Great Smoky Mountains National Park, September 2020. Nancy East was determined to make a difference. After a heartbreaking SAR mission ended in the discovery of a body, the woman still grieving her own mother’s passing felt compelled to help prevent more fatal hiking accidents. Partnering with a close friend, the middle-aged everyday athlete set out to cover the wilderness area’s 800 miles of trail faster than anyone before to raise money for safety and preparedness measures. Struggling with early injuries and intrusive self-conscious thoughts, Nancy confronted insecurities about her career, parenting skills, and her mom’s fight with cancer. And as she persevered despite torrential storms and dangerous terrain, her crippling uncertainties began to transform into heart-healing peace. In this moving account, Nancy East navigates her emotional aftermath following the death of Susan Clements, a loving parent to three children who succumbed to hypothermia. And as she guides readers through her month-long journey of endurance and triumph, her inspirational story promotes awareness while motivating all to believe in themselves.

Chasing the Smokies Moon: An audacious 948-mile hike–fueled by love, loss, laughter, and lunacy is a thought-provoking memoir. If you like true-life feats, sentimental contemplations, and stepping outside of comfort zones, then you’ll adore Nancy East’s strides of empowerment.

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