An Appalachian Journey: Skyline Drive to the Great Smokies (Smithsonian Armchair Traveler Series)

Join us for our second installment of our partnership with the Smithsonian Rural Initiative. We will be hosting 12 sessions the Smithsonian Armchair Traveler Series, and we will be featuring “An Appalachian Journey: Skyline Drive to the Great Smokies” on Thursday, October 8th, at 5:30pm.

Please register for this event by calling 570-622-8880, or emailing potpublib@pottsvillelibrary.org

Explore one of the most breathtaking drives in the world with naturalist and interpreter Keith Tomlinson. Starting at the northern tip of Shenandoah National Park, follow the winding Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway all the way to Asheville, North Carolina—a journey spanning nearly 600 miles of dramatic landscapes. Along the way, learn about historic sites reflecting centuries of human history, from Native American habitation to colonial settlements, and marvel at steep summits, ancient volcanoes, granite peaks, and dramatic gorges.

Beyond the scenery, Tomlinson delves into the natural wonders of the Appalachians. Hiking and lodging opportunities abound among secluded hollows and wind-blown escarpments. The region encompasses remarkable geology, diverse habitats, and extraordinary wildlife—from freshwater mollusks to elk. Through the lenses of history, science, and ecology, discover the fascinating story of this ancient mountain range and the forces that shaped its enduring beauty.