Great Smoky Mountains National Park. One of my all time favorite places to visit, and that’s where I was 10 years ago this month. In fact, that’s the last time I’ve been to the Smoky Mountains. (I will definitely have to fix that one day soon.)
One of my favorite places in the park is Cades Cove. The trick to visiting Cades Cove, which I discovered by accident, is to arrive as early in the morning as possible so you can usually beat the crowds and feel like you have the whole place to yourself. It really does feel like you’ve gone back to a much simpler time if there really is such a thing. Then, throw in a slightly overcast sky, a bit of fog, and trees overhanging the road. . . well, that’s just magical to me.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, September 2014
The Cades Cove Loop Road winds about 11 miles through the cove. At about the halfway point (if you don’t take any of the “short cuts”) is the only visitor center in the cove, and that is where you will find the John Cable Grist Mill. The mill was constructed in 1868, but Mr. Cable had a bit of a water problem. . .he didn’t have enough of it. To solve the problem, he built a series of elaborate diversions along the Mill and Forge Creeks to bring in enough water to power the wheel. As the saying goes, where there’s a will, there’s a way.
Cades Cove, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, September 2014
One of the great things about the Smoky Mountains is the multitude of photographic subjects it provides. Everywhere you look, there is something incredible to photograph. Do you enjoy capturing grand landscapes? You can do that. Prefer the small intimate details of nature? They are there. How about wildlife or wildflower photography? Got it. No matter what your preferred nature photography subject, the Smokies pretty much has it covered.
One evening as the sun was getting low on the horizon, my wife and I were on our way to Clingmans Dome when we noticed this amazing view. We stopped at the first pullout we came upon to take in this incredible view of the tree covered mountains and beautiful cloud formations before us. It didn’t take very long before the camera came out and the shutter button started getting pressed!
Clouds and mountain ridges at sunset, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, September 2014
And, let’s not forget about sunsets. Drive along U.S. Highway 441 between Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and Cherokee, North Carolina. There are several overlook areas where you can pull off the road and catch the stunning views. The trick is to be in the right place at the right time to see the sunset. And, a little bit of luck with the weather always helps. Because of the seemingly constant change in weather patterns at different elevations, finding the best spot to view the setting sun can vary from one day to the next. You have to be able to quickly recognize whether conditions are favorable for sunset viewing at your current location. If not, you have to either move quickly to the next possible spot or take your chances on another day. But, when everything comes together, it is truly breathtaking.
Sunset over the Great Smoky Mountains, September 2014
Well, that’s it for my look back at some of my images from September 2014. I hope you enjoyed them.
“Cades Cove Loop Road” is a wonderful photograph!
Thank you, Alex. I’m glad you like it. When I look at it, I can still feel, even after all these years, the sense of quiet and tranquility that I had that morning when I photographed it. It was a wonderful moment, indeed.