Hiking - Smokies Galleries

LeConte Hike: Alum Cave Trail, 8/26/09 : The most popular hiking trail to Mt. LeConte is the Alum Cave trail. Here are photos from my hike up and back to the Mt. LeConte Lodge via the Alum Cave trail, aka ACB trail. Date hiked: 8/26/2009. Highlights: Grass of Parnassus, Linear-leaved Gentian, Monkshood flowers and the llamas.

LeConte Hike: Alum Cave Trail, 8/26/09

The most popular hiking trail to Mt. LeConte is the Alum Cave trail. ...

Updated: Aug 27, 2009 6:18am PST

Coasting Down Clingman's Dome via Goshen Prong :

Coasting Down Clingman's Dome via Goshen Prong

Updated: Aug 26, 2009 4:48am PST

Welch Ridge & Cold Spring Gap Hike, July 2009 : My hiking partner Janice only needed to hike 8.4 miles along two trails–unfortunately, both were in the middle of the Smokies. The result? 23.3 miles of hiking from 6 am to nearly 6:30 pm–some 12 hours–all without the benefit of a lunch break. Enjoy our gallery of photos taken during that hike. To read Jan's hiking journal, visit http://home.earthlink.net/~firepink/id21.html

Welch Ridge & Cold Spring Gap Hike, July 2009

My hiking partner Janice only needed to hike 8.4 miles along two trail ...

Updated: Jul 19, 2009 3:11am PST

Jan's 900th Mile: Newfound Gap-Cosby via the AT (July 2009) :

Jan's 900th Mile: Newfound Gap-Cosby via the AT (July 2009)

Updated: Jul 16, 2009 10:56am PST

AT-Newfound Gap-Charlie's Bunion-Laurel Top-Hughes Ridge-Bradley Fork Hike (June 2009) :

AT-Newfound Gap-Charlie's Bunion-Laurel Top-Hughes Ridge-Bradley Fork Hike (June 2009)

Updated: Jul 16, 2009 10:47am PST

Hazel Creek + Bone Valley Hike, July 2009 :

Hazel Creek + Bone Valley Hike, July 2009

Updated: Jul 09, 2009 8:42am PST

Hazel Creek Trail Hike, October 2006 : Hazel Creek is one of the longest trails in the Smokies. See photos from my four-day hike along this and some adjacent trails. Read the hike journals: http://home.earthlink.net/~tnhiker/lifeafter50onemansperspective/id6.html

Hazel Creek Trail Hike, October 2006

Hazel Creek is one of the longest trails in the Smokies. See photos f ...

Updated: Jul 05, 2009 2:12pm PST

Bear Creek, aka "Suck It Up" Trail, Nov. 2008 : The route was Lakeshore Trail (2.3 mi.)-Forney Creek Trail (0.4 mi.)-up Bear Creek Trail (5.9 mi.)-back down Bear Creek Trail (5.9 mi.)-Forney Creek Trail (1.1 mi.)-Whiteoak Branch Trail (1.8 mi.)-Lakeshore Trail (1.9 mi. back to our car). Viewers might enjoy the linked hiking journal for this gallery, written by Janice, which relates the tale about our 18.9 mile hike to the top of Bear Creek Trail, her blowing out a sole on one of her hiking boots and a close encounter (actually a few close encounters that night) with a wild hog.

Bear Creek, aka "Suck It Up" Trail, Nov. 2008

The route was Lakeshore Trail (2.3 mi.)-Forney Creek Trail (0.4 mi.)-u ...

Updated: Jun 27, 2009 3:21am PST

Jenkins Ridge Hike, June 2009 : The Fifth Trail from Never--A Smokies Hike. The route.....Anthony Creek to Bote Mountain (3.6 mi)-Bote Mountain to Appalachian Trail (1.7 mi)-AT to Jenkins Ridge (.3 mi)-Jenkins Ridge to Hazel Creek (8.9 mi)-Hazel Creek to Lakeshore Trail (4.5 mi)-#86 to boat ramp (.5 mi). Jenkins Ridge Trail is a one-of-a-kind-trail. It’s seldom walked as trails in the Smokies go and it was vastly overgrown most of the way. Brambles and thorns--a long-hiking-pants kind of day. The trail traverses the full gamut of vegetation types in its descent from high grassy bald to lower elevation pine forest. Visit my Life After 50 website where you can read our hiking journal for this hike: http://home.earthlink.net/~tnhiker/lifeafter50onemansperspective/id144.html

Jenkins Ridge Hike, June 2009

The Fifth Trail from Never--A Smokies Hike. The route.....Anthony Cre ...

Updated: Jun 21, 2009 6:55am PST

Gregory Bald--August 2001 : Gregory Bald is a popular destination for visitors to the Cades Cove area of the Smokies. Not so many actually make it to the top in the heat of August.

Gregory Bald--August 2001

Gregory Bald is a popular destination for visitors to the Cades Cove a ...

Updated: Jun 17, 2009 4:42pm PST

Big Creek-Camel Gap-AT-Snake Den Ridge Trails, May 2009 : Late spring is an excellent time to hike the higher elevation trails in the Smokies and this hike is a good one. Noisy creeks, grand vistas and nearly 6,000' of elevation make for a strenous and interesting hike.

