Check out this video for clips of the frozen rock formations, icicles and wintry waterfalls. It has a really cool shot of Spruce Flats Waterfall that I know you’ll love. All shot in High Def.

Have you made it to The Smokies yet this winter? Post a comment and let me know how your trip went.

The Great Smoky Mountains have had so much snow over the past few days that certain roads are restricted and trails are closed. Even Cades Cove, the most visited part of the Great Smokies was closed. There was a lot of ice out there making it very dangerous for people who are not accustomed to traveling in those conditions.

Check it this picture from Newfound Gap, it looks nothing like the photo I posted back in October.

So go and enjoy the Great Smoky Mountains this winter – it is truly a blessing to have this much snow so early, but please be careful when traveling and site seeing.

Newfound Gap is one of the most popular destination in the Smokies. There is a large parking lot and plenty of hiking trails in the area, including the Appalachian Trail. It is generally pretty crowded if you go during the summer/fall seasons. Kids love to climb on the rocks by the Memorial and parents love to walk to the top of the Memorial. From here you can see for miles. One of the best views in the entire park.

Clingmans Dome is very accessible. Clingmans Dome Road begins just past Newfound Gap and leads up the mountain to the Forney Ridge Parking Area. Check our Great Smoky Mountains Map for further details.
Please plan your visit carefully. Clingmans Dome is often closed in the winter from December 1 through March 31 due to potential icy roads.

From the parking lot, it is just a short 1/2 mile hike up the trail to the observation tower at the top of the mountain. The observation tower gives visitors a 360 degree view of the entire Smoky Mountain park. It is truly amazing, especially if you’re lucky enough to visit on a clear day.

One thing hiking enthusiasts will enjoy is the Appalachian Trail crosses Clingmans Dome, passing immediately north of the observation tower. If you hang around long enough you will see several thru-hikers pass by as they travel through the backcountry.

If you’re planning a trip to the Great Smokies, you must make Clingmans Dome part of your visit.

Have you noticed the nights are getting longer? Do you find yourself grabbing a light jacket in the mornings when you take your dog out? Fall is in the air, can you feel it? The high temperatures in the Great Smoky Mountain region are in the low 70s and the low temperatures are dipping into the 40s in the high elevation parts. I just love this time of year. It’s not too hot, and it’s not too cold.

The landscapes and mountain tops are no longer covered in lush green, but now in shades of red, yellow, orange and brown. It’s one of the most beautiful times of the year for residents and travelers.

Thousands of visitors flock to this region every year just to see the leaves change colors. Most journeys start in Asheville, NC on the Blue Ridge Parkway and head all the way northwest to Pigeon Forge, TN. There are hundreds of stops along the way that are perfect for sightseeing, photography, painting and hiking. Nothing beats standing at a point near 4,000 ft of elevation and looking out over miles and miles of painted canvas.

Have you visited the Great Smoky Mountains during Autumn just to see the leaves change colors? What are some of your favorite spots to sight see?