Look closely when you are hiking. Hidden in the woods are old sunken roadbeds, railroad grades, stone walls, chimneys, and even a few decaying buildings. Growing around cabin sites are some of the flowers and trees brought here by settlers who wanted to make life a little brighter and more liveable. Daffodils, rambling roses, boxwoods, yuccas, walnut and apple trees still survive in the remote valleys as living reminders of past generations. Large old oaks among youthful yellow-poplars or pines may have once shaded a house or barn, or served as a boundary tree.
Seasons pass and the marks of man disapper under autumn leaves or hide behind spring growth.
Discovery becomes more difficult, but there is still evidence of history on the land. For Further Information Publications about the mountain people are sold at the Sugarlands, Cades Cove, and Oconaluftee visitor centers. Interpretive Programs provide introductions to local history. Schedules of these programs are posted on campground and visitor center bulletin boards, and are listed in the park newspaper.