Have you ever spent the night beneath the beauty of the stars glowing above? Have you ever woken to the birds singing you a morning song? The Great Smokey Mountain National Park is the best place that I have ever climbed out of a sleeping bag.
The scenery here is wonderful.
Hikers, campers, and tourist have enjoyed coming to the Smokey's for many years.
Recent road and trail improvements along with the growth of it's neighboring city of Gatlinburg makes it a place to see.
Hikers come all year around to enjoy all it has to offer.
During the winter months the leaves fall to the ground opening up new vistas which offer miles of incredible scenery.
With Spring comes the weekly rejuvenation of wildflowers and flowering trees.
In the summer time strap your hiking boots on and come see the sparkling mountain streams flow through the hillsides.
Hear the sounds of roaring waterfalls and gentle cascades.
Autumn is my favorite time of year.
The turning leaves paint the mountains with colors that can only be seen for one's self.
Come and see all of this for yourselves.
You will enjoy every moment.
There is a special feeling in the air here.
Drive to any view point around this mountain and you will see why it has the word "Smokey" in it's name.
You will most usually see a fog blowing through the trees, quite a site.
The hardest decision you will have once you are here is to pick what it is you want to do.
There are so many options to choose from.
I, of course, suggest sleeping under the stars.
If you do choose to hike in the Smokey Mountains you need to take several precautions.
This is a wild place and can easily become dangerous.
First, you need to take with you a basic survival pack.
This will include necessities such as water purification tablets, a pocket knife, and a small first aid kit.
The next thing you need to take is a whistle.
Bears are very active here.
Now, before you decide that you will not come, the bears are more afraid of you than you are of them.
In the case that you meet a bear, blow your whistle-I have.
Take an extra pair of shoestrings with you, I would not want to walk across the rocky terrain without proper footing.
You may also want to take some type of warm clothing, nights can become quite cold.
The rewards far outweighs the risks.
Take the proper precautions and you will enjoy every moment here in the park.
I hope that you will come see us here in the Smokey Mountains.