Big Creek-Camel Gap-AT-Snake Den Ridge Trails, May 2009

Late spring is an excellent time to hike the higher elevation trails i ...

Updated: May 27, 2009 1:46pm PST

White Oak Sinks Area, May 2009 : White Oak Sinks is one of those unique areas in the Smokies where rare plants can be found and horses are not allowed. I hope you'll enjoy this gallery of photos taken in late May 2009 when I discovered several unusual species of flowers in bloom.

White Oak Sinks Area, May 2009

White Oak Sinks is one of those unique areas in the Smokies where rare ...

Updated: May 27, 2009 7:21am PST

Hyatt Ridge-Enloe Creek-Chasteen Creek Loop Hike, May 2009 : We think Enloe Creek is one of the loveliest trails in the Smokies and is certainly one of the wildest. You'll almost never out of earshot of one of two major creeks: Raven Fork and Enloe Creek. You'll have to "endure" other trails to access this interior gem and in this photo gallery you'll follow us thru from start to finish during a lovely late-spring season hike when the rivers were flowing with gusto.

Hyatt Ridge-Enloe Creek-Chasteen Creek Loop Hike, May 2009

We think Enloe Creek is one of the loveliest trails in the Smokies and ...

Updated: May 24, 2009 3:29pm PST

AT-Sweat Heifer Creek-Grassy Branch-Dry Sluice Gap-AT-Newfound Gap Loop Hike : Hike from 5,000' Newfound Gap along the AT to Sweat Heifer Creek trail and then drop down to Kephart hiking shelter some 2,600' lower. Climb back up to the AT via Grassy Branch & Dry Sluice Gap, pass by Charlie's Bunion and Icewater Spring shelter just before topping-out at over 6,000' elevation. Bump and twist another 2 miles back down the steep and rocky AT to the parking lot at Newfound Gap. 13.6 miles total with over 4,500' of total climbing. Spring wildflowers and gushing creeks galore. This is a Smokies Classic Hike and is one of my top 10 favorites in the park.

AT-Sweat Heifer Creek-Grassy Branch-Dry Sluice Gap-AT-Newfound Gap Loop Hike

Hike from 5,000' Newfound Gap along the AT to Sweat Heifer Creek trail ...

Updated: May 16, 2009 1:17pm PST

Chestnut Top Trail (Smokies) March 2009 : Wednesday, March 5th, 2009.....Chestnut Top trail, Smokies This is perhaps one of the best places in the Smokies to spot those first spring wildflowers and today's short walk up the ridge from the Townsend "Wye" revealed that wildflowers are just about ready to start blooming.

Chestnut Top Trail (Smokies) March 2009

Wednesday, March 5th, 2009.....Chestnut Top trail, Smokies This is pe ...

Updated: Mar 05, 2009 3:00pm PST

Old Sugarlands :

Old Sugarlands

Updated: Jan 02, 2009 7:42am PST

Bear Creek Trail (Smokies) 11/11/2008 : Bear Creek Trail (Smokies), 11/11/08 -- Up and down "Jumpup Ridge" in one day. This was another of those nearly impossible dayhikes of an interior Smokies trail in the Forney Creek (Bryson City, NC) area of the park. 20 mile hike on Veteran's Day, 11/11/08, from the tunnel on Lake View Drive (Road to Nowhere) out to Bear Creek trail where we hiked up the 3,100' of mostly 17% - 20% grade trail for 5.9 miles to Welch Ridge trail. Our return included a slight diversion across White Oak Branch trail where we had multiple night-time encounters with a HUGE wild boar.

Bear Creek Trail (Smokies) 11/11/2008

Bear Creek Trail (Smokies), 11/11/08 -- Up and down "Jumpup Ridge" in ...

Updated: Nov 20, 2008 2:10am PST

Sunkota Ridge Hike (Smokies) 11/2008 : Thomas Divide - Sunkota Ridge - Loop Trail - Indian Creek - Deep Creek trails (Smokies) - Sunkota Ridge is one of those interior trails that sees little hiking activity--especially for its upper 4.8 mile section between Thomas Divide and Martin's Gap trails. Originally constructed by the CCC in the 1930's, this trail offers one of the most enjoyable and easy-walking routes in the Smokies. So what's the problem? You'll have to hike over 15 miles to walk this interior 4.8 mile section. And yes, like Eagle Creek, dayhiking this trail from top to bottom is easiest with cars at opposite ends which means another grand tour of the park via car.

Sunkota Ridge Hike (Smokies) 11/2008

Thomas Divide - Sunkota Ridge - Loop Trail - Indian Creek - Deep Creek ...

Updated: Nov 12, 2008 3:02pm PST

AT Segment Across Cold Spring Knob (Smokies) 11/2008 : Cold Spring Knob section of the AT (Smokies) 11/9/08 -- Touring the upper reaches of Walker Valley (Tremont) via Cold Spring Knob on the AT - Accessed via Middle Prong, Lynn Camp Prong, Miry Ridge & Greenbrier Ridge Trails. Photos coming soon. This 2.4 mile long interior segment of the Appalachian Trail (AT) was one not previously hiked by my friend Janice and was the object of our 21 mile hike Sunday, 11/9/08. Yeah, you read that right, 21 miles of hiking to do a 2.4 mile section of trail. Such is a typical itinerary for those of us who decide after a few years (is 25 years a few?) of hiking in the Smokies that we are going to hike all of the trails in the Smokies!

