09/24/2024
There’s positive news all the time ::
The highest point on the Appalachian Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park has been renamed Kuwohi (koo-WHOA-hee), meaning “mulberry place” in Cherokee. Previously known as Clingmans Dome, the name change was approved by the U.S. Board of Geographic Names after a request from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI). Kuwohi, standing at 6,643 feet, is significant to the Cherokee people and served as a refuge during the Trail of Tears. This change is part of a broader effort to recognize Indigenous names and their cultural connections to the land.
The trail up to the viewing platform is a bit of a slope but it’s worth the climb and is fully wheelchair accessible. Hope everyone can make their way to Kuwohi! I want to go back :)