John Muir said it best when he said, that "going to the mountains is going home." From the Great Smoky Mountains to the Blue Ridge Mountains, I feel more at peace along the southeast's waves than I feel anywhere else. Full of lush green trees in the summer and beautiful red and orange hues in the autumn, the Appalachian Mountains are simply breathtaking. Whether I'm hiking, skiing, or just driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway, the mountains have always been an escape for me.

I can’t help but have a smile on my face when I’m looking at a beautiful mountain skyline. The air is crisper and cleaner. There's no hustle and bustle, and it's so nice to hear the sounds of nature without being interrupted by the sound of traffic or a beeping car horn. How wonderful it is to be surrounded by nature in a place that has been unharmed by human hands. The Appalachian Mountains seem to be just out of human reach. I feel more alive in these mountains and more at peace with myself.

When I’m in the mountains, all my cares go away with the cool, mountain breeze. It helps to be able to slow down and forget the stress of school, work, or whatever other obligations I have for a while and just admire God's natural creation. God created this beautiful scenery, but it is so much more than just a wonderful place to vacation. I believe that God put these mountains here to remind us how small we are, and how we need to be reminded that we are a part of something greater for his good. He created these mountains to let us know that our troubles are so small when compared to the glory that he has waiting for us.

It’s a place unlike anywhere else. I have been very blessed to grow up in East Tennessee and to be conveniently located close to North Carolina as well. Being raised in the Appalachian Mountains means being rooted by Christian faith, saying please and thank you, never having your tea sweet enough, and saying y’all way too much. I guess that’s just the mountain effect.

The Appalachian Mountains are amazing from the highest peak of 6,684 feet to the peaks of 2,000 feet. There is peace, joy, music, and love in these mountains. I encourage everyone to come out and see what all the fuss is about. I promise you won't be disappointed.

"The trees wave, and the flowers bloom in our bodies as well as our souls, and every bird song, wind song, and tremendous storm song of the rocks in the heart of the mountains is our song, our very own, and sings our love." -John Muir