06/19/2026
"Before There Were Millions of Visitors, There Were 4,000 Young Men With Shovels"
The Civilian Conservation Corps: Building the Smokies We Love Today.
When you drive Newfound Gap Road, hike a trail to a waterfall, picnic beside a mountain stream, or enjoy one of the many scenic overlooks in the Great Smoky Mountains, you're benefiting from the hard work of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).
Created in 1933 during the Great Depression, the CCC put young men to work while helping conserve America's natural resources. In the Great Smoky Mountains, thousands of CCC workers built roads, trails, bridges, campgrounds, picnic areas, fire towers, and erosion-control projects that still serve visitors today.
Many of the stone walls, trail structures, and facilities throughout the park were constructed by these hardworking crews using hand tools, determination, and craftsmanship that has stood the test of time.
The CCC not only helped families survive difficult economic times, but also played a critical role in shaping the Great Smoky Mountains National Park into the destination millions enjoy each year.
The next time you visit the Smokies, take a moment to appreciate the legacy left behind by these young men whose work continues to benefit generations of visitors nearly a century later.
Have you ever noticed a CCC-built structure or trail feature in the park? Share your photos and stories below!
