Gateway To The Smokies Podcast
HOSTED BY JOSEPH FRANKLYN MCELROY
Gateway to the Smokies is a podcast dedicated to memorable experiences in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Western North Carolina, and East Tennessee. This is not a travel tip show, though you will undoubtedly learn some good tips, it instead features personalities, experts, and locals who will expound upon the richness of culture, food, history, and adventure that awaits people who want to explore deeply this ancient mountain habitat where communities have existed for 3000 years.
The podcast is hosted by Joseph Franklyn McElroy, who was born and raised in Haywood County, NC, the original “Gateway to the Smokies”, and whose family immigrated to the Smoky Mountains in the early 1800s. Each episode will feature a folktale or myth that sets the stage for the rest of the podcast, followed by guests who will enrich the listener with insights, experiences, and adventures gained from their life in and studies of the Smokies. At the end, Joseph will tie in annual events, places, experiences and adventures that relate to the overall theme of that episode.
The themes and travel experiences expressed on the podcast are explored further on Joseph’s blog Smokies Adventure and his Smoky Mountains destination hub on Where Traveler Magazine. For authentic Smoky Mountain experiences, visit Joseph’s classic roadside motel – the Meadowlark Motel – Your Smoky Mountain Adventure Starts with Where You Stay.
Trending Episodes
Episode 16: Perpetuating the Legacy of Horace Kephart
SEGMENT 1 Joseph starts tonight’s episode by introducing today's topic, the legacy of Horace Kephart. Joseph shares some exciting news, the park is working to
Episode 15: Butch McDade & the Smoky Mountain Field School
SEGMENT 1 Joseph starts the episode off by discussing children’s literacy. He discusses two programs, one of which is the storybook trail of the Smokies,
Episode 14: Ecotourism and Safe Passage for Large Wildlife in the Smokies
SEGMENT 1 Joseph discusses a personal anecdote about the experience he went through after the passing of his wife. He transitions into the topic of
Episode 13: Maggie Valley in the Smokies
SEGMENT 1 Joseph starts today’s episode off by introducing the topic of the episode, Maggie Valley. Joseph makes a big announcement about the future
Episode 12: Food, Fireflies, and Flowers in the Smoky Mountains
SEGMENT 1 Joseph starts off today’s episode by introducing today’s topic and starting to dive further into the Smokies’ biodiversity. Over 19,000 individual species have
Episode 11: Pottery in the Smokies
SEGMENT 1 Today’s topic will be pottery in the mountains, but first Joseph talks about crafts. Joseph reminisces about creating pottery in grade school.
Episode 10: Seeds and Song
SEGMENT 1 Before introducing today’s guest, Joseph discusses heirloom seeds and plants in his family. Joseph reads a poem about memories tied to seeds. Joseph
Episode 9:Museums in the Smoky Mountain Area
SEGMENT 1 Joseph starts off by starting with the Wheels Through Time Museum in Maggie Valley. Joseph and Mike share stories about attractions near where
Episode 8: Hiking in the Smokies
SEGMENT 1 Today’s focus will be hiking in the Smokies. Joseph discusses spring in the Smokies, which consists of great weather and fun