Tag: Mt. LeConte | William Britten Photography

Tag Archives: Mt. LeConte

Ode to Mount LeConte

Posted by Bill on March 21, 2018 in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 0 Comments

Mt. LeConte in April | Pictures © William Britten use with permission only

Mt. LeConte is the third-highest Smoky Mountains peak, but to me it represents the skyline of the Smokies. As you approach from the north, Mt. Leconte is a Smoky Mountains landmark seen from 50 miles away, or further on a clear day. As you travel around the Gatlinburg area, there is LeConte, above you in the sky, showing you different views.

What is known as the Mt. LeConte massif is actually 5 peaks, with four of them over 6000 feet. West Point (6,344 ft), High Top (6,593 ft), Cliff Tops (6,555 ft), Myrtle Point (6,200 ft) and Balsam Point (5,840ft) comprise the majestic Smoky Mountains view that we all know and love. The topo map below from 1949 shows the details of the area. Click on the image to see a larger version.

The north side of the mountain rises a full mile from its base to the summit, making it the tallest mountain in Tennessee by that measurement. Storms that plow into this massive barrier dump immense amounts of rainfall into the watershed, fostering the diversity of plant-life for which the Smokies are famous, such as the amazing green rocks along the Roaring Fork.

Smoky Mountains in January | Pictures © William Britten use with permission only

The photo above was taken from high on Shields Mountain, about 10 miles north of the Smoky Mountains. And the photo below was taken from the Campbell Overlook on the Newfound Gap road, looking up to an early snow on Balsam Point.

The mile-high mountain also creates a weather phenomenon called “mountain wave winds.” Those of us living on the north side of the slope are familiar with the howling, near-hurricane-force winds that are generated when a storm front passes over Mt. LeConte from the south.

Mt. LeConte in October | Pictures © William Britten use with permission only

The William Britten Gallery of Smoky Mountains pictures is open and ready to welcome you on your next visit to the Smokies. Please stop in and say hello and browse all of my photos.

Snowy Smoky Mountain Panorama

Posted by Bill on December 28, 2017 in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 0 Comments

Snowy Smoky Mountains © William Britten use with permission only

This time of year can be absolutely breathtaking in the Gatlinburg area. Both of these images show a winter panorama of the Smoky Mountains with Mt. LeConte center stage. They were taken from a ridge way out on Upper Middle Creek Rd. about 10 miles or so from the Smokies. A long telephoto lens was used.

Please stop in for a hot cup of coffee or tea and to see the complete display of Smoky Mountain Photography at the William Britten Gallery in Gatlinburg, TN.

Spring Snow on Mt. LeConte

Posted by Bill on April 29, 2017 in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 0 Comments

Spring Snow on Mt. LeConte © William Britten use with permission only

A spring snow dusted Mt. LeConte on Tuesday night, closing the road to Newfound Gap in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s not unusual to see the contrasts of winter and spring in one scene as in the picture above. The summit of Mt. LeConte is around 6500 feet, while the green trees in the foreground are down around 1500 feet.

The photo above was taken from the same vantage point near my home in the Glades area of Gatlinburg as Smoky Mountain Moonrise, which shows snow on the summit of Mt. LeConte and fall foliage below.

Stop in and visit me at the William Britten Gallery in Gatlinburg, TN.

Click on the image above to view a dramatic hi-resolution version.

Smoky Mountain Llamas

Posted by Bill on April 12, 2017 in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 0 Comments

Smoky Mountain Llamas © William Britten use with permission only

A packtrain of llamas is used to carry bed linens and supplies to Mt. LeConte Lodge. The llamas are easier on the heavily used Great Smoky Mountains National Park trails than horses.

In the picture below the llamas are passing behind Grotto Falls. Normally, the packtrain makes the trip from the Grotto Falls Parking area on the Roaring Fork Motor Trail on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Departure is often just around daybreak, and return between 3:00 and 5:00 in the afternoon.

Llamas behind Grotto Falls © William Britten use with permission only

Fog Comes on Little Cat Feet

Posted by Bill on March 15, 2017 in philosophy, photography. 0 Comments

I think fog gets a bad name. It’s typically about what fog can obscure: living life in a fog, the fog of war, the fog of depression. Well, like our neighbor over in the mountains of western North Carolina, Carl Sandburg, I think fog has delightful qualities. For example, in the picture above, a dash of fog can actually be a clarifying factor for the beautiful muddy road in the foreground. For the photo below, it’s the opposite, with the fog in the foreground, giving a nice contrast to the clarity of Mt. LeConte, rising above the fog.

