Coweta Fayette Real Estate & Newnan Homes for sale blog by Richard Weisser of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers many diverse natural opportunities for visitors to experience. One of the more unusual phenomenons that occur in the high elevations is the grassy balds.

Science is unsure of the origin of these high Eastern meadows. They could be caused by the winds that constantly batter the peaks, or periodic fires caused by electrical storms, or even by deliberate clearing by the aboriginal inhabitants of the region.

Whatever the origin, a day hike to Andrews Bald is a pleasant way to spend a morning or afternoon in the park. It’s a two mile hike from the parking lot, with some rocky areas along the trail, but even the most leisurely pace will barely take an hour to arrive at the bald!

If you arrive in late May or Early June you will be treated to the fiery blooms of the Flame Azalea or the fringed flowers of the Catawba Rhododendron. If you take the trail October, you will be treated to amazing vistas in their Fall splendor.

Be sure to carry water and a snack, and always remain aware of the possibility of snakes along the rocky parts of the trail, as Timber Rattlers will seek the warmth of the sun on the exposed rocks.

To get there from either North Carolina or Tennessee, take the Newfound Gap Road all the way to the Gap. Go West on Clingmans Dome Road until you get to the parking lot. The trail to the Dome goes up past the new Visitor’s Center, while the trail to the bald descends from the parking lot.

Andrews Bald in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a great place to experience the Eastern Appalachians!

I highly recommend it as an outdoor destination!

Mingus Mill is one of the many historic structures preserved and maintained in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

In the Nineteenth Century, the center of industry in rural America was the grist mill. These marvels of physics harvested natural forces, usually water, to convert grain to usable meal or flour.

Mingus Mill, which was constructed in 1886, utilized state-of-the-art turbine technology to power its machinery. Water was directed down a millrace to propel the turbine which was connected to a series of cogs and belts that would power the entire operation of the mill.

Typically, in a cash poor society, the miller would simply charge a “toll” by keeping a percentage of the finished product. Ten percent was the generally accepted fee paid for the convenience of having the grain processed and bagged.

As a result, owner and investors in mills were among the wealthiest citizens of a community. It was a very profitable business for those that could procure the capital needed for construction.

Mingus Mill is located on the Newfound Gap Road about a mile north of the Oconaluftee Vistor’s Center near Cherokee North Carolina. It’s a one hundred and twenty-four year step back into history that is just a few miles from 2010 civilization!

All photos courtesy of Richard Weisser and SmokyPhotos.com

There is a little white church in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is not easy to find. It requires driving to a remote area of the park and then a two mile hike to get there.

But when one arrives at the Little Cataloochee Church, one is immediately transported to a simpler time that revolved around faith, community, and a deep understanding that life is what it is, and you must work your way through it.

This oasis of tranquility in the middle of nowhere is a testament to those that went before us and that endured the struggle of survival against nature and all odds, and yet took time out to thank their Creator for all that they had.

Horace Kephardt, in “Our Southern Highlanders,” referred to the region as the “Land of Do Without."

So even though our times may be troubled, there is a place of inner peace within us. And although it might take a little soul-searching to get there, once we arrive, our spirit will be refreshed and reinvigorated.

And ready to face anything!

Although summer draws the most visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, followed closely by hoards of October leaf-lookers, spring is a time of special beauty in the southern Appalachian Mountains.

Since there are only a brief few weeks that are warm enough to allow the emergence of early blooming plants before the leaf canopy darkens the forest floor, the wildflowers appear en masse from mid-March through April.

Although the Park is known for magnificent vistas and enormous peaks, it’s always fun to enjoy the beauty “up close and personal!” And it’s fun to locate as many different kinds of blooms as possible.

My favorite wildflower viewing areas are Deep Creek near Bryson City, the Smokemont area north of the Oconaluftee Visitor’s Center, and the Cove Hardwoods Nature Trail near the Chimneys Picnic Area south of the Sugarland Park Headquarters.

If you have never visited the Smokies in the spring, I urge you to do so! You’ll avoid the crowds and experience a very special time of year in the mountains!

