Celebrating 75 Years of the Smoky Mountains

It is real beautiful to see the changing of the different leaves in the autumn at Newfound Gap in Townsend, Tennessee. It is 5,048 feet above sea level but it is still the lowest part across the crest of the smokies. When you reach the top you are at the Tennessee-North Carolina state line. Then, at 6,643 feet, you reach the highest peak in the park. You can climb the 45 foot tall observation tower in Clingmans Dome and get a good view.

At Cades cove you may be able to see lots of deer, or even a real bear! On Little River Road you will see a winding stream. The park has 30 species of lizard like amphibians. If you are in good shape you can ride a bicycle the 11 miles around Cades Cove. You can rent bicycles at Cades Cove Campground (explorecadescove.com). You can also see 100 year old wooden structures, one room clapboard churches and log cabin homes built in the 1800's. One stop at Cable Mill and you can see a real blacksmith shop. A man will be dressed in 1800's clothing. You can go to Grotto Falls and see lots of water come down especially with all the rain we been having lately. There are 1,600 species of flowering plants, such as: Rhododendron with lavender blooms. Mount LeConte has the lodge that you can only reach by foot. You can also horseback ride at Cades Cove Riding Stables, or get a hay ride (wwwexplorecadescove.com). Heritage Park of Townsend has 7 acres of beautiful grounds with panoramic mountain views. They specialize in outdoor weddings (mountainviewweddings.com).

The Passion Play Amphitheater is a family and inspirational production. They have concerts and special events each spring, summer, and fall.

If you are looking for a little adventure, then go to the River Rat Tubing & Kayaking on the Little River in Townsend. Just park and float down the river (smokymtnriverrat.com).

Check out the Tuckaleechee Caverns where you can tour the greatest sight under the Smokies. The largest cavern east side of the mississippi (www.tuckaleecheecaverns.com).

If you love mountain music you need to stop at the Wood N' Strings Dulcimer Shop. They have hand crafted dulcimers and ban-jammers that are made by the owner (clemmerdulcimer.com).

Little River Railroad & Lumber Company Museum has a restored Shay Locomotive, depot, steam sawmill and a collection of railroad and lumber company artifacts (littleriverrailroad.org).