Trail of Tires, Great Smoky Mountains (1982)

Photo by Retiring Guy

It's been a long time since this hiking trip -- my third -- to the Great Smoky Mountains.  All I can remember is this pile of tires was a shocking sight.  It remains a mystery as to how and why they were transported here.

Two possible explanations based on more recent events

1. Recycled Tires Improve Trail at Dora Kelley.  (West End Alexandria Patch, 9/28/2012)  For trails in a suburban D.C. park, yes, but the Appalachian Trail? 
2. More than 100 tires illegally dumped on Appalachian Trail.  (The Sentinel, 4/28/2015)