great smoky mountains: ActiveRainPhotoBloggerContest: The Streams of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. - 05/11/11 10:11 PM
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the jewel of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Known for its towering peaks and diverse flora and fauna, the Park attracts millions of nature lovers every year!
But few first time visitors are aware of the vast tributary system that provides flowing water in nearly every area of the mountains.
Mountains offer a natural barrier for weather systems, and as a result the Great Smoky Mountains are dowsed with an average annual rainfall of over eight-five inches in the high elevations.
As a result of this abundance of moisture, the mountains spawn seeps … (32 comments)
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great smoky mountains: Listen to the water, and you just might have an epiphany! - 10/08/10 05:22 PM
From crevice seeps an ice cold dripThat trickles swift to rivuletThen tumbles crashing down its trackO’er rock, through sluice, down cataractTo quiet pools in lands below Old Smokey’s deep and dark shadow. (R. Weisser 2010)
There is nothing quite like sitting beside a rushing stream and listening to the “misic of the mountains.” And since the Great Smoky Mountains National Park averages nearly 85 inches of rain in the higher elevations, it is only a matter of time before the water goes somewhere!
That somewhere is down the mountain, cascading … (13 comments)
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great smoky mountains: It’s time to plan your Fall trip to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! - 09/19/10 08:03 PM
Autumn is just around the corner and that means many “leaf lovers” will be heading to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for the annual display of brilliant Fall foliage.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a unique outdoor experience for visitors of every level of expertise and physical condition.
There is an extensive series of backcountry trails and campsites for those that really want to get back to nature and “rough it” and there are also auto trails where you can see the park up close and personal from the comfort of your car!
If you plan to hike … (10 comments)
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great smoky mountains: The annual wildflower display in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is about to begin! - 03/07/10 07:17 PM
Although summer draws the most visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, followed closely by hoards of October leaf-lookers, spring is a time of special beauty in the southern Appalachian Mountains.
Since there are only a brief few weeks that are warm enough to allow the emergence of early blooming plants before the leaf canopy darkens the forest floor, the wildflowers appear en masse from mid-March through April.
Although the Park is known for magnificent vistas and enormous peaks, it’s always fun to enjoy the beauty “up close and personal!” And it’s fun to locate as many different kinds of … (10 comments)
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great smoky mountains: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Why is it spelled "Smoky" instead of :Smokey?" - 10/04/09 07:14 PM
There is always a lot of confusion about how to correctly spell the word "smoky." Or is it "Smokey?" You see it spelled both ways so often because it is actually the correct spelling of the word either way!
But if you are referring to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, there is only one official way to spell the word, and that is with no "E" included. Now you can call them the the Smokey Mountains, as do many of the locals, especially on the North Carolina side.
But the more prevalent Tennessee spelling is "Smoky" and was chosen as the official adjective of the park!
… (19 comments)
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great smoky mountains: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is accessible to even those with limited mobility. Part Two, The Newfound Gap Overlook! - 09/10/09 06:59 PM
In part one of this series "Cades Cove is an accessible area easily toured by auto!" we explored the history and beauty of Cades Cove.
Now we'll travel from the coves to the highlands, for some of the best views in the park that can be seen from the car. The park features many overlooks in the high elevations, each one featuring its own special beauty. But some are more specual than others.
No trip to the park is complete without stopping at Newfound Gap. Sitting on the state line that divides Tennessee and North Carolina, there is a huge parking … (11 comments)
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great smoky mountains: This battle weary blogger needs a break, so here are some nice Great Smoky Mountain photos for the day! - 08/09/09 07:16 AM
It has been an interesting and controversial weekend. I have engaged in mental sparring with a lot of people that are much smarter than me, and it has taken its toll!
My ability to move quickly on my feet has diminished with each passing year. It is a new world, completely different from the one I grew up in so many years ago.
The best part the passing of time, though, is that each year the Great Smoky Mountains revert one year more back to a more pristine state. In the nearly forty years that I have frequented the park, the … (28 comments)
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great smoky mountains: The Flame Azalea in The Great Smoky Mountains is a treat for June Visitors. - 05/26/09 07:46 PM
In 1776, about the time our country was declaring it's independence from the throne of England, naturalist William Bartram entered the Cherokee territory alone and on foot. Batram was determined to document as many species of flora and fauna as possible on his expedition.
On one such adventure, he had his first observation of the native Flame Azalea (Rhododendron calendulaceum) and described it this way:
" the clusters of the blossoms cover the shrubs in such incredible profusion on the hill sides, that suddenly opening to view from dark shades, we are alarmed with the apprehension of the hill being set … (17 comments)
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great smoky mountains: The Great Smoky Mountains, the "Place of Blue Smoke!" Another not so wordless weekday! - 05/14/09 08:02 PM
The Cherokee people called the Great Smoky Mountains "Shaconage," or "place of blue smoke." It is a place of remarkable natural beauty, incredible views, and sparkling streams.
It is an ancient place, created by the cataclysmic collision of the continents which forced the formation of the tallest mountains on earth. But because these are also among the oldest peaks on the planet, they have been worn down and eroded over millions of years into their present state.
