3000 Miles in the Great Smokies

by William A. Hart Jr.

A hiking memoir by "a man whose soul is held in thrall by remote places in the Smokies where . . . rising trout and fog-laden valleys rule supreme" (Jim Casada, The Literature of Hiking in the Smokies).

Bill Hart has hiked, camped and fished in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for more than forty years. In over three thousand miles of walking, he has recorded experiences and impressions that will delight readers of all ages. Whether exploring some of the most remote sections of the Smokies, angling for trout, meeting mountain folk, or marveling at the flora and fauna around him, Bill has a gift for heartfelt storytelling and a wealth of knowledge to share about the park. Join him for an unforgettable journey through a beloved national treasure.

Includes photos

"[A] collection of essays and journal entries of over 40 years of hiking, camping and exploring in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park." --Go Knoxville

"A compilation of thoughts and reminiscences of his wonderful days and nights there." --Smoky Scout's Hiking Adventures

Genres: Nonfiction

335 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Phyllis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting. A must read for Smokey Mountain hikers.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Could have been better. All these descriptions of off the grid trails which you are not supposed to do were annoying. Oh here is a cool trail but I can’t tell you where it is. LOL. I wouldn’t want to fight the brush and fall downs for it to begin with. I just wonder how many ticks they collected in these forays. I would have enjoyed book more if they had been in some kind of chronological order…dates would be nice. However overall I enjoyed some info on trails I would love to hike but probably will never get to.

[Rick · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book, I learned a lot. For me, the book would have been stronger with less chapters but longer chapters: it seemed a tad staccato with some chapters only a couple paragraphs long.

I was hoping for a voice remembering the Smokies similar to Sig Olson's voice remembering the North Country. This was less philosophical.

Hart is no ordinary hiker, and his memoir added to my enjoyment of the 800 square mile wilderness preserved as the GSMNP.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read if the reader enjoys hiking or learning about the Great Smoky Mountains. The author does a wonderful job describing the mountains and what to expect. I have been on some of the trails the author describes.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely detailed descriptions of the Smokies, from someone who clearly loves them.

[David Ward · Rating 3 out of 5]

3000 Miles in the Great Smokies by William A. Hart, Jr. (The History Press 2009) (976.889). This volume consists of selections from the author's hiking journal 1966-2008; it is mostly stories about the North Carolina side of the park where he lives. My rating: 6/10, finished 2010.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was privileged to work with Bill Hart on this collection of his memories from 30 years spent wandering through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

[Reagen Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting stories of hiking my favorite National Park presented in memoir form, all from a truly interesting man.