If you’re willing to brave subzero temperatures while hiking on a high altitude bald, you’ll inevitably witness a phenomenon that few people see.
When the air is thick with passing clouds, …
Winter pastels in the Southern Appalachians
The Cathedral captivates color of autumn
About 100 years ago, logging companies invaded the area now known as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. These operations clear cut many sections of the Smokies, bringing profits to …
Morning view of the ‘Granddaddy of Them All’
Rising to a height of 5,945 feet, Grandfather Mountain’s distinctive features provide a recognizable landmark for the High Country of North Carolina. Privately owned, the mountain remains accessible from the …
Sun rays shine on the parkway
The idea for a scenic parkway through the Blue Ridge Mountains was initially proposed by landscape architect Stanley Abbott in 1920.
However, with the establishment of the New Deal by President …
Graveyard Fields bursts first autumn color
One of the first areas in the Southern Appalachians to attain color in autumn is Graveyard Fields in the Shining Rock Wilderness of North Carolina.
Experts attribute this phenomenon to a …
Bass Lake in Blowing Rock
Autumn comes sooner than later to certain portions of the Southern Appalachians. When looking for the first fall color, the savvy leaf looker will gravitate north and elevate high. Sunrise …
‘Serenity before Dawn’ from Max Patch Mountain
Serenity before Dawn is the reward for early rising to view a sunrise. Max Patch is a favorite destination due to the 360-degree views from its summit. Near the Tennessee/North …
Time travel to old Concord landmarks
We all do it. We whiz up and down the roads of Concord/Farragut never giving a thought as to why the roads have the names they are given. Consider the …