Hello, my name is Dave Rhyne. In 1966, I came to work for a far-sighted Paper Company who owned or managed 575,000 acres of forest land, much of it in East Tennessee. Due to the increased pressure of Tennesseans wanting to use the lands for outdoor recreation, such as hiking, hunting, fishing, bird-watching, they developed a novel program called “Pocket Wilderness”. It's basic concept was to “Preserve and Protect” unique and scenic areas on their land for Tennesseans to use and enjoy in perpetuity. These areas did not require setting aside large acreages of land to enable their continued use as “Pocket Wilderness” areas.
Most of these areas were near sizable populations of Tennesseans who could easily reach them to enjoy. This is the basic idea behind Sunshine Hollow. It may be only 181 acres, but the age and size of the trees, the amount of native Azaleas and other wildflowers, and it's proximity to millions of visitors make it unique. Due to it's proper development, management, and preservation over the last 50 years, it offers a great opportunity for Tennesseans and it can be easily managed. Thanks to my webmaster, my brother Tim Rhyne, for making it possible for me to develop this Website and helping me in so many ways. Also a great thanks to my neighbors, the Goforths for being great neighbors over the last 50 years. Thanks also to Bob Richards who took the time to visit and proof read the website and make valuble suggestions. And a special tribute to my wife Vicki who has been instrumental over so many years in making Sunshine Hollow possible and has put up with me and my dream.