The Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Smoke on the Mountain

My latest post is a family favorite.  It is a location that is close to home and has something to offer to the entire family.  I started going there thirteen years ago and still go at least one time a year.  The Great Smoky Mountain Park is located in Eastern TN and Western NC.  I prefer the parts of the park that are in Eastern TN.  My favorite town in the Smokies is Townsend, TN.  They claim to be the "Peaceful side of the Smokies."   That is the part about this area that I love.  It does not have all of the hustle and bustle like Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville.  It is a peaceful town right on the Little River.  My family typically rents a cabin right on the river and a view of Rich Mountain.  We get the best of both worlds, the view of the mountains and the sweet sounds of a mountain stream.

My favorite places in the Smokies revolve around my favorite activities in the park.  I love Cades Cove.  We go there to see wildlife, find wildflowers, and learn a little history.  Cades Cove is an 11 mile auto tour.  Deer and Black Bears are plentiful.  If you are lucky you might glimpse some other critters as well.

The next spot we hit is the Roaring Fork motor trail.  If you like to hunt waterfalls this is the place for you.  Every twist and turn has another view of the falling water.  It feels like you are following the song of heaven as that water winds its way ever downward.






We really like photographing wildflowers and butterflies.  We always hit Rich Mountain road on our way home from the cove.  It has some species of trees and wildflowers that can only be found in the Great Smoky National Park.  My favorite is the Fraser Magnolia.

Every time I go to the Smokies I feel closer to God.

Until next time, Safe travels.


C. Troy

 “Two roads diverged in a wood and I – I took the one less traveled by.” – Robert Frost

Quote copied from: http://matadornetwork.com/bnt/50-most-inspiring-travel-quotes-of-all-time/