation, and traveling strategically and sustainably. Moon Travel Guides are written by local, expert authors with great stories to tell—and they can't wait to share their favorite places with you. For more inspiration, follow @moonguides on social media.

This full-color guide to road tripping along the Blue Ridge Parkway includes vibrant photos and helpful planning maps.The Blue Ridge Parkway through Virginia and North Carolina draws visitors from all over the world, taking them from the majesty of the Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina to the splendor of Shenandoah National Park in Virginia and offering stunning vistas, excellent hiking, and charming communities between. Experience them all with Moon Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip as your guide.Detailed driving instructions tell you how far you'll have to drive, how long it will take, and which highways you'll need to follow, including information on alternate routes and the best places to stop along the way.Day-by-day itinerary suggestions tell you the best ways to spend your time:The 10-Day Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip -- A Day in Shenandoah National Park -- A Day in Stone Mountain State Park -- A Day in Blowing Rock, NC -- A Day in Asheville, NC -- A Day in Great Smoky Mountain National Par

Moon Travel Guides: Find Your Adventure! The soulful twang of bluegrass, miles of untouched wilderness, and warm and welcoming locals: journey through the storied heart of Appalachia with Moon Blue Ridge & Smoky Mountains. What you'll find in Moon Blue Ridge & Smoky Mountains: Full coverage of the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains regions of North Carolina and Tennessee, including Great Smoky Mountains National Park Full-color photos and detailed maps throughout Strategic itineraries for every budget and timeline, from a weekend getaway to a week-long road trip Curated trip advice for outdoor adventurers, history buffs, culture mavens, wildlife enthusiasts, and more Must-see attractions and off-beat ideas for making the most of your trip: Hike past waterfalls to rocky bluffs overlooking the misty mountain range, or go for a refreshing dip in the river. Zip-line through wild forests, spot eagles, elk, and bear cubs, or try your hand at fly-fishing. Ride the coasters at Dollywood, gain insight into Native American history in Cherokee, and explore Asheville's wealth of live music and culinary creativity. Find the best spots for classic southern barbecue, sip a little moonshine, and listen to a bluegrass band as the sun sets and the fireflies come out for a sparkling evening show Suggestions for a Blue Ridge Parkway road trip, including the best scenic stops organized by milepost Honest advice from Appalachia native and North Carolina local Jason Frye on when to go, what to pack, and where to stay, from charming B&Bs to secluded cabins and campgrounds Detailed hike descriptions with individual trail maps listing duration, elevation change, and effort Recommendations for families, LGBTQ+ travelers, international visitors, and travelers with disabilities Thorough background on the wildlife, terrain, culture, and history With Moon's local insight, myriad activities, and expert advice on experiencing the best of the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains, you can plan your trip your way. Full list of coverage: North Carolina High Country, Asheville, Southern Blue Ridge and Foothills, Cherokee and Maggie Valley, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Knoxville and the Tennessee Foothills Focusing your time in the park? Try Moon Great Smoky Mountains National Park. For more southern city charm, try Moon Charleston & Savannah. For full coverage of America's national parks, check out Moon USA National Parks: The Complete Guide to All 59 National Parks.