AT Segment Across Cold Spring Knob (Smokies) 11/2008

Cold Spring Knob section of the AT (Smokies) 11/9/08 -- Touring the up ...

Updated: Nov 12, 2008 1:32pm PST

Eagle Creek Hike 2008 (Smokies) : Eagle Creek trail is often the last hike remaining for people striving to complete all of the hiking trails in the Smokies. Why? Maybe it is those 18 unbridged stream crossings which can be up to waist-deep. Or maybe it is the last mile of Eagle Creek trail which climbs at a grade of over 25% before reaching Spence Field hiking shelter. Join me & hiking buddy Janice for my 2nd and Jan's 1st hike of this infamous route. And what do you do on the day after? Go back to Fontana Dam Marina to retrieve your car--yep, lots of driving and the need for a commercial boat shuttle across Fontana Lake are two more reasons this trail gets little action.

Eagle Creek Hike 2008 (Smokies)

Eagle Creek trail is often the last hike remaining for people striving ...

Updated: Nov 08, 2008 3:28am PST

Beech Gap to Hyatt Ridge (October 2008) : Beech Gap II runs up the eastern flank of Hyatt Ridge and joins Hyatt Ridge trail about 9/10ths mile from McGee Springs backcountry campsite (#44). This Halloween day hike was accented by residual snowfall and splendid fall colors at the lower elevations. And yes, those bears are still on the prowl--we found tracks in the snow.

Beech Gap to Hyatt Ridge (October 2008)

Beech Gap II runs up the eastern flank of Hyatt Ridge and joins Hyatt ...

Updated: Nov 02, 2008 12:54pm PST

Rich Mtn-Indian Grave Gap-Scott Mtn Trail Hike : This combination of trails follows the NW boundary line of the Smokies--just north of Cades Cove, near Townsend and the Foothills Parkway. Enjoy fall colors and bears! Also, get a look at some unusual seed pods to include milkweed parachute seeds and the seedpods of the infrequently seen Green Violet.

Rich Mtn-Indian Grave Gap-Scott Mtn Trail Hike

This combination of trails follows the NW boundary line of the Smokies ...

Updated: Nov 02, 2008 6:45am PST

Gunter Fork Loop Hike 10/2008 : 19 Mile loop hike from Mt. Sterling Gap to Big Creek Campground via Sterling Ridge, Balsam Mtn, Gunter Fork & Big Creek trails.

Gunter Fork Loop Hike 10/2008

19 Mile loop hike from Mt. Sterling Gap to Big Creek Campground via St ...

Updated: Oct 29, 2008 8:17am PST

Forney Ridge & Andrew's Bald Hike to Lake View Drive Tunnel : Clingman's Dome to Lake View Drive tunnel via Forney Ridge, Springhouse Branch, Forney Creek, Whiteoak Branch and Lakeshore trails. 17.3 mile fall color hike. Nice colors, long distance views, old CCC camp, old CCC era junkpile and rotten footbridge. And a bear!

Forney Ridge & Andrew's Bald Hike to Lake View Drive Tunnel

Clingman's Dome to Lake View Drive tunnel via Forney Ridge, Springhous ...

Updated: Oct 27, 2008 12:34pm PST

Clingman's Dome-Elkmont Hike via the AT, Siler's Bald & Miry Ridge : Fall season hike along the spine of the Smokies.

Clingman's Dome-Elkmont Hike via the AT, Siler's Bald & Miry Ridge

Fall season hike along the spine of the Smokies.

Updated: Oct 21, 2008 10:03am PST

Brushy Mtn - Foggy Day :

Brushy Mtn - Foggy Day

Updated: Oct 18, 2008 4:05pm PST

Hiking Shelters : Hiking shelters. Gallery includes all of the Smokies shelters and a few from other locations.

Hiking Shelters

Hiking shelters. Gallery includes all of the Smokies shelters and a f ...

Updated: Oct 14, 2008 6:18am PST

Fall Color Loop - Low Gap, Big Creek, Camel Gap, AT, Cosby Knob : I'd vote for Camel Gap trail as the one with the best autumn foliage views in the Smokies. There's just one small problem: Getting there. Few trails in the Smokies are as difficult to access as Camel Gap trail. Join me via my hiking journal and linked photo gallery as I again hike Camel Gap trail to enjoy fabulous views of the fall colors. This hike will begin and end in the Cosby campground area of the Smokies and will traverse a distance of about 15.9 miles. Let's get started. Visit my website where you can link to the full story. http://home.earthlink.net/~tnhiker/lifeafter50onemansperspective/id118.html . .

Fall Color Loop - Low Gap, Big Creek, Camel Gap, AT, Cosby Knob

I'd vote for Camel Gap trail as the one with the best autumn foliage v ...