Photos courtesy of Richard Weisser and SmokyPhotos.com

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park enjoys a rich history of prior human habitation within the contemporary park boundaries.

Unlike the first national parks that were established in the West on lands already owned by the United States Government, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was assembled with the purchase and condemnation of lands owned by private residents and a collection of lumber and mining companies.

Although most of the structures inside the park boundaries were razed at the time the park was created, a select few were allowed to remain as living museums of the historic human heritage of those that lived and worked here prior to the national park establishment.

The photos depicted here are of historic structures currently maintained by the National Park Service in the Cataloochee Valley. At one time, over 1,200 people called this place home.

And they are a testament to those hard working property owners that gave up their land, voluntarily or otherwise, to forever preserve the magnificent beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains!

Photos: Top Right Steve Woody House, bottom: Eldridge Caldwell Barn, Palmer Chapel, Little Cataloochee Church in the Cataloochee Valley,

It's the official first day of Autumn 2009, and that always get me excited. Fall is my favorite time of year for several reasons.

I love the cooler crisp weather, and the brilliant sunshine dancing on the yellows, reds, oranges and purples of the foliage.

I love the smell of the fallen leaves and the crunching sound when you walk on them. I love the smell of fried apple pies and the sweet and refreshing taste of ice-cold cider.

I love snuggling by a warm fire on a chilly evening and listening to the embers crackling and hissing as they dissipated into ash.

In honor of the arrival of the season, here are some photos from past autumns. I hope that you enjoy them!

In 1776, about the time our country was declaring it's independence from the throne of England, naturalist William Bartram entered the Cherokee territory alone and on foot. Batram was determined to document as many species of flora and fauna as possible on his expedition.

On one such adventure, he had his first observation of the native Flame Azalea (Rhododendron calendulaceum) and described it this way:

" the clusters of the blossoms cover the shrubs in such incredible profusion on the hill sides, that suddenly opening to view from dark shades, we are alarmed with the apprehension of the hill being set on fire. This is certainly the most gay and brilliant flowering shrub yet known" (William Bartram "Travels" 1791)

The Flame Azalea still puts on a spectacular show in June in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Look for the gorgeous plant in open areas in the high elevations of the Smokies.

My favorite areas for viewing the flowers are by car on Balsam Mountain Road, or by hiking to Andrews Bald. The first to second week in June are usually optimal for Flame Azalea blooms, but a week or two later in the highest elevations.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers something special for the visitor in every season of the year. But if you happen to be there in June, head for the high elevations and the Flame Azalea.

It is an unforgettable display of nature's excellence!

All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc., and may not be used without the expressed written permission of ERA United Realty and Coweta Fayette Real Estate of ERA United Realty Newnan Georgia. All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted, Copyright 2003-2009. Richard Weisser 770-827-6225.
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Near Bryson City North Carolina lies one of the most interesting and least known areas of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Although frequented by locals, the Deep Creek area of the park offers more recreational opportunities than any other place in the park.

Deep Creek is popular in the summer with swimmers and for tubing. Trout fishing is popular here as well, with a valid North Carolina Fishing license.

You may also ride bicycles on the Lower Deep Creek Trail, one of the few trails in the park where they are permitted. There is a fully improved campground and a ranger station as well.

Deep Creek also features three significant waterfalls within a short walking distance of each other. One of the most popular is Indian Creek Falls.

To get to the falls, simply follow the Lower Deep Creek Trail from the parking lot. At about 0.2 miles, you will be treated to the sights and sounds of Tom's Branch Falls, tumbling into Deep Creek!

Continue to the Indian Creek Trail fork at 0.7 miles, Turn right on this trail, and a sign marking the falls is about a tenth of a mile on your left.

On your return trip to the parking lot, you may want to take the half mile side trail to Juney Whank Falls which is taller but has less water volume than Indian Creek Falls.

Deep Creek is a great way to experience the North Carolina side of the Smokies! Be sure to check it out on your next visit to the region!

