National park enthusiast, Gloria Wadzinski writes, photographs and shoots video to encourage travelers to try something new. A planner at heart, Gloria likes to be prepared for adventures so she helps other travelers by thoroughly documenting hikes, road trips and destinations, including everything they need to know to forge out safely and not miss a thing.
Gloria earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communications from the University of Wisconsin, and because life is change, added additional degrees and certificates from the Western Iowa Technical College, Front Range Community College and the Art Institute of Denver. Over a 40-year career, Gloria has won national accolades including CUES Golden Mirror Awards for a children's educational program and graphic design projects, and most recently a Folio Digital Award for the relaunch of a website about the national parks of Colorado.
What is Gloria's favorite national park? The last one she visited, so the answer changes several times a year.
Don’t let your Smoky Mountain vacation sound just like your neighbors’. Set your trip apart by staying at unusual lodging options along the way.
Popular to visitors are the Palmer Chapel, the Will Messer Barn, and Caldwell Place. Also enjoy a campground, hiking trails, wildlife watching, and fishing.
Take a photo tour of the Cades Cove historic community, its log cabins, churches, and grist mill, inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The Appalachian Trail (AT) travels 72 miles through Great Smoky Mountains National Park along the Tennessee-North Carolina border.
Explore the past on the peaceful side of Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Blount County, Tenn. Here are our top picks for historic wanderings.
Climb the 491 stairs on Outcroppings Trail to get to the top of Chimney Rock and see sweeping views of Lake Lure and Hickory Nut Gorge.