Great Smokey Mountains
The Great Smokey Mountain National Park in Tennessee is another place I have been looking forward to visiting. This is the first location where we will spend three nights, giving us a little over two full days to tour. We arrived a little late in the season to expect the full splendor of the autumn colors but were still hoping to see some of the spectacular shades of red, orange, and yellow that embellish the rolling hills. We were not disappointed because different altitudes turn earlier than others. In our case, the best color was in the lower levels.
Tree Tunnel
As we left Interstate 40 and headed south on route 441 into Pigeon Forge, we were both amazed, and a little disappointed, to see the commercialization of the area. Although there were likely colorful ridges lining both sides of the valley that the highway flows through they were totally obscured by hotels, motels, roller coasters, Ferris wheels, bill boards and flashing LED signs. This went on for several miles. Continuing south toward the park entrance we enjoyed our first glimpse of the true beauty of the area as we cruised through a “tree tunnel” – a hole in the foliage formed by the extended branches of the numerous roadside trees. The north entrance lies on the south side of the town of Gatlinburg and they have cleverly provided a “by pass” so sight seekers do not need to drive through the busy town to reach the park.
But the hills were spectacular. The best time to visit the park is in September, but the colored foliage was certainly still hanging on, though perhaps not in the splendor it had earlier in the season. We visited with relatives on the morning of the first day, then drove to Clingman’s Cove, the highest point in the park.
View from Clingman Dome
You can see at the right the view we were presented with as we neared the lookout – totally fogged in.
With one full day left to spend in the park we drove the main road from east to west, taking in all the side trips and many of the pull-offs for pictures. Many of them are in the slide show at the bottom. That afternoon we drove Cades Cove loop which is an out and back scenic tour and again we took lots of pictures. Enjoy the show below …
Loved the slide show! Stay safe! Hugs to both of you!