All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc., and may not be used without the expressed written permission of ERA United Realty and Coweta Fayette Real Estate of ERA United Realty Newnan Georgia. All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted, Copyright 2003-2009. Richard Weisser 770-827-6225.
Learn more about Coweta County and Fayette County Georgia Real Estate, and to search the entire Georgia MLS for free with no registration required visit CowetaFayetteRealEstate.com!

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It's a strange irony that one of the most beautiful areas of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is also one of the least visited. Although it's a bit out of the way, The Cataloochee Valley rewards visitors with excellent vistas, historic buildings, and abundant wildlife.

Located entirely in the state of North Carolina, settlers came to this place in the early 19^th Century for its seclusion and fertile bottom lands. Many lived their entire lives without ever crossing the divide for a glimpse of the outside world.

Since the inception of the Park in the late 1930's, much of the area was left to return to its natural state.  Only a limited number of historic structures remain, including two churches and a few houses and cabins. It takes several days to explore the entire valley so you might want to stay in the Cataloochee Campground for the complete Smoky Mountain experience!

Photos from top cpurtesy of SmokyPhotos:
Palmer Chapel and Ground, Caldwell Barn with footlog, Base of the Cataloochee Overlook, Bull Elk

All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc., and may not be used without the expressed written permission of ERA United Realty and Coweta Fayette Real Estate of ERA United Realty Newnan Georgia. All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted, Copyright 2003-2009. Richard Weisser 770-827-6225.
Learn more about Coweta County and Fayette County Georgia Real Estate, and Lake West Point Lots.

One of my favorite places is the Little Cataloochee Baptist Church in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It's located on a serene ridge, and features the church, erected in 1889 and the churchyard, which is the final resting place of many former residents of the area.

To get there, you'll have to exert a little effort. It takes some tricky driving along miles of narrow gravel roads to get to the almost invisible trailhead, and from there it is a two mile hike along a broad, maintained trail to the church!

The Great Smoky Mountains National park differs from other National Parks which were created on land already owned by the government. People lived, worked, had babies, farmed, went to church, and died in the Smokies. The park was established by purchasing or condemning property already owned by thousands of title holders.

As a result, there are six churches still within park boundaries, and countless burial grounds dotted throughout. It's a great place for both lovers of natural beauty and aficionados of history!

The next time you are in the Waynesville area of North Carolina, plan a short hike to the Little Cataloochee Church. You won't be disappointed.

Photos Courtesy of Richard Weisser and Smokyphotos.com

All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc., and may not be used without the expressed written permission of ERA United Realty and Coweta Fayette Real Estate of ERA United Realty Newnan Georgia. All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted, Copyright 2003-2009. Richard Weisser 770-827-6225.
Learn more about Coweta County and Fayette County Georgia Real Estate, and Lake West Point Lots.

It starts at 4:00 A.M. in the morning. I get up, get dressed, double check the camera gear, load the truck, and head for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It's not a short trip, about 220 miles to the nearest point of the park, and when all is said and done, the complete trip pushes 750 miles.

It's a trip I have made many times, usually 2-4 times per year. I wasn't really up to it but the weather forecast suggested that it was now or never, so I dutifully began the long journey.

I made it through Georgia all right, but as soon as I crossed into North Carolina I met a new friend, a state trooper who very politely suggested that if I slowed down, I might live a little longer. He also added that I need to pay $151 dollars by December 5^th or a warrant would be issued for my arrest! So I was not off to a great start!

But the mission comes first, so I headed for the Blue Ridge Parkway and Waterrock Knob. Not a lot going on there so I drove through the town of Maggie Valley North Carolina which was very beautiful and scenic. From there I drove over the Cataloochee Divide into the National Park, and was rewarded with many great photo opportunities! I I photographed some great stills and a lot of wildlife, including some good elk shots. I was on a roll now, and spent two hours in Cataloochee before heading back to Heintooga.

Not much there, so went to the National Park at Ravensford and climbed into the elevation for some decent Autumn color. On the way back down I set up the tripod in the middle of the Oconaluftee River for dome nice shots.

