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The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, stretching across the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, is a landscape defined by its ethereal beauty. To millions of visitors each year, it represents a sanctuary of mist-covered ridges, ancient forests, and the tranquil sounds of winding streams. For many, witnessing a sunrise from its heights is a transformative experience, offering a rare sense of connection with the natural world. Yet, this vast wilderness, like all great natural spaces, demands a profound level of respect. While the park is a place of peace, it is also a reminder of the inherent risks of the wild. Every year, across the United States, individuals go missing in national parks, sparking intense public interest and, unfortunately, a wave of digital misinformation that can obscure the reality of search and rescue efforts.
