Turning the bend once again in the Smokies

[pjflan7]

This view is from a lookout vantage point several hundred feet below the pinnacle of the Smokies, Clingman's Dome. To get to the top, you must take a rather unpleasant hike for 1/2 mile almost straight up.....no flat spots.....just keep putting one foot in front of another til you get there.



This is a view from the trail up to the pinnacle at Clingman's Dome


What I found interesting about this shot was the color ribbon of autumn trees. Up at Clingman's Dome, you only get high elevation trees, the evergreens, pines and such...looks the same all year long up there with a spot here and there of deciduous trees. But more interestingly, the color winds along the road leading up to the trailhead and only extends 50 feet or so on each side of the road. I have no earthly explanation as to why this might be. Also note the dead trees in the foreground caused by beetle infestation.


Now this is the pool I spoke of in an earlier post at the base of "The Sinks" waterfall. It's a pretty deep pool of water and a pretty place to sit on a large rock and enjoy the view.

[Up North Photos]

Great set. I like the look of the third picture, but i really like the feel of being in the mountains in the second one. Thanks for sharing.

[rohansule]

very beautiful shots. its worth to hike for those shots.

[BryanC]

Beautiful country. Wonderful views. Great captures. Thanks for giving us a look!

[Fred flyfisher]

OK Patrick, you keep showing me great places to fish and take pictures. LOL... more very nice pix my friend. TFS!

[lyacadajar]

what a stunning view! i could stay in that place for long and will still not get enough of it! it has just so much to offer to a tired soul! thanks for sharing.

[sheree]

very nice shots love that first one.. the last one the sinks iv been there its nice.. i dont live to far from the mountians. im in maryville so i get up around cades cove and the sinks quite a bit never been to Clingman's Dome though may have to take a trip up there some time it looks very pretty there.just took a trip to the bald river falls in tellico plains today was very nice there great waterfall.

[ethanaung]

For first pic, Just like HEAVEN. Very beautiful pics. It worth climbing right ?

[Alexander]

Very nice. This is one of my favorite places on earth to visit. I hope to get up there one day this summer for some photos myself. Thanks for sharing.

[FoG]

Wonderful shots ! and what better way on a 1/2 mile straight up hike than to stop to get your breath and shoot some pics! *makes note of that ecsue for later in year*