Updated: Oct 14, 2008 6:17am PST

Eagle Creek Hike : Eagle Creek trail is only 8.9 miles long but it took 20 years of hiking along over nearly 800 miles of trails in the Smokies before I hiked it the first time. Read my hike journal: http://home.earthlink.net/~tnhiker/lifeafter50onemansperspective/id31.html

Eagle Creek Hike

Eagle Creek trail is only 8.9 miles long but it took 20 years of hikin ...

Updated: Sep 30, 2008 2:57am PST

Cataloochee-->Big Fork Ridge-McKee Branch-Caldwell Fork-Rough Fork Loop Hike : Cataloochee area loop hike with elk along roadsides. Photos taken during a 15 mile loop hike in the Smokies. Elk were in the season of the rut (breeding season) during this hike.

Cataloochee-->Big Fork Ridge-McKee Branch-Caldwell Fork-Rough Fork Loop Hike

Cataloochee area loop hike with elk along roadsides. Photos taken dur ...

Updated: Sep 28, 2008 2:44pm PST

Clingman's Dome to Double Spring Gap Shelter : Oh yeah, it was a good day to be on the AT in the Smokies. Saturday, 9/20/2008 found me pulling-on my long-sleeved shirt as I stepped out of the car in 48 F temperatures in the parking area near the peak of 6,643' Clingman's Dome. Clear skies and a brisk breeze out of the north made this feel more like a November day instead of mid-September. I was here to check out the newly renovated Double Spring Gap hiking shelter some 3 miles to the west along the Appalachian Trail (AT).

Clingman's Dome to Double Spring Gap Shelter

Oh yeah, it was a good day to be on the AT in the Smokies. Saturday, ...

Updated: Sep 21, 2008 5:28am PST

Welch Ridge & Bear Creek Trails (Smokies Autumn Hike) :

Welch Ridge & Bear Creek Trails (Smokies Autumn Hike)

Updated: Sep 02, 2008 3:13am PST

Lynn Camp Prong Trail Loop Hike : Lynn Camp Prong trail in the Smokies was long regarded as a muddy, horse-damaged trail to avoid. My most recent hike revealed a lovely trail with a gentle grade along the north slope of the mountains. Narry a muddy place was found! Photos include Middle Prong, Lynn Camp Prong, Miry Ridge, Jake's Gap and Panther Creek trails. See my profile to link to my hiking journal website.

Lynn Camp Prong Trail Loop Hike

Lynn Camp Prong trail in the Smokies was long regarded as a muddy, hor ...

Updated: Aug 29, 2008 5:02am PST

Hemphill Bald--Trail Views & Landscapes : Hemphill Bald trail at over 5,000' elevation is one of the premier upper elevation hikes in the Smokies.

Hemphill Bald--Trail Views & Landscapes

Hemphill Bald trail at over 5,000' elevation is one of the premier upp ...

Updated: Aug 29, 2008 4:26am PST

LeConte Hike: Trillium Gap & Bullhead Trails, 8-15-2008 : Trillium Gap trail has been improved for 2008. Browse these captioned photos taken during a hike along Trillium Gap to Mt. LeConte and then my return via Bullhead trail.

LeConte Hike: Trillium Gap & Bullhead Trails, 8-15-2008

Trillium Gap trail has been improved for 2008. Browse these captioned ...

Updated: Aug 16, 2008 10:30am PST

Mt. LeConte Loop Hike: Alum Cave-LeConte-Boulevard-AT-Newfound Gap :

Mt. LeConte Loop Hike: Alum Cave-LeConte-Boulevard-AT-Newfound Gap

Updated: Aug 10, 2008 7:34am PST

Icy Hot Hiking: Fork Ridge & Deep Creek Trails : Monday I was joined by long-time hiking companion Janice for another high elevation Smokies hike. Our route was a two car shuttle kind of route with a start at the nearly 6,000' elevation Fork Ridge trailhead and exit via Deep Creek trail at the 4,740' elevation trailhead on Newfound Gap road (NC side). The route was "only" about 9 miles long and, unless one looked closely at a topographic map, it might seem this was to be an easy walk-in-the-park kind of hike in the cool, high elevations of the Smokies.

Icy Hot Hiking: Fork Ridge & Deep Creek Trails

Monday I was joined by long-time hiking companion Janice for another h ...

Updated: Aug 06, 2008 12:24pm PST

AT-Charlie's Bunion-Dry Sluice Gap-Grassy Branch-Kephart Prong Hike : My hike on this day will begin on the AT at Newfound Gap in the Smokies and go to Charlie's Bunion for some nice views and then continue to Dry Sluice Gap trail where I'll turn south to Grassy Branch trail and descend to the newly rennovated Kephart shelter and then finish with several creek crossings on ancient footlogs and then thru the ruins of the "Lost CCC Camp" along Kephart Prong trail.

AT-Charlie's Bunion-Dry Sluice Gap-Grassy Branch-Kephart Prong Hike

My hike on this day will begin on the AT at Newfound Gap in the Smokie ...

Updated: Aug 05, 2008 8:50pm PST

Flame Azaleas Atop Gregory Bald : June is the month for those fabulous displays of flame azaleas atop Gregory Bald in the Smokies.

Flame Azaleas Atop Gregory Bald

June is the month for those fabulous displays of flame azaleas atop Gr ...