So although they are no longer the tallest or the biggest mountains in the world, they remain among the most beautiful.
Photos courtesy of … (18 comments)
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great smoky mountains: Another not so wordless weekend ... the Cataloochee Valley in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! - 02/28/09 08:06 AM
It's a strange irony that one of the most beautiful areas of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is also one of the least visited. Although it's a bit out of the way, The Cataloochee Valley rewards visitors with excellent vistas, historic buildings, and abundant wildlife.
Located entirely in the state of North Carolina, settlers came to this place in the early 19th Century for its seclusion and fertile bottom lands. Many lived their entire lives without ever crossing the divide for a glimpse of the outside world.
Since the inception of the Park in the late 1930's, much of the … (19 comments)
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great smoky mountains: The Elk of the Cataloochee Valley. Great Smoky Mountains National Park - 10/09/08 07:21 PM
The Great Smoky Mountains is the most visited National Park in the United States. With over eleven million visitors a year, and within a day's drive of half of the countries population, many of the parks more popular areas can become quite crowded.
However, there are some places of unparalleled beauty and historic significance that are far removed from large numbers of Park visitors. One such place is the Cataloochee Valley. Because it requires a little more effort to get there, the Cataloochee Valley is rarely crowded; more than likely, there will be fewer visitors in this large area than in … (13 comments)
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great smoky mountains: Gatlinburg Tennessee Tourist Information. - 09/21/08 10:44 PM
Welcome to Gatlinburg Tennessee, the gateway to The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Gatlinburg is just over a mile from the Sugarlands Visitors Center and offers all of the creature comforts sought after by area travelers.
Gatlinburg offers accommodations of every kind from simple motel rooms, suites, condos and cabins to deluxe upscale mountainside homes with spectacular views and every conceivable amenity.
Gatlinburg also offers a smorgasbord of food options, from fine dining on locally raised trout to fast food. There is truly something for every taste and preference, and choosing can be one of you toughest decisions of the day!
… (9 comments)
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great smoky mountains: Gatlinburg Tennessee is the Gateway to The Great Smoky Mountains. The Chimney Tops Trail. - 08/15/08 02:35 PM
Since the establishment of the National Park in 1936, Gatlinburg has become the destination of choice for visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains. The park is a favorite choice for both through hiking and day trips.
One of the most popular day hikes in the park is the Chimney Tops Trail. This popular 4.2 mile roundtrip trail will take you to some of the best views in the Smokies.
The popularity of this trail may require parking some distance from the trailhead, so arrive early or plan on an extra long walk. Be sure to wear good hiking shoes or boots … (6 comments)
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great smoky mountains: Welcome to Gatlinburg Tennessee and The Great Smoky Mountains National Park! - 08/09/08 01:02 PM
When you ask the question: "What does this town have to offer?" few can offer the response of what makes Gatlinburg one of a kind: Gatlinburg Tennessee offers The Great Smoky Mountains National Park!
That would be enough, as the Great Smoky Mountains is the most visited National Park in the United States. Somewhere between eleven and thirteen million visitors every year come to enjoy the unsurpassed natural beauty and the magnificent splendor of creation at its finest!
But Gatlinburg has so much more to offer! It has plenty of lodging available for park visitors. Everything from simple motel rooms to … (12 comments)
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great smoky mountains: Enjoy a day hike to Andrews Bald in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park - 07/06/08 05:38 PM
If you plan a visit to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park be sure to include a day hike to Andrews Bald. Andrews Bald is a mostly open peak, with spectacular views of the North Carolina side of the Smokies.
This is generally a cool and pleasant trek, as the entire walk is over a mile in elevation. The beginning of the trail is in the Clingmans Dome parking lot. The lot is usually crowded, with visitor's climbing to the overlook tower on the peak of Clingmans Dome, and this is an excellent side trip.
You will not find so many tourists … (8 comments)
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great smoky mountains: Take a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park - 04/11/08 05:04 PM
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited National Park in the United States. Every year, over eleven million visitors com to enjoy the natural wonder and beauty of the mountains.
I have been taking photographs of the areafor thirty years now, and even if I take a hundred photos from the same vantage point, they are always different! Sometimes in a subtle way, sometimes more obvious.
In 1999 I compiled my film photos into an archive. You can see the film photos at:
SmokyPhotos.com
I also put together a collection of photos of the North Georgia Mountains and surrounding communities. You … (2 comments)
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great smoky mountains: An Easter photo for all! Little Cataloochee Church, Great Smoky Mountains National Park - 03/23/08 09:47 AM
It's Easter Sunday, 2008. Easter arrived very early this year, and it seems like a lot of us were not quite prepared. I found myself running around at the last minute, getting the ingredients together for Easter dinner. We elected to go non-traditional this year. My mother was Italian, and I make a great homemade sauce, so I am making meatballs, Italian sausage, pasta and a nice salad.
It takes a lot of preparation, so I had to start early in the morning. I lke for the sauce to simmer for at least six hours, so the meat absorbs all of … (4 comments)
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