It’s that time of year … Is it winter? Is it spring? … warm and cold and damp … welcoming conditions for fog.

Autumn Snow in the Smokies

Posted by Bill on November 9, 2012 in Gatlinburg, Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 0 Comments

Smoky Mountains with Snow above Gatlinburg © William Britten use with permission only

The last week of October 2012, the long arms of Hurricane Sandy produced a Smoky Mountains wonderland of snow in autumn. The Smokies offered stunning photos from all the overlooks. The photo above was taken from the Gatlinburg by-pass, with the Park Vista hotel in the lower left corner, and the Roaring Fork Motor Trail heading up the valley in the center of the picture. This was the same location that produced some fabulous photos last April of a spring snowfall.

The photo below was taken from Campbell Overlook, showing the western shoulder of Mt. LeConte. Total snowfall in the highest elevations was nearly 3 feet!

Mt. LeConte from Campbell Overlook © William Britten use with permission only

The trail to the Chimneys is a favorite Smoky Mountains hike. In the photos below the Chimneys are the two bumps on the left side. This is a rugged climb under the best of conditions, but snow and ice make it a special challenge.

If you are visiting the Smokies, please consider a stop at the William Britten Gallery along the historic Arts and Crafts Trail on Glades Rd. in Gatlinburg. The gallery features Smoky Mountains landscape photos, as well as magnets, mugs, and notecards.

Chimneys after autumn snow © William Britten use with permission only

Spring Snowcap

Posted by Bill on April 29, 2012 in Spiritual Sunday. 5 Comments

Smoky Mountains Spring Snowcap © William Britten use with permission only

Last week we had a Spiritual Sunday with dramatic light out in Cades Cove. This week’s Spiritual Sunday features the dramatic conditions that came with an early spring cold-snap and snow in the high elevations. There were wonderful opportunities for Smoky Mountains photos from many of the overlooks around the Smokies. The photo above was taken from the overlook on the Gatlinburg by-pass, looking towards Mt. LeConte. The valley in the center of the picture is where the Roaring Fork Motor Trail heads up out of Gatlinburg on its 6-mile loop. The drama of the snow and clouds contrasts with the idyllic split-rail fence and the peaceful spring day in the lower part of the photo.

The photo below was taken from the Foothills Parkway near Cosby. The view is of Mt. Cammerer. I love the way the sunlight, clouds and wind created a rapidly changing landscape of shadows moving across the landscape. Also notice how the green leaves on the trees are creeping up the valleys of the mountains, but along the ridges spring has not arrived yet.

Smoky Mountains Photos: snow on Mt. Cammerer © William Britten use with permission only

Finally, the photo below was taken from a vantage point just east of Gatlinburg, looking more directly at the face of Mt. LeConte than in the photo at the top of the page. This was the last rays of sunlight for the day raking across the trees and the snowcap on the mountain.

All of the photos on this page can be viewed in a larger size by clicking on any of them.

As always, if you travel to the Smokies please stop in and say hello at the William Britten Gallery along the Historic Arts and Crafts Loop on Glades Rd. in Gatlinburg. My complete selection of Smoky Mountains photos is on display, as well as mugs, notecards and magnets. There just might be a special memory for you to take home with you.

Snowcap on Mt. LeConte © William Britten use with permission only

Wordless Wednesday: Rocking Chairs Enjoy the Off-season

Posted by Bill on January 11, 2012 in Wordless Wednesday. 3 Comments

Smoky Mountains in Black and White

Posted by Bill on November 18, 2011 in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, photography. 0 Comments

Smoky Mountains photos need not always be in color, as these three vistas illustrate. The photo above is the classic shot from Mortons Overlook near the top of Newfound Gap Rd. Looking down the valley back towards Gatlinburg, with the Chimneys visible in the upper left. A nice mist rising up the hillsides.

The photo below is from the Oconaluftee Overlook just below Newfound Gap on the North Carolina side. This is a monochrome version of my popular photo, Listening to Silence.

The final image below was taken from about 10 miles away, on a ridge above Upper Middle Creek Rd. It’s a head-on view of the north face of Mt. LeConte after a winter storm.

If you’re in the Smokies for a visit, please stop in to see the complete display of Smoky Mountains photos at the William Britten Gallery on the historic Arts and Crafts Trail along Glades Rd. in Gatlinburg, TN. There’s plenty of color on the gallery walls, and there may be a special Smoky Mountains memory waiting for you!