Updated: Jun 17, 2008 7:23pm PST

Smokies Hikes - June 2008 :

Smokies Hikes - June 2008

Updated: Jun 15, 2008 2:22pm PST

Spring Hikes 2008 : A grouping of photos taken along hiking trails in the Smokies and surrounding areas during spring 2008.

Spring Hikes 2008

A grouping of photos taken along hiking trails in the Smokies and surr ...

Updated: May 23, 2008 7:56pm PST

LeConte Loop Hike, 2008 via Bullhead & Rainbow Falls Trails : Loop Hike to Mt. LeConte Lodge via Bullhead and Rainbow Falls Trails. Hiked 5/22/2008.

LeConte Loop Hike, 2008 via Bullhead & Rainbow Falls Trails

Loop Hike to Mt. LeConte Lodge via Bullhead and Rainbow Falls Trails. ...

Updated: May 23, 2008 6:52am PST

White Oak Sinks 2008 : White Oak Sinks is one of those extraordinary locations that offers many pleasant surprises. Read about the area on my website, Life After 50--One Man's Perspective. Here is a link to the White Oak Sinks page: http://home.earthlink.net/~tnhiker/lifeafter50onemansperspective/id60.html

White Oak Sinks 2008

White Oak Sinks is one of those extraordinary locations that offers ma ...

Updated: Apr 27, 2008 8:02am PST

Ace Gap Trail :

Ace Gap Trail

Updated: Apr 23, 2008 4:34pm PST

White Oak Sinks 2007 & earlier (Smokies) : White Oak Sink is one of those extraordinary locations that offers many pleasant surprises. Read about the area on my website, Life After 50--One Man's Perspective. Here is a link to the White Oak Sink page: http://home.earthlink.net/~tnhiker/lifeafter50onemansperspective/id60.html

White Oak Sinks 2007 & earlier (Smokies)

White Oak Sink is one of those extraordinary locations that offers man ...

Updated: Apr 19, 2008 7:01am PST

Lakeshore Trail (#76 eastward to Tunnel) :

Lakeshore Trail (#76 eastward to Tunnel)

Updated: Apr 08, 2008 7:08pm PST

Footbridges : Footbridges - These are often among the most memorable pieces of man-made influence one encounters along hiking trails. We've seen every type imaginable. Have a look for yourself....

Footbridges

Footbridges - These are often among the most memorable pieces of man-m ...

Updated: Feb 13, 2008 3:02am PST

Bradley Fork & Cabin Flats Trails : Winter hike along Bradley Fork and Cabin Flats trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A photo tour of Lufty Baptist Church is included.

Bradley Fork & Cabin Flats Trails

Winter hike along Bradley Fork and Cabin Flats trails in the Great Smo ...

Updated: Feb 13, 2008 3:01am PST

29 Mile 1-Day Smokies Hike - Noland & Deep Creek Areas : Joe Fleming & Al Smith did nearly 29 miles of hiking in one day. The two-part route included Noland Creek, Springhouse Branch, Deep Creek Horse trail, Indian Creek, Martin's Gap, Sunkota Ridge and the Loop Trail. Visit my website to read the hiking journal for this and more than 50 other hikes. URL: http://home.earthlink.net/~tnhiker/lifeafter50onemansperspective/

29 Mile 1-Day Smokies Hike - Noland & Deep Creek Areas

Joe Fleming & Al Smith did nearly 29 miles of hiking in one day. The ...

Updated: Feb 05, 2008 5:13am PST

Noland Creek-Noland Divide Trails : Winter hike in the Smokies along Noland Creek and Noland Divide trails. Visit my hiking journal website called Life After 50--One Man's Perspective

Noland Creek-Noland Divide Trails

Winter hike in the Smokies along Noland Creek and Noland Divide trails ...

Updated: Jan 08, 2008 6:00pm PST

Mingus Mill and Trail : Mingus Mill in the Smokies. Gallery includes photos of the mill, flume, turbine and the nearby Mingus Creek hiking trail. If you'd like to read more about trails and historical artifacts of the Great Smoky Mountains then please visit my website: Life After 50--One Man's Perspective, Al's Hiking Journals and Musings. URL: http://home.earthlink.net/~tnhiker/lifeafter50onemansperspective/

Mingus Mill and Trail

Mingus Mill in the Smokies. Gallery includes photos of the mill, flum ...

Updated: Dec 09, 2007 8:21am PST

Gunter Fork Loop Hike :

Gunter Fork Loop Hike

Updated: Nov 13, 2007 2:57am PST

Grapeyard Ridge-Trillium Gap-Brushy Mtn Loop Hike : Smokies hike along Grapeyard Ridge, Trillium Gap and Brushy Mtn trails during the last days of autumn.

Grapeyard Ridge-Trillium Gap-Brushy Mtn Loop Hike

Smokies hike along Grapeyard Ridge, Trillium Gap and Brushy Mtn trails ...

Updated: Nov 05, 2007 9:12am PST

20 Mile Hike to Thunderhead & Rocky Top : 20 mile hike to Thunderhead and Rocky Top via the Anthony Creek, Bote Mtn, Appalachian, Greenbrier Ridge and Middle Prong trails.

