Cades Cove NaturePod Author
Thomas Condon
Thomas Condon is the co-founder of NaturePods, a middle school science teacher, and a former seasonal park ranger for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Tom was stationed in Cades Cove from 1990 to 1997, where he developed a love for the incredible valley and a respect for the people who once lived there. Tom authored the park portfolio on Black Bears, the first in a series of portfolios educating visitors on management issues. Tom has also co-authored three books for the park: Hiking Guide to the Smokies, Spring Wildflowers of the Smokies, and Day Hikes in the Smokies.
Tom is an avid naturalist and traveler. Living with his wife Nancy and their two Bernese Mountain Dogs in Western Massachusetts, Tom is on the board of directors for two local conservation groups for which he leads monthly outings. Tom is also involved with the local scouts. Acting as an advisor to Venture Crew 872, he teaches these young men and women rock climbing, caving, canoeing, and other outdoor skills. They put these skills to a test on such extended trips as paddling the entire Connecticut River from the headwaters in Canada to Long Island Sound. This continues Tom’s love for extended canoe trips. Tom and Nancy completed a cross-country canoe trip in 1997 that took them from Washington State to Tybee Island Georgia.
As co-founder of NaturePods and the author of the Cades Cove personal tour guide, Tom hopes you will find that this program enriches your experience in the Smokies and that other NaturePod products will invite you to learn more about our National Parks and nature.