"Springing into the Smokies!" Great Smoky Mountains National Park by richiecdisc

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Travel Guide: 213 reviews and 511 photos

philodendrons were in full bloom - Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Though the mountains in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park are some of the nation’s oldest the park itself remains a relative newcomer compared to many of its western US counterparts. In fact local opposition nearly kept the moniker from being bestowed upon the densely forested misty mountains. Lacking the spectacular grandeur of the Grand Canyon and Yosemite, the park still packs them in like no other. In fact, it is by far the most visited of all National Parks. This no doubt is facilitated by its easy access, lack of park fees to drive through, and close proximity to a huge portion of the US population. But there is no denying that for many the simple rolling green hills of the Smokies represent what many envision when conjuring mountain scenery. Its dense lush forest offers respite from not only what can be hot muggy summer days but also the cares and woes of everyday life that people rush to escape. And perhaps ultimately it is the distinguishing blue haze that commonly hugs the Smokies like a blanket that comforts the crowds most. When one thinks of what this great country encompasses from sea to shinning sea most would envision that hazy blue mountain image as one of its true hallmarks so its no wonder the park’s enormous popularity.

Last visit to Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Jun 2007
Intro Updated Aug 8, 2007
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Reviews (8)

Sure glad I found D - Great Smoky Mountains National Park

D sure is a sport Sports & Outdoors (1)

D sure is a sport, hustling through this long hike in about 2/3rds the time alloted by the guides. We could barely walk... more travel advice

many bridges to cross - Great Smoky Mountains National Park

the Alum Cave Hike Things to Do (2)

The Alum Cave is about half way to the LeConte Lodge and for those with little time it offers a great trail in dense... more travel advice

the hazy quality of the smokies before a storm - Great Smoky Mountains National Park

the Smokies Things to Do (2)

The Smokies have almost a magical quality with a misty hazy hue enveloping the rolling rush hills that many consider the... more travel advice

the rhododendrons after the storm - Great Smoky Mountains National Park

in no time it was ancient history Favorites (4)

The trail down was a bit slippery from the storm and our knees were not quite ready for the decent as we’d not done... more travel advice

Hotels (1)
home, home on the range

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Comments (7)

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SHERLIN14 Jun 8, 2010 at 3:57 AM

I totally agree with you. We went to Cades Cove. The views are breathtaking. We even saw bears. A great place for pics. The mountain range is the most spectacular site. wildlifeworld360.com/great-s...
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BruceDunning Jun 11, 2009 at 3:33 PM

I guess you found it really "rustic" up in those mountains. I got stuck in winter a couple of times in the area. Sleet, ice and snow make it treacherous to drive. Great pics and the stay in the cabins looked super.
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Bwana_Brown Aug 19, 2007 at 5:39 AM

A very enjoyable account of your beautiful little day-hike! I've just finished Bill Bryson's "A Walk in the Woods" on his Appalachian Trail hike from Georgia to Maine. It was nice to see the huts he mentioned, but the price (yikes)!!!
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Trekki Aug 11, 2007 at 11:58 PM

:-) at least you both had some hiking in between your recent trip :-)) The trail looks nice and even such a luxury of warm meals inside :-) Paths with rhododendron - oh my, magic :-)
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DoreenDe Aug 11, 2007 at 6:12 PM

Just imagine how late of a start we would have gotten if we stayed in Jack of the woods ;o)
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sandysmith Aug 11, 2007 at 9:09 AM

great pics Richie, love the storm one
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Florida999 Aug 10, 2007 at 6:45 PM

We've been up to Alum Cave some years ago. The kids took turns sliding down the dusty slope on their behinds....I need to dig up some photos of that... Nice photos:)