20 Mile Hike to Thunderhead & Rocky Top

20 mile hike to Thunderhead and Rocky Top via the Anthony Creek, Bote ...

Updated: Nov 03, 2007 3:54pm PST

Rainbow Falls-Mt. LeConte-Bull Head Trail Loop Hike : Rainbow Falls trail is a popular route for hiking to the Mt. LeConte Lodge. Bull Head trail, while less popular, also goes to/from the Mt. LeConte Lodge and is close enough to the Rainbow Falls parking area to not require a two car shuttle. This photo gallery represents a sampling of the shots I took along these two trails on a late autumn day in the Smokies.

Rainbow Falls-Mt. LeConte-Bull Head Trail Loop Hike

Rainbow Falls trail is a popular route for hiking to the Mt. LeConte L ...

Updated: Nov 01, 2007 10:21am PST

Alum Cave Trail to Mt LeConte with Ed Wright !! : Hike to Mt. LeConte Lodge with Ed Wright on his 1,305th trip up the mountain! Photos taken 10/27/2007.

Alum Cave Trail to Mt LeConte with Ed Wright !!

Hike to Mt. LeConte Lodge with Ed Wright on his 1,305th trip up the mo ...

Updated: Oct 29, 2007 4:23pm PST

Fish Camp Prong? Another Hidden Smokies Gem : Hike with me between Clingman's Dome and Elkmont in the Smokies as I walk the AT, Goshen Prong and Little River Trails in late October. Waterfalls and cascades galore along Fish Camp Prong.

Fish Camp Prong? Another Hidden Smokies Gem

Hike with me between Clingman's Dome and Elkmont in the Smokies as I w ...

Updated: Oct 26, 2007 7:58am PST

AT Segment - Newfound Gap to Charlie's Bunion & Return : Dayhike out and back along the AT from Newfound Gap to Charlie's Bunion in the Smokies. The visibility and fall colors were great on this late October day.

AT Segment - Newfound Gap to Charlie's Bunion & Return

Dayhike out and back along the AT from Newfound Gap to Charlie's Bunio ...

Updated: Oct 24, 2007 12:23pm PST

Scott Mtn-Indian Grave Gap-Rich Mtn Trails :

Scott Mtn-Indian Grave Gap-Rich Mtn Trails

Updated: Oct 21, 2007 4:56am PST

AT Ridgerunners :

AT Ridgerunners

Updated: Oct 18, 2007 8:06am PST

AT Segment--Newfound Gap to False Gap & Return : Good site for previewing fall colors in the Smokies as of 10/17/2007.

AT Segment--Newfound Gap to False Gap & Return

Good site for previewing fall colors in the Smokies as of 10/17/2007.

Updated: Oct 18, 2007 8:04am PST

Mt. LeConte Loop Hike - Alum Cave & The Boulevard : Day hike to Mt. LeConte Lodge using Alum Cave & The Boulevard trails. Date of hike was 9/27/2007.

Mt. LeConte Loop Hike - Alum Cave & The Boulevard

Day hike to Mt. LeConte Lodge using Alum Cave & The Boulevard trails. ...

Updated: Sep 29, 2007 8:41am PST

Noland Creek/Springhouse Branch/Forney Creek Loop Hikes 2001, 2006 & 2007 : I've mixed together several sets of photos for the same trails loop hiked in the fall of 2001 & 2006 plus late spring of 2007. The foliage color should give away the dates even though each photo is posted with a description and date taken. Visit my website: Life After 50--One Man's Perspective, Al'sl Hiking Journals and Musings at: http://home.earthlink.net/~tnhiker/lifeafter50onemansperspective/

Noland Creek/Springhouse Branch/Forney Creek Loop Hikes 2001, 2006 & 2007

I've mixed together several sets of photos for the same trails loop hi ...

Updated: Sep 23, 2007 12:37pm PST

Thomas Divide Trail Has Chickens Galore! : Thomas Divide trail is 13.6 miles long and located in the south-central part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This gallery has photos taken during a full-length hike of this trail 9/13/07. To read my hiking journal for this hike, please visit my Life After 50-One Man's Perspective website at: http://home.earthlink.net/~tnhiker/lifeafter50onemansperspective/

Thomas Divide Trail Has Chickens Galore!

Thomas Divide trail is 13.6 miles long and located in the south-centra ...

Updated: Sep 19, 2007 5:58am PST

Summer's Last Gasp - Hemphill Bald Trail :

Summer's Last Gasp - Hemphill Bald Trail

Updated: Aug 16, 2007 6:06am PST

Cataloochee Divide (Smokies) : Cataloochee Divide represents the eastern boundary line for much of the Smokies. Visit my website, Life After 50--One Man's Perspective, Al's Hiking Journals and Musings at: http://home.earthlink.net/~tnhiker/lifeafter50onemansperspective/

Cataloochee Divide (Smokies)

Cataloochee Divide represents the eastern boundary line for much of th ...

