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CURRENT Features

Girl Power, Circa 1940: Building The Bomb (and Not Knowing It) in East Tennessee

Thousands of young women from eastern Tennessee performed a hugely patriotic service in the 1940s, unaware of what they were doing.

Photo Essay: Critters, Creatures and Other Wild Things

With warmer weather, the mountains come alive with creepers and crawlers, leapers and alighters—all moving about against the backdrop of full green.

Wytheville’s ‘Summer Without Children’

What was it that caused one little Virginia mountain town to suddenly find itself faced, in the summer of 1950, with 200 cases of polio amid a population of just 5,500?

Evan Williams: Grafting Trees and Drafting Fiction

For Henderson County apple-farmer-turned-novelist Evan Williams, a lifetime in the orchard yields a bounty of stories.

Photo Essay: Appalachian Trail Beauty Spots

C’mon along as we head out for some of the best views on the Tennessee/North Carolina section of the Great Trail.

Current Issue

Female high school graduates were recruited for positions as “cubicle operators” at Y-12, and have been more recently referred to as “Calutron Girls.” Ruth Huddleston is third back on the left, seated.

Girl Power, Circa 1940: Building The Bomb (and Not Knowing It) in East Tennessee

Thousands of young women from eastern Tennessee performed a hugely patriotic service in the 1940s, unaware of what they were doing.
The blue dasher dragonfly is seen most often near mountain ponds, lakes and other still waters.

Photo Essay: Critters, Creatures and Other Wild Things

With warmer weather, the mountains come alive with creepers and crawlers, leapers and alighters—all moving about against the backdrop of full green.
These five Wytheville children were transported to Roanoke Hospital, where they breathed with the assistance of the hospital’s iron lungs.

Wytheville’s ‘Summer Without Children’

What was it that caused one little Virginia mountain town to suddenly find itself faced, in the summer of 1950, with 200 cases of polio amid a population of just 5,500?
Farmer and author Evan Willams’ orchard grows heirloom apples.

Evan Williams: Grafting Trees and Drafting Fiction

For Henderson County apple-farmer-turned-novelist Evan Williams, a lifetime in the orchard yields a bounty of stories.
Newfound Gap to Charlies Bunion: Follow U.S. 441 south from Gatlinburg, Tennessee, to the Newfound Gap parking area in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Take the A.T. 4.1 miles to Charlies Bunion. The first 2.5 miles is rather difficult with a large elevation gain, rocks and roots. The remaining 1.6 miles along the ridge line offers beautiful views of the forest and of the Smokies. Once you reach Charlies Bunion, be cautious of the drop-offs on each side as you take in one of the most iconic views of the A.T.

Photo Essay: Appalachian Trail Beauty Spots

C’mon along as we head out for some of the best views on the Tennessee/North Carolina section of the Great Trail.
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Departments

Smith Mountain Lake Virginia is a hidden gem within the Blue Ridge Mountains. This beautiful area features boating, sailing, hiking, shopping, fishing, and much more.
From The Editor

Sarah Smiles: The Lake Effect

Growing up, many of my weekends were spent at my late step-grandmother’s house on Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia.

June 26, 2026

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