Mt. LeConte in Winter © William Britten use with permission only

Miles Away on Monday: Always Time for a Getaway

Posted by Bill on November 14, 2011 in Miles Away on Monday. 0 Comments

It’s not too late to schedule a Smoky Mountain getaway, find yourself a cabin like this one, and sit back to gaze at Mt. LeConte and count your blessings for the year.

The autumn leaves may have faded, but there’s plenty of blue skies and perfect temperatures to enhance your reverie. Between now and Thanksgiving is a great time of year here in the Smokies. The October crowds are gone, the trails are dry, and the nights are chilly enough to light up the fireplace.

Come on down and visit me to see the complete display of Smoky Mountain Photography at the William Britten Gallery in Gatlinburg, TN.

Wordless Wednesday: Early Snow on Mt. LeConte

Posted by Bill on October 26, 2011 in Wordless Wednesday. 0 Comments

History of the Smokies: LeConte Camping in the 1920s

Posted by Bill on September 8, 2011 in History of the Smokies. 3 Comments

1920s Outdoor Kitchen on Mt. LeConte © Knox County Public Library

This edition of Smoky Mountains history shows the outdoor kitchen on Mt. LeConte circa 1925. This kitchen was near the original LeConte Lodge built by Jack Huff. Photos and descriptions of that early lodge can be found in the blog post titled The House That Jack Built.

The photo above was taken by Knoxville photographer and businessman, Jim Thompson. This photo is so full of interesting detail that I broke it into the three larger views shown below. I think it’s a fascinating look at camping in the mid-1920s at what would have been an extremely remote outpost at the time.

Camping on Mt. LeConte © Knox County Public Library

Above, the men gather around the breakfast table to discuss plans for the day. You can see someone sleeping on a table in the upper right.

Below, the women gather around the camp stove. Love those 1920s hair-styles!

Smoky Mountains history © Knox County Public Library

Finally, the photo below shows the tent, the supply of firewood, and another camper greeting the day. Note the high-top hiking boots worn by all. I bet they’d take forever to get on and off.

Historical photographs used with permission of C.M. McClung Historical Collection, Knox County Public Library. Click on any image to see a larger version.

Camping on Mt. LeConte 1920s © Knox County Public Library

Featured Photo: Smoky Mountain Moonrise

Posted by Bill on July 21, 2011 in Featured Photos. 0 Comments

Moonrise over the Smoky MountainsSmoky Mountain Moonrise © William Britten use with permission only — Smoky Mountain Moonrise © William Britten use with permission only

Smoky Mountain Moonrise is a recent addition to the William Britten Gallery. This stunningly beautiful photo was taken east of Gatlinburg in the Glades area. It is actually a location that I pass every day because it is on the street where I live. Many of my photos of Mt. LeConte are taken from this vantage point.

This was early November with the fall leaves past their peak in the lower elevations, and completely gone from the higher elevations. An early snowfall gave just a dusting to the upper parts of Mt. LeConte. It’s late in the afternoon, with the last rays of sunlight striking the mountain, creating a glow on the leaves. Driving home, I saw this image and quickly grabbed the camera and tripod before the light faded. I took several images, and kept waiting for the clouds to clear out. But what appeared at first to be passing clouds was actually condensation, as the sun-warmed air hit the cold, snowy mountain.

Smoky Mountain Moonrise is one of my most popular Smoky Mountains photos and is offered in all sizes, including the largest 20×30. Details of sizes and pricing can be found on the How to Buy page. It os also offered as a poster, see the photo below. You can also purchase framed or unframed versions of this image from my online store

If you’re on a Smokies vacation, please stop in for a visit to see the complete display of Smoky Mountains Photos at the William Britten Gallery along the historic Arts and Crafts Trail on Glades Rd. in Gatlinburg, TN.

Wordless Wednesday: Mt. LeConte Summer

Posted by Bill on July 13, 2011 in Wordless Wednesday. 0 Comments

Miles Away on Monday: Daydreams

Posted by Bill on June 27, 2011 in Miles Away on Monday. 0 Comments

So many resort cabins with a stunning Smoky Mtns view. Like stepping into a photo … what a day for a daydream! Custom made. A perfect day for taking a walk outside. On a day such as this your daydream might last right on into the night. And tomorrow … who knows?

If you have time, come on over the Morning Mist Village along the historic Arts and Crafts Trail on Glades Rd just outside Gatlinburg. At the William Britten Gallery you might find a Smoky Mtns photo to remember your vacation.

