With so much natural beauty to offer, is it any wonder that the Great Smoky Mountains is the most visited of all the national parks, attracting more than ten million visitors annually? But even such beauty can have a dark side. Sudden blizzards, fierce winds that seem to come out of nowhere, tangled vegetation that befuddles even the most experienced hiker, and confrontations with wild animals are some of the dangers one may find in this peaceful place. When distracted drivers speed along mountain roads despite warning signs, or hikers hit the trails without the right equipment, an enjoyable afternoon can quickly turn into a nightmare. In this collection of cautionary tales, Michael Bradley recounts various deaths and other unfortunate incidents that have resulted from accidents and human folly, including fatal bear attacks, swift water disasters, mysterious disappearances, murder in the mountains, and much more. Armchair travelers and park visitors alike will be fascinated by the dangers lurking in America's most visited national park and will be better informed about how to have fun and stay safe the next time they enter its gates. Book jacket.