The Place of Blue Smoke

Revitalize your energy in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Journey Down Ancient Trails in the Place of Blue Smoke

Revitalize your energy—and your spirits—in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, celebrating 75 years.

The Cherokee called it Shaconage—the place of blue smoke. Journey here and follow their ancient footsteps across time and space. Stand where they stood and behold the land as it was through their eyes: wild and unspoiled.

Today we know the Cherokee’s “place of blue smoke” as the Great Smoky Mountains, named for the ever-present blue haze. This mountain range straddles the Tennessee-North Carolina border and encompasses more than 800 square miles. Fortunately, its designation as a national park 75 years ago saved it from logging, allowing us today to glimpse its ancient glory.

The biological diversity here astonishes. There are more than 12,000 species of plants and animals documented, and an additional 90,000 are believed to live here. In fact, it’s the release of gases from the thousands of living, breathing plants that causes the mountains’ blue haze.

But blue is not the only color in abundance. In spring and summer, wildflowers blanket the landscape in a riot of color, while fall sets the mountains ablaze with the brilliant hues of turning leaves. Even winter can be starkly beautiful.

Whatever the season, the panoramic scenery is a feast for the eyes—and spirit. Breathe deeply: That’s fresh air filling your lungs. Close your eyes and feel sunshine warming your face.

Got fresh air. Got sunshine. Need exercise? No problem. Hoof it along the park’s 800 miles of hiking trails—from shaded walkways to multi-day backpacking tours through the back country. Or cycle along its many bike trails. If that’s too much work, then really hoof it—on horseback. If your time is limited, just jump in your car and tootle along the scenic roads in comfort.

One of these is Hwy 441, running from Tennessee across the Smokies into North Carolina. Taking 441 out of Knoxville, you’ll pass through Pigeon Forge, which has become a tourist Mecca since Dolly Parton opened Dollywood, her unique family theme park, in 1961. Grab a bite at The Apple Barn, then stop at an outlet mall to stock up for your trip.

Continue south to Gatlinburg, “the Gateway to the Smokies.” Find a parking space and walk through town, where hotels and motels line the walkways alongside shops and restaurants—and candy kitchens (you can hike it off later!). The Sky Lift will give you an eagle’s view of the village, or you can ride the tram to Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort & Amusement Park for lunch or dinner at the ski lodge.

Head over to historic Cades Cove for a glimpse of the past in the preserved pioneer cabins, farms and churches. You can get a closer look by renting a bike for the one-way 11-mile Cades Cove Loop; horses, carriages and hayrides are also available. Abundant wildlife once made this area a favorite hunting ground for the Cherokee. And so it is today for visitors, except the only shooting is done with cameras. Look for deer, elk, beaver, raccoons, foxes and skunks—just to name a few Cades Cove denizens.

One of the most abundant creatures throughout the park is the black bear. The question isn’t if you’ll see one but when. And, when you do, remember the law: DO NOT FEED THE BEARS! You might want to steer clear of those skunks, too.

Heading up the mountain, you’ll drive beneath a dense canopy of trees until you crest at Newfound Gap, where the Appalachian Trail crosses Hwy 441. Dominating the large parking area is the historic stone monument where FDR dedicated the park. Up a side road is Clingman’s Dome (alt. 6,643), the highest peak in Tennessee. On a clear day, you can see seven states from its observation tower. There’s a steep but paved half-mile walkway to the tower, but the view is worth the workout!

At the foot of the Smokies on the North Carolina side is the town of Cherokee, where the Cherokee Indians lived for thousands of years before being forced from their lands in 1838. At the Oconaluftee Indian Village, their descendants in native costume explain Cherokee history and culture as they lead you through this model village as it was 225 years ago. Travel across town— and time—to visit the new Harrah’s Casino at Cherokee.

Then head southwest to Bryson City, N.C. Here, you can raft the wild whitewater of the Nantahala River, bike, fish, canoe and horseback ride. And, after all that activity, pamper yourself with a hot rock massage at Lakeview at Fontana, a rustic yet chic resort and spa nestled in the hills nearby.

Click To It
To view more pics from our Smokies album, check out our online blog at GreatHealthMag.com.
 

The Great Smoky Mountains: For the Health of It How to Get There ›› Fly to McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in Knoxville, Tenn., then rent a car and head south on Hwy 441. Where to Stay ›› Tenn.: Gatlinburg-Tennessee.com; MyPigeonForge.com; N.C.:  Falling Waters Adventure Resort, FallingWatersResort.com; Lakeview at Fontana, LakeviewNC.com What to Do ›› Cades Cove, CadesCoveTourism.com; Gatlinburg Department of Tourism, (865) 436-0502, Gatlinburg-Tennessee.com; Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism, (800) 251-9100, MyPigeonForge.com; Oconaluftee Indian Village, (800) 438-1601, Cherokee-NC.com For More Information ›› Great Smoky Mountains National Park Web site, NPS.Gov/GRSM/

Bring Your Passport. There are numerous places in the Smokies to get your National Parks Passport stamped. If you don’t already have one, you can get a passport (and 2 stamps) at the Sugarland Vistors Center on Hwy 441.

Yurt Gonna’ Love These Accommodations Want to get close to nature, but just can’t see yourself in a tent? No problem! At Falling Waters Adventure Resort in Bryson City, N.C., you can rough it with flair. At the heart of Smoky Mountain action, the resort offers access to outstanding whitewater rafting, hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, canoeing and kayaking, as well as unique accommodations in the form of Mongolian-inspired yurts. The yurts are circular structures, with pine floors and weatherproof fabric wrapped around a Douglas fir lattice wall. Inside you’ll find luxury digs, with queen-size beds, plus futons for extra guests. There are wooden French doors, skylights and ceiling fans. There’s even a mini-fridge and coffee maker. Guess the “roughing it” part lies in the short trek to the hot tub and shared, but lockable, bathrooms. Imagine yourself, feet propped on the railing of your wooden deck, sipping your morning coffee as you watch a graceful doe leading her spotted fawn to drink from the mist-shrouded pond. Walking a short distance to the bathroom is a small price to pay for such a privilege, don’t you think?