Miles Away on Monday: Deck Chairs with a View

Posted by Bill on June 6, 2011 in Miles Away on Monday. 0 Comments

It’s a lazy summer Monday in June. Nothing much to do but park yourself out on the deck chairs, contemplate the Smoky Mtn fabulous view and start the day out slowly. One of the magical things about the Smoky Mtn area around Gatlinburg is that although there are hundreds of cabins with a view of the Smokies, most of them have a view that makes you feel like you are the only one there. Total blissful solitude.

This cabin offers a great panorama of Mt. LeConte from just a few miles away.

If you’re here on a vacation or quick getaway, please consider a visit to the William Britten Gallery in Gatlinburg, TN. You might find a photo memory to take home among my display of Smoky Mtn images.

Changes in Altitude

Posted by Bill on April 29, 2011 in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, philosophy. 1 Comment

Spring Snow in the Smoky Mountains © William Britten use with permission only

Happy Friday! It’s been a while since we had a Philosophical Friday. Today’s thoughts are about living in an area like Gatlinburg that features great changes in altitude. Downtown Gatlinburg is about 1500 feet above sea level, yet only about 20 miles away, on the top of Clingman’s Dome, the altitude has climbed to 6,643 feet! That’s over a mile higher!

So, what’s philosophical about that? Well, as in the photo above, it can be a delightful spring day in early May down at 1500 feet, but after a 20 minute drive you could be making a snowman! It’s almost like being able to move around in time, just a little. Or it’s like adding another dimension to life. In most geographical areas the climate is determined by the two factors: the time of year and the latitude. But when you add that third factor, altitude, the possibilities are expanded. For example, the photo below shows the wildflower Spring Beauty crowding the Appalachian Trail near Newfound Gap. The photo was taken this week, in late April. But we enjoyed Spring Beauty on some of the favorite wildflower trails over a month ago!

Spring comes to the Appalachian Trail © William Britten use with permission only

The Trout Lily below is another example of the changes in altitude. I missed Trout Lily when it bloomed weeks ago, but by hiking the mile-higher Appalachian Trail this week I was able to turn back the clock and get a photo! And of course the whole thing works in reverse during the fall, when we can rise up into winter before the season would normally start, as shown in my photo of the Smoky Mountains Moonrise.

Thanks for listening to my ramblings, and as always, please stop in at the William Britten Gallery in Gatlinburg to see my complete collection of Smoky Mountains photos.

Trout Lily on the Appalachian Trail © William Britten use with permission only

Smoky Mountains History: The House That Jack Built

Posted by Bill on March 22, 2011 in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, History of the Smokies. 4 Comments

LeConte Lodge 1920s © Knox County Public Library

In the late 1920s Gatlinburg entrepreneur Jack Huff built a 20 by 24 foot cabin out of balsam logs that was the forerunner of today’s LeConte Lodge. The roof was tarpaper, with a floor of native clay. For more than 35 years Jack and his wife Pauline operated Mt. LeConte Lodge. Jack was the son of Andrew Jackson (Andy) Huff, who kicked off Gatlinburg tourism when he built the Mountain View Hotel in 1916.

The photos above and below were taken by Knoxville photographer, Jim Thompson. Thompson can be seen standing at the rear of the cabin in the photo below. Also in both of these photos is another early Smoky Mountain photographer, Dutch Roth. In the picture above, Dutch is the one sitting on the stump, holding his tripod. Below, he’s in a lower bunk, third from the right. Click on any of these photos to see a larger version.

LeConte Lodge in the 1920s © Knox County Public Library

All photos used with permission of C.M. McClung Historical Collection, Knox County Public Library

Winter Wallpaper Special!

Posted by Bill on February 4, 2011 in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, wallpaper. 0 Comments

A free winter wallpaper/screensaver in appreciation for all my blog and facebook fans. This is Bull Head on the right and Balsam Point on Mt. LeConte on the left, in January 2011, taken from the observation deck of the Space Needle in downtown Gatlinburg.

This image, and all other wallpapers, can be downloaded from http://williambritten.com/wallpaper/ Just click on the file name “snowkies2.jpg” and then once the large image has come up in your browser, right-click on it to save it to your hard drive. Then follow instructions below.

