Monthly Archives: October 2009

Fall Foliage in Cades Cove

The fall color is currently at its peek in Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains but will not last long. Yesterday a park volunteer stated that this was the most vibrant colors he could remember; as he concurred with the comments I made on Tuesday evening here on the blog about this years fall colors.

Traffic is currently heavy on the loop road but well worth the time. Even the drive just getting to Cades Cove is colorful whether one travels the Little River Road from Gatlinburg, Wears Valley Rd. from Pigeon Forge, or Hwy 321 from Maryville.

Taken from the Loop Rd in Cades Cove on 10/28/2009

Taken just outside the entrance to Cades Cove on 10/28/2009

This Weeks Fall Foliage Update

Today’s photos from the Campbell Overlook show the Great Smoky Mountains at peak color in the lower elevations even though these pictures were taken with overcast skies in between rain showers. With the rain expected to move out of the area overnight and with little wind to take the leaves down, the colors should be excellent through the weekend.

When a person sees something everyday, it becomes the norm and many times it is overlooked or taken for granted. Having lived in this area the last eleven years, I can not remember seeing the vivid yellows, oranges and reds we are currently seeing. For many years the park service has said that we need rain through out the year to produce the vibrant colors, and this year has been very wet.

If one has not had the opportunity to view the fall colors in this region, this is an exceptional year to take the time and visit. With the upcoming weekend being one of the slower of the fall season, The Resort at Governors Crossing has great rates for a fall foliage getaway.

Fall Foliage at Campbell Overlook 10/27/09

Fall Foliage from the Gatlinburg bypass 10/27/09

Rock Slide Closes I-40

A massive rock slide has closed both lanes of I-40 near the TN/NC state lines. The rock slide is located near mile marker #3 in Haywood County, North Carolina.

Eastbound travelers are being routed up I-81 to Johnson City, TN and back to I-40 via Interstate 26.

Westbound travelers are advised to use I-240 West, to I-26 West out of Asheville, NC to Johnson City, TN, then take I-81 South to I-40.

Fall Foliage from Cades Cove

Having spent part of the day yesterday in Cades Cove, we decided to add this photo showing the autumn color change in the Great Smoky Mountains. This westward facing photo was taken in the vicinity of the Carter Shields cabin. It seems like one can almost see a change in the color of the leaves on a daily basis now.

Fall Foliage Cades Cove 10/21/2009

This Weeks Fall Foliage

This weeks photo from the Campbell Overlook in the Smokies shows color change beginning in the lower elevations and many more reds appearing on higher slopes. With last Saturdays snow in the upper mountains and Sunday nights heavy frost in the valley in Sevier County, color change should come very quickly now.

Campbell Overlook 10/20/2009

“Friends of the Smokies” Needs Your Help

The “Friends of the Smokies” requests your help in securing grant money that will aid in saving 19 historic buildings in the Elkmont area. An on-line poll, called Save Our Sites, is being sponsored by Tourism Cares. Participants can vote for their favorite among the seven sites listed.
The Tourism Cares organization seeks to preserve natural and historic areas that are tourist destinations. The amount the grant is unknown and will be determined by donations given to the effort on the Save Our Sites web site.
Voting is free; you are not required to make a donation. Cast your vote to help Elkmont and The Great Smoky Mountains.

Fall Foliage Update

We have an updated photo from the Campbell Overlook south of Gatlinburg. Some color change is starting to appear in the lower elevations. The second photo is taken from Newfound Gap from the overlook at the parking area.

Fall Foliage at Campbell Overlook 10/13/2009

Fall Foliage at Newfound Gap 10/13/2009

New Height Requirements for The Resort’s High Speed Water Slides

In listening to you, our guests, voice disappointment with the manufacture’s 48 inch height requirement on the indoor high speed water slides we are pleased to announce a new 36 inch height requirement. After many months of negotiations with the manufacturer and their representatives they have agreed to allow any child 36” or taller to use the slides.

Children 36” to 48” tall will be required to wear a life vest provided by The Resort to use the water slides. Anyone 48”or taller will still be able to use the slides without the vest.

The Resort at Governor’s Crossing strives to make all guests, including our younger guest’s stay an enjoyable and safe experience.

Fall Foliage in the Smokies

We are beginning to see color changes of some of the leaves in the Great Smoky Mountains. The following photo is from the Campbell Overlook just south of Gatlinburg, about 12 miles from Newfound Gap. In this wide angel shot taken 10/7/09 you can see some reds and oranges in the upper elevations on some of the ridges.

Fall Foliage at Campbell Overlook 10/7/2009

Weather permitting we will post a photo from the same location next week.

Former President to Speak at Sevierville Conference

Former President George W. Bush is scheduled to speak at the Sevierville Events Center at the Celebrator’s Conference. He will be the Wednesday evening guest speaker at the sold out conference.
The Celebrator’s Conference, an outreach of Phil Waldrep Ministries, is one of the leading Christian conferences for older adults and mature believers. Held this Monday through Thursday, this year’s annual conference is moving from Gatlinburg to the new Sevierville facility.