mardi 24 juin 2014

Fall Is the Time to Visit the Great Smoky Mountains

Fall Is the Time to Visit the Great Smoky Mountains

A stunning chain of mountains stands between Carolina and Tennessee. These are the Great Smoky Mountains, named for the fog that hangs above them. They are also called the Smokies. The Great Smoky Mountains encompass over 500,000 of breathtaking scenery and are home to the most visited national park in the US, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Visitors come from around the world to enjoy this amazing beauty and enjoy the parks many lakes, mountain creeks, forests, wildlife and unique experience. Also, due to the difference in elevations, the fall colors can last for weeks, meaning there is no better time to visit.
 
Smoky mountains in autumn
Sunrise climbs over Mt. Cammerer. Nowhere can you see all the colors of the fall in one beautiful photo.

Smoky mountains in autumn
An amazing above-the-clouds look at 6600 feet, leaving only the tops of the mountains to be seen.

Smoky mountains in autumn
High in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where one can see for miles around at the sea of green, golden and red trees - Yellow birch, American beech, mountain maple, pin cherry and hobblebush. This is an amazing place to enjoy the colors.

Smoky mountains in autumn
Cades Cove is a broad valley nestled between mountains and is very popular among visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains. Visitors also enjoy many wildlife sightings in the park.

Smoky mountains in autumn
The incredible diversity of trees in the Smoky Mountains National Park is the cause of the unique color patterns that can be witnessed here.

Smoky mountains in autumn
Although these falls, the Abrams Falls, are only 20 feet high, their force and the long, deep pool at the end make this site very visit-worthy and a beautiful place to photograph. Located in Cades Cove, this waterfall was named after a Cherokee chief who village once stood a few miles away.

Smoky mountains in autumn
Roaring Fork Motor Trail is a fitting name for this energetic creek, one of the fastest flowing streams in the park. Catch it after a rain and you'll discover the why behind the name.

Smoky mountains in autumn
Even the colors of the rainbow take a second seat at times to the color display offered by the tree tops.

Smoky mountains in autumn
The Smoky Mountains Park is quite huge, offering more than 150 hiking trails that span more than 800 linear miles.

Smoky mountains in autumn
The fog rising over the mountains may resemble smoke at times, but is caused by the higher levels of moisture found in the air. Snowfall in winter can be high, and the park may get up to twice the amount of rain the surrounding areas get.

Smoky mountains in autumn
The Cherokee called this area: "Land of the Blue Smoke."

Smoky mountains in autumn
Research has shown that bears can generally distinguish between colors, which, happily means they can enjoy the myriad colors of the forest at this time of year. Besides bears, the Smokies are home to 65 species of mammals, over 230 species birds, 43 species of amphibians, 60 species of fish, and 40 species of reptiles.

Smoky mountains in autumn
This creek trail is based on an old railroad they used to haul lumber out of the mountains at the turn of the century. A little further a bench is waiting for travelers to sit and admire the scenery.

Smoky mountains in autumn
Most trails are fenced by tall trees at various stages of foliage. This is way to Ramsey Cascades, the tallest waterfall in this park.

Smoky mountains in autumn
About one hundred native tree species grow in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and that is more than in all of North Europe combined.

Smoky mountains in autumn
A side look at the Smokies from Highway 441, on a beautiful morning.

Smoky mountains in autumn
Fall has come to this little river near Tremont.

Smoky mountains in autumn
The sun and the foliage collaborating in making this a gorgeous morning.

Smoky mountains in autumn
A remarkable view from Blue Ridge Parkway.

Smoky mountains in autumn
Rising mountain 'smoke', as seen from Heintooga Ridge Road.

Smoky mountains in autumn
And we end with a stunning fall sunset over this beautiful and incredible park.
 

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