For Windows users, just save the file to any location, then Open Desktop Background by clicking the Start button , clicking Control Panel, clicking Appearance and Personalization, clicking Personalization, and then clicking Desktop Background. Then click the Picture location down arrow and click Browse to search for the picture on your computer. When you find the picture you want, double-click it. It will become your desktop background and appear in the list of desktop backgrounds. Finally, under How should the picture be positioned, choose to have the picture fit the screen, and then click OK.

On the Mac, save the image to your Pictures folder, or any other location. Open System Preferences icon on your dock, and select Desktop & Screensaver. Select the picture, and then select Fill Screen, or Stretch to Fill Screen.

Watch for more free wallpaper images in the weeks to come! And please stop in and visit me to see the complete display of Smoky Mountain Photography at the William Britten Gallery in Gatlinburg, TN, near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The World Within the World

Posted by Bill on January 28, 2011 in philosophy, Photography Tips. 0 Comments

Friday philosophy time combined with a photo tip … a two-fer-one!

For me, so much of photography is about seeing the world within the world. Most photographs don’t jump out of the jumble in front of our eyes and say “here I am, take me!” Some do, but mostly not. Instead, I think of them as the answer to the question: if one piece of this scene before me was the entire world, what would it feel like? What would it have to say? What would be the essence?

One of my images that always seems to spark a response is Smoky Mountain Monet. This picture is hardly more than a puddle in the middle of the forest. I almost didn’t bother to stop, but the reflection in the water caught my eye. Despite its humble appearance, within that small world is all of autumn, with its colored leaves and smells and feelings and memories.

When you think about it, life is like that. So many deeply meaningful moments pass by within the context of ordinary life. And our actions that may significantly touch a loved one, or friend, or stranger, happen in the midst of hundreds of ordinary actions in an ordinary day.

So, back to the photo above. A winter panorama of downtown Gatlinburg. The Presbyterian church and the Fire Station down at the bottom left. The motels and the parking lot we always use during art fairs. The Park Vista Hotel in the distance, with the Smoky Mountains beyond. Does this scene have a world within?

The World Within © William Britten use with permission only

Yes! Grab the telephoto, reach up into the mountains, and you’re miles away from civilization in a majestic winter wilderness. Ominous dark clouds threatening another snowstorm. A scene that would elicit emotions from most viewers.

As always, the water is hot for coffee or tea out at the William Britten Gallery on Glades Rd. in Gatlinburg, TN. Stop in to see the complete display of Smoky Mountain Photography.

Looming LeConte

Posted by Bill on January 11, 2011 in Gatlinburg, Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 4 Comments

Mt. LeConte from downtown Gatlinburg © William Britten use with permission only

Gatlinburg Space Needle © William Britten use with permission only

The picture above is Mt. LeConte and the Smoky Mountains looming over downtown Gatlinburg. Taken from the observation deck of the Space Needle two weeks ago after our big Christmas snowstorm. The Space Needle offers a great vantage point to view the Smokies up close and also get a panoramic view of Gatlinburg and the surrounding mountains.

You can click on the black and white image below to see a larger version.

As always, the welcome mat is out at the William Britten Gallery in Gatlinburg, TN. Please stop in for a visit and browse my complete collection of Smoky Mountain Photography.

Smoky Mountains in black and white © William Britten use with permission only

Smoky Mountains History: Jim Thompson

Posted by Bill on December 30, 2010 in History of the Smokies. 0 Comments

Jim Thompson Marks a Trail © University of Tennessee Libraries

Jim Thompson was a founding member of the Smoky Mountains Hiking Club and a prominent Knoxville photographer during the 1920s to 1940s. Along with his friend and fellow hiker, Dutch Roth, Thompson created a large body of images from the early days of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. I will be posting images from both of these early Smokies photographers from time to time.

As a member of the Knoxville business community that was supporting and promoting the formation of a National Park in the Great Smoky Mountains, Jim Thompson appeared with many of the dignitaries that were instrumental in the final creation of the Park as we know it today.

If you take a look at the photograph on this posting about Dutch Roth, you will notice that the two pictures are very similar. It looks like the two friends were hamming it up just a bit!

The picture below was taken during a Smoky Mountains Hiking Club outing to the primitive lodge on the top of Mt. LeConte. Jim Thompson is standing at the left of the picture, and Dutch Roth is lying in a bunk to the right.

Jim Thompson standing at left, Dutch Roth lower right © University of Tennessee Libraries

Both images used with permission of The Great Smoky Mountains Regional Collection, University of Tennessee Libraries

Cold Mountain

Posted by Bill on December 14, 2010 in Gatlinburg, Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 0 Comments

It has been frigid cold here in Gatlinburg! Temperatures in the teens for several days. The morning light has a watery winter translucent quality. Our little cabin stares into the face of a stern and slumbering Mt. LeConte.

