Carlos Campbell Overlook in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

this is the view from Carlos Campbell overlook in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  next

Carlos Campbell Overlook in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

 This overlook is named after Carlos C. Campbell, a noted conservationist who worked tirelessly to help establish Great Smoky Mountains National Park as a National Park back when many local businessmen and politicians were against the formation of a park; the overlook was named in his honor posthumously.  The overlook is located on Newfound Gap Road just a few miles south of Sugarlands Visitor Center, the pulloff is right on the east side of the road. The dramatic view takes in a large section of the valley all the way to Mt. LeConte at just under 6600'elevation.  next

Roaring Fork River on Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

this is the Roaring Fork River by the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  next

Roaring Fork Motor Nature is a winding one-way road close to Gatlinburg, Tennessee just inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park that loops up into the mountains and then back down into Gatlinburg, passing several pioneer homesites, a couple of nice valley overlooks, several trailheads leading to  Grotto Falls and Mt. LeConte as well as others, the Roaring Fork River for a ways, as well as Place of a Thousand Drips waterfall right by the roadside. The road is a little narrow and curvy in spots and may not be  suitable for a large RV; the road is also closed in winter. From Gatlinburg on US 441,take traffic light #8 through an intersection to Cherokee Orchard Road; after 3-4 miles you will come to the one-way entrance to Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.   next

this is the millhouse at Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail at the Reagan homeplace.  next

this is the Roaring Fork River in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  next

cabin at Bud Ogle farmstead

this is another view of Noah Bud Ogle cabin in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.   next

this is the barn close to the cabin at the Bud Ogle homestead.  next

Little Pigeon River in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

this is Little Pigeon River near Greenbrier, Tennessee.  next

Little Pigeon River near Greenbrier, Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

One of my favorite areas in the Smoky Mountains is along the Little Pigeon River in Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Greenbrier, Tennessee. The picture above is from where Porter's creek joins the Little Pigeon River; the road forks at this area; the right fork takes you to Porter's Creek trailhead; the left fork crosses the creek and takes you to Ramsay's Cascades trailhead. next

Rim Trail at White Rock Mountain in Arkansas

this is the western view from the Rim Trail on White Rock Mountain in northwest Arkansas; the trail follows the band of cliffs that ring the flat, narrow top of  (next)

White Rock Mountain is a beautiful mountain located in northcentral Arkansas toward the western end of the Boston Mountains; it is the highest area for some distance and has really sweeping views particularly to the south and west; Oklahoma is visible on a clear day. It is not really easy to get here; I had to drive 13+ miles on gravel roads to get here although that is part of the fun; and it is really remote; you feel like you are in the wilderness. (I will put directions in a future post) There are several cabins and a lodge dating from the 1930's you can rent; although they are a little funky; all are comfortable. (no central heat or air; just a wood stove and hot running water). The views from the Rim Trail are pretty awesome; some of the best in the state; there are several overlook shelters along this trail to stop and take in the view. Be super careful along parts of this trail; it goes right to the edge of the cliffs in several spots; several people have supposedly died in falls here. Make sure you bring all your supplies with you; it is at least 15 miles over rough roads to the nearest small store. I have another view from the Rim Trail here:

this is fall color near the Sunset overlook on the Rim Trail at White Rock Mountain; note that fog has almost topped the cliffs; fog is very common here. next

this is the entrance to the top of the mountain, note the cliff warning; at least 7 people have died falling from the 50-100' cliffs; the trail goes right to the edge in places so I can see how it could happen; watch your step!   next

this is the neat old lodge I stayed in; it was built in the 1930's.

Cove Hardwoods Nature Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

This is autumn color on West Prong Little Pigeon River  at Cove Hardwoods Nature Trail by the picnic area.  next

Cove Hardwoods Nature Trail is located  about 4.5 miles south of Sugarlands Visitor Center right off of US 441 in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The picnic area  is located along West Prong Little Pigeon River; there are restrooms and a phone here.  Besides putting on a great autumn color display, this area  is known for epic spring wildflower blooms also. The trail is an easy 1 mile loop. next

here is a late blooming wildflower at Cove Hardwoods Nature Trail. next

This  is the US 441 bridge at Cove Hardwoods Nature Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Grotto Falls in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

this is Grotto Falls in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. next

Grotto Falls in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Grotto Falls is a great hiking destination in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. From US 441 in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, take traffic light #8 on into the park to Cherokee Orchard Road; after  3.6 miles turn right onto Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail; drive 1.7 miles to the Grotto Falls trailhead. After a short distance, the trail joins Trillium Gap Trail. Grotto Falls is about 1.3 miles oneway; it is a constant, moderate grade all the way to the falls. After the falls, the trail goes all the way to the summit of Mt LeConte. The trail actually goes under the falls; if you are there at the right time, you may get to see a llama train carrying supplies to LeConte Lodge (at the summit) travelling under the falls! I have several images of the falls here: