In her book, Clingmans Dome: Highest Mountain in the Great Smokies, author Marci Spencer presents the natural and human history of this iconic destination and explores its ancient allure — the Cherokee treasured it, as did early settlers, and it captivates throngs of visitors today. The book also ventures into Sen. Thomas Clingman’s 1858 journey to measure the mountain and the 1934 birth of the park. Scarred by logging, invasive species and modern pollution, the mountain has endured through time.

Spencer is a retired nurse practitioner and local naturalist who graduated from the natural science program at the North Carolina Arboretum. She also volunteers for a bear rescue center and in the park. The new book is available at local stores and online.

www.historypress.net.