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

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

this Is LeConte Creek just below the tub mill on the Noah Bud Ogle Nature Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The roof of the millhouse can just be seen in the upper left of the image.

After you leave Phelps Lake Overlook, you continue down the trail  through a few switchbacks around 7/10 of a mile to  a trail junction; the left goes to Phelps Lake, the right goes into Death Canyon. Around this point, you can see up into the upper reaches of the canyon and it's a little intimidating. Although the grade isn't as bad as it looks from the bottom of the canyon, it's about 1.5 miles to the upper reaches of the canyon where the grade lessens; until then,  it is a constant uphill grind. The scenery gets better and better as you ascend; both sides of the canyon are soaring granite walls popular with climbers. The canyon feels much more vertical and closed-in than the more popular Cascade Canyon Trail. If you hang in long enough, the canyon eventually flattens and the hiking gets much easier.  next

this is the view from the steep section of the hike; the trail runs close to the river for much of this stretch.  next

this is the river near the upper portion of the canyon; clouds were forming at this point and we heard thunder; at this elevation, lightning is a common and dangerous phenomenon; the storms move in very quickly.  next

This is one of my favorite stretches of   the stream in Death Canyon.  next

Falling Water Falls