The Smoky Mountains

The Great Smoky Mountains, a.k.a. The Smokies, are a sub-range of the Appalachian mountains rising along the Tennessee and North Carolina border, and are protected by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park which is visited by over 9 million tourists every year. That makes it the most visited national park in the country! Peter and I didn't know that when we added ourselves to that number this spring, but we certainly learned what the attractions are for so many. Traveling west to east, we spent the better part of five days in and around the Smokies, anchoring ourselves on top of a mountain in Townsend, TN and nestling into a valley in Asheville, NC.

Spring came late to the Smokies this year, as it has in many places across the country so the forests and plant life were just beginning to consider waking up after their winter slumber, but that didn't interfere with our enjoying the mountain air, early morning sunrise and sunsets from high atop a mountain, rushing rivers, water falls and hoofing around the coves, which in mountain-speak is a small valley between two ridge lines that is closed at one or both ends. In Townsend, we stayed at a magnificent B&B called Gracehill which is perched on top of one of the three peaks of Little Round Top. From there, we explored Cades Cove, the Middle Prong of Little River, and Roaring Fork, and came to appreciate the quiet and solitude of the mountains. In Asheville, we tucked ourselves in to the Inn on Biltmore, which is a ten year old Inn on the Biltmore Estate, technically in the Blue Ridge Mountains but bordering the Great Smokies. From the Rocking Chair porch we enjoyed the expansive view across the valley to the mountains beyond and watched the colors of both change as the sun set each night. Like so many thousands of others, we toured the estate which we found interesting and more tasteful than we'd expected but what we truly enjoyed was walking the grounds and appreciating the estate's breath-taking location.

When we were in Asheville, I spoke to a former colleague and friend, who said he was envious of us as he would love to see the Smokies someday. Well, John this slide show is for you - previews of coming attractions - something to whet your appetite before you get in your car to see more, first hand.

 Photos and Slide Show by Claudia Ward
Music: Whiskey Before Breakfast by Bobby Horton

Safe travels.

 

Comments

[Sally]

Love some of those shots!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Claudia]

I'm embarrassed to say I had to Google "swallowtails", Ally. I had no idea those beautiful butterflies are swallowtails. Thanks for continuing my education - I love that!

[ally]

I really liked your water shots and of course the swallowtails.

[Barbara Andolsek Paintings]

I have found that I am getting a terrible case of 'Wanderlust'... I wonder why? Thanks for sharing this. Btw, I think you pick great places to stay. Sitting on that porch in the evening with a glass of wine... heaven.