Southern Appalachian Digital Collections

Western Carolina University (20) View all

Appalachian Trail clearing

  • wcu_great_smoky_mtns-6188.jpg
  • This photograph, documenting trail clearing on the Appalachian Trail between Yellow Creek Gap and Stekoah Gap, shows the trail before work has started. The picture, in the records of the Smoky Mountains Hiking Club, was taken by Guy E. Frizzell, a member of the hiking club. The back of the picture is stamped “Jim Thompson Co.,” indicating it was probably printed by hiking club member James E. (Jim) Thompson (1880-1976), a professional photographer who played a major role in promoting a national park in the Southern Appalachians. The Smoky Mountains Hiking Club was formed after a group of outdoor enthusiasts hiked up to Mount LeConte in October 1924.