But it’s also a warm time of year. A fire in the stove, bread in the oven, a cat on the lap, tea in the cup.

If you’re in the area, stop in and visit me at the William Britten Gallery in Morning Mist Village on Glades Rd. in Gatlinburg. No need to purchase anything … stop in and I’ll give you a cup of coffee or tea!

Wordless Wednesday: New Snow on the Mountains

Posted by Bill on December 8, 2010 in Wordless Wednesday. 0 Comments

Miles Away on Monday: Last Gasp of the Autumn Leaves

Posted by Bill on November 15, 2010 in Miles Away on Monday. 0 Comments

View of Mt. LeConte © William Britten use with permission only

The Smoky Mountain autumn was a good one this year. At lower elevations some pockets of leaves are hanging on, but as you can see in the photo above, the forest is bare on Mt. LeConte.

For some, this is a favorite time to get away to the Smokies. The October crowds are gone, but the days still hold a warmth and a glow. The days tend to drift by in blue-sky splendor this time of year. All the way to Thanksgiving before winter stakes its claim.

If you’re in the area, please stop in and visit me to see the complete display of Smoky Mountain Photography at the William Britten Gallery in Gatlinburg, TN.

Wordless Wednesday: Early Snow on Mt. LeConte

Posted by Bill on November 3, 2010 in Wordless Wednesday. 0 Comments

Autumn Snow on Mt. LeConte © William Britten use with permission only

Miles Away on Monday: the View from Here

Posted by Bill on November 1, 2010 in Miles Away on Monday. 0 Comments

Today’s Miles Away is the view I see every day, and a view that has appeared in this blog many times, in many variations, in all the seasons.

October is over. The season is winding down. Still need to get over to Cosby for a few bushels of apples and make sauce for our winter fruit. Still one more craft fair downtown before the winter hibernation can begin.

But today, I would love to be miles away for just a little break. Transport me back to Maine for one more lobster roll!

Well, in the meantime, please stop in and visit me to see the complete display of Smoky Mountain Photography at the William Britten Gallery in Gatlinburg, TN.

Still Winter in Gatlinburg

Posted by Bill on February 26, 2010 in Gatlinburg. 0 Comments

Usually by the end of February, winter is losing its grip in our quiet little village on the edge of the Smoky Mountains. But this year we’ve still got the twice-weekly snowstorms, still wearing the triple layers, still the hot chocolate and tea, the howling wind at night, the cats that refuse to venture outdoors … you get the picture. In fact, we seem to be stranded in the Olympic Alternate Universe, staying up till midnight watching triple toe loops, Salchows, axels, and Lutz’s.

As I write this post, I’ve escaped the cabin fever for the confines of my gallery for the day. The tourists are creeping back into the scene … many looking to escape the northern snows … ha!

Walkin’ around My Town

Posted by Bill on February 19, 2010 in Gatlinburg. 0 Comments

Still the snowcap on Mt. LeConte, still the cabin fever. So head downtown for a walk-around.

Gatlinburg on a winter weekday can be slow, with few tourists on the Parkway promenade. The wishing well is frozen, and hardly a brave soul on the chair lift. The ticky-tack gaudiness of the Parkway is on stark display, without the swells of walkers and gawkers to soften it.

Even the taffy-making machine sits idle, and the pancakes wait. It’s a quiet time in a resort town. A time to walk around and take it in slowly, really look at it. Just a few blocks south is the boundary of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and if you need a refuge, there it is, all year round.

Snowcap on Mount LeConte

Posted by Bill on January 10, 2010 in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, photography. 0 Comments

Another dusting of snow last night, but finally some sunshine today revealed the full majesty of Mt. LeConte, one of the highest peakes in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park at 6593 feet. This is the view Sarah and I see every day from our little cabin in the Glades near Gatlinburg. Mt. LeConte has many moods and is shrouded in clouds more often than not. Weather down below can be mild and dry, while at the LeConte summit the snow is falling.

There are many trails in the Smokies that lead to the summit, and you can even stay overnight in a very rustic lodge.

The mountain is visible from 30 miles away, and resort cabins line the ridges facing the Smokies. The image below was taken from about 10 miles away, high on a ridge. If you look closely you can see other cabins on closer ridges.