Then I started the long drive back home to Newnan. When I got home tonight, I was exhausted, but I have a nice photo journal of the trip. Which brings me to the point of all of this:

Nothing worth achieving is easy. It takes effort, perseverance and determination to accomplish difficult goals. But if you put your mind to it, you can get the job done!

Now excuse me, I must lie down a bit!

Photos: October 23, 2008 Courtesy of SmokyPhotos.com

All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc., and may not be used without the expressed written permission of ERA United Realty and Coweta Fayette Real Estate of ERA United Realty Newnan Georgia. All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted, Copyright 2003-2008.
Learn more about Coweta County and Fayette County Georgia Real Estate, and Lake West Point Lots.

The Great Smoky Mountains is the most visited National Park in the United States. With over eleven million visitors a year, and within a day's drive of half of the countries population, many of the parks more popular areas can become quite crowded.

However, there are some places of unparalleled beauty and historic significance that are far removed from large numbers of Park visitors. One such place is the Cataloochee Valley. Because it requires a little more effort to get there, the Cataloochee Valley is rarely crowded; more than likely, there will be fewer visitors in this large area than in any other place in the park.

It is also here in Cataloochee, that the Park Service reintroduced elk earlier in the decade. Although elk roamed these mountains for hundreds of years, they were extirpated by settlers in the 19^th and early 20^th Centuries. In an effort to return the ecosystem to its historic diversity, the elk have been imported from western parks into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The result is a spectacular addition to the plethora of wildlife already in the park. If you arrive in the early morning or stay into the late evening, you may be rewarded by hearing a bull bugling. The sound is indescribable, high pitched and loud, and serves as both a call to his herd and as a warning to would-be interlopers.

Although the black bear used to be the star of the Smokies, the elk are fast replacing there ursine counterparts in popularity! And your chances of seeing elk in Cataloochee is great, as the herds have increased in number over the years.

So if you live in the east, and want to see elk in their natural habitat, come to Cataloochee in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You will not be disappointed!

Photos courtesy of SmokyPhotos.com

All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc., and may not be used without the expressed written permission of ERA United Realty and Coweta Fayette Real Estate of ERA United Realty Newnan Georgia. All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted, Copyright 2003-2008.
Learn more about Coweta County and Fayette County Georgia Real Estate, and Lake West Point Lots.

It's Easter Sunday, 2008. Easter arrived very early this year, and it seems like a lot of us were not quite prepared. I found myself running around at the last minute, getting the ingredients together for Easter dinner. We elected to go non-traditional this year. My mother was Italian, and I make a great homemade sauce, so I am making meatballs, Italian sausage, pasta and a nice salad.

It takes a lot of preparation, so I had to start early in the morning. I lke for the sauce to simmer for at least six hours, so the meat absorbs all of the goodness, so I started early. Once in the pot, it simmers on it's own so I can go about the normal Easter morning activities.

Without getting too preachy, it is, after all, a time for spiritual reflection. When I think of the beauty of creation, I always think about the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It's only a four hours drive from home, so I visit often, and over the years, I have accumulated thousands of photos. I even have a website, SmokyPhotos, that is dedicated to archiving photos of the park that I have taken.

There is one special place in the parkthat is near and dear to me. It is the Little Cataloochee church, located in the North Carolina portion of the park. It's a little harder to visit than most of the churches withing the park boundaries, because it takes a significant drive followed by a two mile hike to get there.

But once you arrive, you are at a place of total serenity and peace. You are there, usually alone, save for the faithful resting in the burial ground. It is a place of peace, calm, beauty, inspiration and reflection. If you get a chance to visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, I suggest you fore-go Cades Cove and make an effort to visit this spiritual place!

I hope you get as much from it as I have!

Richard Weisser, Broker, Associate Broker, Auctioneer, E-Pro, CE Instructor Era United Realty, Newnan Georgia, Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc. Serving Coweta, Fayette, Heard, Meriwether, South Fulton, Pike and Spalding Counties 770-827-6225, 770-683-8400 X364, 770-683-8401 (FAX) All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc., and may not be used without the expressed written permission of Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc.  Copyright 2003-2008.