Updated: May 26, 2007 6:48am PST

Kanati Fork-Thomas Divide-Newton Bald Trails :

Kanati Fork-Thomas Divide-Newton Bald Trails

Updated: May 01, 2007 6:28am PST

AT Section: Davenport Gap to Chestnut Top Trail : The eastern-most segment of the AT in the Smokies runs from Davenport Gap at NC Hwy 284 to Chestnut Branch trail in the Smokies, about 1.9 miles from Davenport Gap. These photos were taken along that segment plus a few from Chestnut Branch trail. To read a mini-hiking journal for this hike go to my website, Life After 50--One Man's Perspective, Al's Hiking Journal and Musings. Here is the URL: http://home.earthlink.net/~tnhiker/lifeafter50onemansperspective/

AT Section: Davenport Gap to Chestnut Top Trail

The eastern-most segment of the AT in the Smokies runs from Davenport ...

Updated: Apr 21, 2007 1:55pm PST

Oconaluftee River Trail and more... : This 1.5 mile long trail runs between the Smokies Oconaluftee visitor center and the park entrance at Cherokee.

Oconaluftee River Trail and more...

This 1.5 mile long trail runs between the Smokies Oconaluftee visitor ...

Updated: Apr 14, 2007 8:38am PST

Tremont Road - Creekside Hike :

Tremont Road - Creekside Hike

Updated: Mar 27, 2007 4:09pm PST

Big Creek Area (Smokies) Early Spring Flowers : Baxter Creek and Big Creek trails in the NE corner of the Smokies are well-known as places to find early-blooming spring wildflowers. These photos were taken on March 18, 2007, a beautiful, crisp, spring day. Read my trail journal for this hike at: http://home.earthlink.net/~tnhiker/lifeafter50onemansperspective/

Big Creek Area (Smokies) Early Spring Flowers

Baxter Creek and Big Creek trails in the NE corner of the Smokies are ...

Updated: Mar 19, 2007 10:36am PST

Swiss Alps : I took a three week tour of Switzerland in June 2000. Don't miss the full trip report on my website: http://home.earthlink.net/~tnhiker/lifeafter50onemansperspective/

Swiss Alps

I took a three week tour of Switzerland in June 2000. Don't miss the ...

Updated: Mar 18, 2007 3:29am PST

Curry Mtn-Meigs Mtn-Meigs Creek Hike, 8-2002 : Photos taken during a loop hike along Curry Mtn, Meigs Mtn and Meigs Creek trails.

Curry Mtn-Meigs Mtn-Meigs Creek Hike, 8-2002

Photos taken during a loop hike along Curry Mtn, Meigs Mtn and Meigs C ...

Updated: Mar 04, 2007 4:21am PST

Little Bottoms Trail : 'Tis a "Goat Trail" no more. See repairs made by the park service to the Little Bottoms trail. This is one of the "wilder" trails in the Smokies.

Little Bottoms Trail

'Tis a "Goat Trail" no more. See repairs made by the park service to ...

Updated: Mar 03, 2007 4:01am PST

Thunderhead Mtn Trail : We call this the "Doll's Eye Trail" and it is one of those unofficial trails that the park service would rather you didn't know about.

Thunderhead Mtn Trail

We call this the "Doll's Eye Trail" and it is one of those unofficial ...

Updated: Feb 28, 2007 10:43pm PST

July Hiking in the Smokies - Newton Bald/Thomas Divide/Kanati Fork & More : When July heat & humidity descend on our coves and valleys then I go to the mountain peaks for hikes. These photos are excerpted from those taken during two days of hiking in mid-July. Hiked were Newton Bald, Thomas Divide, Kanati Fork, Deep Creek, Pole Road Creek and Noland Divide trails.

July Hiking in the Smokies - Newton Bald/Thomas Divide/Kanati Fork & More

When July heat & humidity descend on our coves and valleys then I go t ...

Updated: Feb 27, 2007 3:26am PST

Bullhead Trail: Mt. LeConte Approach Trails :

Bullhead Trail: Mt. LeConte Approach Trails

Updated: Feb 13, 2007 8:06am PST

Alum Cave Bluffs: Mt. LeConte Approach Trails : This is the most popular route for access to the LeConte Lodge. On some days hundreds of people traverse this trail. It wasn't like that the days we took these photos....

Alum Cave Bluffs: Mt. LeConte Approach Trails

This is the most popular route for access to the LeConte Lodge. On so ...

Updated: Feb 13, 2007 7:55am PST

Brushy Mtn: Mt. LeConte Approach Trails : Brushy Mtn Trail photos. These start at Trillium Gap and proceed downhill to Porter's Creek Trail.

Brushy Mtn: Mt. LeConte Approach Trails

Brushy Mtn Trail photos. These start at Trillium Gap and proceed down ...

Updated: Feb 12, 2007 8:30am PST

Trillium Gap: Mt. LeConte Approach Trails :

Trillium Gap: Mt. LeConte Approach Trails

Updated: Feb 12, 2007 8:26am PST

Rainbow Falls Trail: Mt. LeConte Approach Trails : Enjoy photos taken during our hike DOWNHILL from Mt. LeConte via the Rainbow Falls trail

Rainbow Falls Trail: Mt. LeConte Approach Trails

Enjoy photos taken during our hike DOWNHILL from Mt. LeConte via the R ...

Updated: Feb 12, 2007 3:05am PST

Boulevard Trail: Mt. LeConte Approach Trails : The Boulevard Trail photos and those taken along the AT from Newfound Gap to the Boulevard trailhead are featured in this gallery.

