Great Smoky Mountains National Park
A couple of years ago, I was heading down to Knoxville, Tennessee for a college football game between Georgia and Tennessee. After the game, I was going to hike in the Great Smoky Mountains. Before I left on my way from a Chicago suburb to Tennessee, I called the local radio station and talked to Johnny Mars from WXRT.
Great Smoky Mountains from the Newfound Gap
I told him I was driving south to a college football game, and while I was in the Chicago radio reception area I requested to hear the song “drive south,” by John Hiatt. “Great song,” said Johnny, but he was not sure he would be able to comply, but he would try.
I had to drive twenty minutes east on Lake Cook Road before turning south on Interstate 94. As soon as I turned south on the exit, the acoustic intro for John Hiatt’s great “drive south” began to invade my ears. It was an amazing start to the road trip. After a few more songs, Johnny Mars recapped the tunes he played. He said “’Drive south’ was for a guy driving down to Tennessee for a college football game.”
Once again I will be driving south to Knoxville to adventure travel in the highest section of the Appalachian Mountains. Checking the map, my itinerary has me walking past several waterfalls, so I know a few of my readers, one especially, will enjoy those pictures.
Great Smoky Mountains
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Fall is the best time to hike as the temperatures are ideal for walking. The ticks and mosquitoes are long gone as well. The forecast calls for highs in the 60s for the days I will be hiking, so the weather should be spectacular for a great hike.
Photos of the week come from the Great Smoky Mountains and the video is from John Hiatt.
Stay tuned,
TT
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I have to agree that Fall is the best time to hike. Unfortunately, I have been so busy I haven’t had time! It’s been years since I have been to the Smoky Mountains and never have been hiking there. I did go to UT once and stopped to look around and see Neyland Stadium. It’s a huge stadium but man those seats are hard, tight, and uncomfortable! Will be a great atmosphere to see a game (not sure I can be objective if it’s against the Gamecocks though). By the way, October 29th is just around the corner! 🙂
Thanks for the link to my series. As soon as I read the intro to this I was excited about reading this post – even before I knew you mentioned my story! Have fun hiking and hope to make it there one day!
Jeremy Branham recently posted..The College Football Travel Tour hits the road
Being from the smokies, I can’t wait for the pics and they will make me home sick, for sure. While anytime is great to hike them, this time of year is so colorful. I remember painters and photographers coming from all over to capture the beauty of fall. I didn’t say magical because I reserve that for the winter when they are decorated in snow and ice cycles.
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Have the best time and drive safe! Can’t wait to see the pics.
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Love the fact you got your song played. I’ll be curious to hear your trip reports as I know nothing about the hiking in Tennessee.
Leigh recently posted..A Hike to a Real Singing Lake
Great pics..makes us want to drive northeast and see this great park..
Cheers…
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Love the Smokies and the Blue Ridge, they are beautiful and love Appalachian handcrafts.
santafetraveler recently posted..Tidbits: Santa Fe dining news, El Dia de los Muertos, Halloween art and more……
Great pictures and the weather do look perfect for hiking. I will remember to plan my trip and witness the beauty of Smoky mountain national park in person.
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