The cool and humid forests and valleys tucked away in the distinctive elevation zones of the Smokies region are sometimes said to be home to a greater variety of species than any other place on earth.

While they actually power-up trees and not plumbers, the 40 year-old video game helped make toadstools mainstream.

The recent rains, cooler temperatures and remaining evidence of past ice storms have created a perfect environment for mushrooms and toadstools to thrive. Fungi are present in all soils and breaks ...