By Julie Matthews
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park was established on June 15, 1934 under President Franklin Roosevelt and today, according to the National Park Service, is the most visited national park in the United States. One of the oldest mountains in the world, the park is a deeply beloved destination full of incredible natural beauty, diverse wildlife and plant life, historic attractions, countless hiking trails and so much more.
Founded in 1993, the Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a nonprofit organization doing important work in support of this treasured park. Through various efforts—from gathering volunteers to raising awareness and funds, the Friends of the Smokies assists the National Park Service’s mission to preserve and protect the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Over the years, the organization has raised more than $90 million for park programs and projects, including improving park trails, upgrading its emergency radio system and supporting educational school programs. Friends of the Smokies’ specialty license plates, available in both Tennessee and North Carolina, is another major initiative that it does in support of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.Â
For information about the Friends of the Smokies, visit FriendsOfTheSmokies.org. (865) 932-4794
