That famous fog that surrounds the Smoky Mountains actually is produced by native vegetation in the area. Not only do volatile organic compounds explain the foggy appearance, but they are also the reason for the blue tint.
Interestingly my previous trip to the Smokies was just before COVID struck and this one is just after we decided to break quarantine. But still bored with all the masks!
Trying to find my motivation to complete the semester, but it was all smoky!
The history of the Appalachian Mountains is a precious thing and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park preserves this story
First sunroof experience.. aaaaah!
Harbor some of the finest temperate forests on the planet, leaf show in the Smokies is EYE-POPPING to say the least.
At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome boasts the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The half-mile trail to the summit of Clingmans Dome is paved, but very steep - During the short hike, we gained 332 feet, which makes the climb gradient almost 13%!
How trekking in COVID look like :)
The helical walkway ramp to the top of the observation tower
The spaceship styled observation tower atop the summit. Perched high above the tree line, the tower allows for panoramic views and on a clear day, the visibility can provide stunning 100-mile views!
The Dome (which is the mountain and not the observation tower) actually lies within both Tennessee and North Carolina and is the highest point in Tennessee.
Literally have no idea about what I am doing with my life
Oh and the drone shooting was simply exhilarating. Check this out?
At nearly a mile high, Newfound Gap is the lowest drivable pass through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The noteworthy, Appalachian Trail also crosses here which is the longest hiking-only trail in the world.
The trail straddles between the NC and TN state border for a long time.
Starting from Cherokee, climb approximately 3,000 feet elevation in 18 miles, ascending through cove hardwood, pine, oak, and northern hardwood forest to attain the evergreen spruce-fir forest at the gap. This fragrant evergreen woodland is similar to the boreal forests of New England and eastern Canada
Being a party town that it is, a lot of people say that the best time to visit Gatlinburg is during Halloween. So here we are :)
The whole town was painted with halloween colors and spookiness, along with ...
The best of the lot!
