Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The area now known as Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, was once the ancestral land of the Cherokee Indians. In addition to the history of the region and its early settlers, readers can learn about exploring highlights of the Smokies like Mount LeConte, Clingmans Dome, and the Appalachian Trail. Author Amy Graham discusses the park's resident plants and animals, it's known as the "salamander capital of the world," as well as invasive species like the wild boar and woolly adelgid. Fun activities such as hiking, camping, visiting the Mountain Farm Museum and taking wildflower tours are also featured.
* Reviews *
America's National Parks series. Older readers (and adults) will find this series useful for its coverage of six national parks' history, ecology, animal life, current challenges, and tourist attractions. Report writers, especially, may find the publisher's enhanced website a welcome shortcut to doing their own Internet research. Contemporary and archival photographs and web screenshots accompany the information. Reading list. Glos., ind., The Horn Book Guide Spring 2009