Smoky Mountains Spring Snowcap

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

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

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

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5 Comments

  1. Margaret

    The Smokies are a place I dearly love to be. My husband and I travel at least once each year to Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge/North Carolina. If ever I were to leave Alabama the Beautiful, East Tennessee is where I would wish to live.

    I love this blog…in my own blog I post lots of GSM photos, but of course, none compare with the stunning shots taken by you.

    Most likely, I have been in your art gallery…we go visiting along the loop most every time we are in Gatlinburg. When we make it there this fall, I plan to make a special effort to drop by.

  2. Bill

    Margaret … thank you for the kind words.

  3. Richard Siggins

    Spring is an interesting time of year in the Smokies. I was there last weekend shooting the end of the wildflowers. The spring flowers were pretty much past peak, even on the road up the Clingman’s Dome. Then a couple days later it snows. You never know what you will find in April.

    Stopped by the gallery on Saturday but it was just after five. The lights were still on so we got to enjoy your work from the outside looking in. I’ll get there one day.

  4. Gina Benjamin

    I love the Smoky Mountains! As you often say, just being in the mountains is very spiritual. I hope to retire to the area in the next few years. My husband and I visit 3 or 4 times every year. All of our friends and family say we are the greatest ambassadors for the GSMNP area. We will visit your gallery next week! No other way for us to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. Cannot wait to purchase a memory to treasure forever. Thank you for for capturing the majesty of such a magical place.

  5. Bill

    Thanks Gina! Look forward to meeting you and your husband.
    WB

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