Boulevard Trail: Mt. LeConte Approach Trails

The Boulevard Trail photos and those taken along the AT from Newfound ...

Updated: Feb 11, 2007 10:20pm PST

Hyatt Ridge-Beech Gap Hike 8-2002 : Hiking Journal photos for Hyatt Ridge-Beech Gap I & II - Balsam Mtn Trails. Hiked August 2002.

Hyatt Ridge-Beech Gap Hike 8-2002

Hiking Journal photos for Hyatt Ridge-Beech Gap I & II - Balsam Mtn Tr ...

Updated: Feb 10, 2007 11:06pm PST

Sugarland Mtn Trail : This 12.4 mile long trail runs from Clingman's Dome road to River Road in the Smokies.

Sugarland Mtn Trail

This 12.4 mile long trail runs from Clingman's Dome road to River Road ...

Updated: Feb 08, 2007 5:59am PST

Rockies: Marble, Colorado : Did you know that marble for the Lincoln Memorial and also huge block that was used to make the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier were all quarried in Marble, Colorado? Check out photos.

Rockies: Marble, Colorado

Did you know that marble for the Lincoln Memorial and also huge block ...

Updated: Jan 30, 2007 5:24am PST

Camel Gap Trail Hike : Camel Gap trail, located in the Cataloochee Mountains of the Smokies, is one of those interior trails that is difficult to access without a lot of hiking on both ends. Read my hike journal: http://home.earthlink.net/~tnhiker/lifeafter50onemansperspective/id30.html

Camel Gap Trail Hike

Camel Gap trail, located in the Cataloochee Mountains of the Smokies, ...

Updated: Jan 26, 2007 6:12am PST

Whoo...oooo Pig! Soo-ie! (Lakeshore Trail) : Hike in the Smokies with Al from the tunnel at end of Road-to-Nowhere along the Lakeshore trail to Hazel Creek. Wild hogs? Oh yeah! Read my hike journal: http://home.earthlink.net/~tnhiker/lifeafter50onemansperspective/id26.html

Whoo...oooo Pig! Soo-ie! (Lakeshore Trail)

Hike in the Smokies with Al from the tunnel at end of Road-to-Nowhere ...

Updated: Jan 15, 2007 5:33am PST

Anthony Creek+Jenkins Ridge+Hazel Creek+Lakeshore Hike : Photos from a 4 day hike in the Smokies. Day 1 will be at Spence Field shelter (near the AT). Yes, there were bears... Read the hike journals for all four days here: http://home.earthlink.net/~tnhiker/lifeafter50onemansperspective/id6.html

Anthony Creek+Jenkins Ridge+Hazel Creek+Lakeshore Hike

Photos from a 4 day hike in the Smokies. Day 1 will be at Spence Fiel ...

Updated: Dec 10, 2006 4:07am PST

Bone Valley : Five unbridged creek crossings keeps most hikers out of Bone Valley. Want to see the oldest cabin in the Smokies? Check out these photos! Read the hike journal at: http://home.earthlink.net/~tnhiker/lifeafter50onemansperspective/id17.html

Bone Valley

Five unbridged creek crossings keeps most hikers out of Bone Valley. ...

Updated: Dec 09, 2006 5:18pm PST

Mt Sterling-Pretty Hollow Gap-Little Cataloochee Trails : These trails are in the eastern portion of the Great Smoky Mountains Nat'l Park. Read my hike journal for this hike: http://home.earthlink.net/~tnhiker/lifeafter50onemansperspective/id12.html

Mt Sterling-Pretty Hollow Gap-Little Cataloochee Trails

These trails are in the eastern portion of the Great Smoky Mountains N ...

Updated: Dec 04, 2006 5:11pm PST

Lower Mt Cammerer Loop Spring 2001 : Access to these trails was from the Cosby entrance along the northeastern boundary of the Smokies--about 25 miles east of Gatlinburg.

Lower Mt Cammerer Loop Spring 2001

Access to these trails was from the Cosby entrance along the northeast ...

Updated: Dec 04, 2006 3:24am PST

Cataloochee Area (Smokies) : There are many short trails in the Cataloochee area of the Smokies. We'll be putting photos from those areas here.

Cataloochee Area (Smokies)

There are many short trails in the Cataloochee area of the Smokies. We ...

Updated: Dec 02, 2006 9:23am PST

Husky Gap-Sugarland Mtn-Chimney Tops Loop : Three trails made up this solo hiking trip by Al.

Husky Gap-Sugarland Mtn-Chimney Tops Loop

Three trails made up this solo hiking trip by Al.

Updated: Dec 01, 2006 3:31pm PST

Middle Prong-AT-Lynn Camp Loop : Three day hiking trip in the north-central portion of the Smokies. Click this link to read the hiking journal: http://home.earthlink.net/~tnhiker/lifeafter50onemansperspective/id1.html

Middle Prong-AT-Lynn Camp Loop

Three day hiking trip in the north-central portion of the Smokies. Cl ...

Updated: Nov 30, 2006 10:39pm PST

Little River Trail :

Little River Trail

Updated: Nov 30, 2006 8:47pm PST