Smokey Mountains 2010

Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. World renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture, this is America’s most visited national park.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hiker's paradise with over 800 miles of maintained trails ranging from short leg-stretchers to strenuous treks that may require backcountry camping. Some trails are easy and others tough as my friend David Pepon and I soon learned. The Chimney Top Trail is not for the weak hearted, although I must admit I like to never made it to the top.

We spent three days of non-stop photography from 6 AM to 9PM. We hiked numerous miles, ran into a bear on the trail and captured some of the most beautiful country in the world. I hope you enjoy these pictures. Check out David's gallery at http://www.flickr.com/photos/ttlphotos/?v=1

NJG3362: We arrived in Towsand around 5 AM and headed straight for Cades Cove. In all my visits this was the first time that I was the first car at the gate. One the gatres opened we headed for Rich Mountain Road. This is a one way road that leads to Townsend and is noted for the first clearing and a view of a white church from the over look. This shot was taken along the way.
NJG3372: We made it to the turn-out if that is what it can be called. The church is not in this picture but is to the left of the clump of trees in the background.
NJG3389: The church in the background. This is probably one of the most photographed views in Cades Cove.
NJG3392: By 7:00 the sun was rising and shining down on the fall foliage illuminating the colors.
NJG3399: I think this was my best shot of the church. Once the sun comes up the fog comes up as well.
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NJG3408: This picture was taken at the intersection of 73 and Little River Road. As we came around the corner we immediately noticed the fall colors being reflected off the water. It was time to stop and set up the equipment.
NJG3411: This picture was taken at the intersection of 73 and Little River Road. As we came around the corner we immediately noticed the fall colors being reflected off the water. It was time to stop and set up the equipment.
NJG3413: This picture was taken at the intersection of 73 and Little River Road. As you can see the fall foliage reflection in the water was amazing.
NJG3417: Intersection of 73 and Little River Road.
NJG3421 Intersection of 73 and Little River Road.
PJG2259: Meigs Falls drops 28 feet and can be observed from a pull out on the road. There is no trail to this falls.
PJG2269_70_71_HDR: The Sinks. Here the Little River drops drastically over Sandstone and is 40 feet wide.
PJG2269 HDR
PJG2272: Another profile of The Sinks.
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NJG3434: On the road to Laurel Falls.
NJG3436: On the road to Laurel Falls.
NJG3450: On the road to Laurel Falls.
NJG3451: On the road to Laurel Falls.
NJG3463: The hike to Laurel Falls is approximately 2.5 miles round trip and is a moderate hike. This shot was taken along the trail.
NJG3469: Still on the trail to Laurel Falls I noticed something from my peripheral vision to my left only to see this young Black Bear walking along with us. I learned a lesson here. When hiking always have your camera in shutter priority, speed set for speed and let the camera set the aperture and ISO. We stopped but he continued ahead of us and was about to get on the path when we notice some hikers coming around a corner and could have startled him. We flagged them down and began making a lot of noise so that he would leave and he did to my disappointment.
NJG3476: Still on the trail to Laurel Falls the sun was creating a light show on the foliage.
NJG3477: The Mountains as seen through openings in the trail to Laurel Falls.
NJG3480: The Mountains as seen through openings in the trail to Laurel Falls.
NJG3481: The Mountains as seen through openings in the trail to Laurel Falls.
NJG3486: The Mountains as seen through openings in the trail to Laurel Falls.
NJG3487: Laurel Falls. the water flow is low at this time of year but still makes for a beautiful picture. I have been here in the spring when the water was rushing like a tidal wave.
NJG3490: Laurel Falls. the water flow is low at this time of year but still makes for a beautiful picture. I have been here in the spring when the water was rushing like a tidal wave.
NJG3493: Another view of Laurel Falls. the water flow is low at this time of year but still makes for a beautiful picture. I have been here in the spring when the water was rushing like a tidal wave.
NJG3498: Below Laurel Falls the sun was shinning through the trees reflecting the fall colors into this pool of water.
NJG3500: Another view below Laurel Falls. The sun was shinning through the trees reflecting the fall colors into this pool of water.
NJG3507: Below Laurel Falls. I took several shots of this because it was so beautiful.
NJG351: We climbed down to the bottom of Laurel Falls to capture these fantage points.
NJG3516: Below Laurel Falls. This was a steep climb down but worth the effort.
NJG3524: The Canyon below Laurel Falls.
NJG3526: another shot of the run-off water from Laurel Falls.
NJG3528: Just one more. Look close and you will see Dave laying on the rock to get that perfect shot.
NJG3537: On the hike down the trail from Laurel Falls.
NJG3557: Dave Pepon loading up his equipment after the hike from Laurel Falls. I like the Boka behind him and the reflection of the colors in the rear window.
_NJG3583: Along the Chimney Top Trail the creek below us looked almost black.
_NJG3585: Chimney Top Trail.
_NJG3593: Dave Pepon setting up to take pictures.