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

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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