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 is the most visited park in the United States, That’s because over 2/3 if the country’s population live within a day’s drive from the park boundaries.

Summer visitors often take advantage of cooler temperatures in the higher elevations. The Balsam Mountain Campground is the highest in the park and at over 5000 feet in elevation provides pleasant sleeping conditions during the hot months.

And of course, one can wade in an icy cold mountain stream that will chatter the teeth and offset the blazing southern sun! Be please be careful while you are in the water, because the rocks can be slippery and water levels can change suddenly.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a favorite destination for many summer vacationers. Why not plan a trip to see for yourself?

The flame upon the candlewick
On draughts aflutter pirouette
And waltz and reel to tempo quick
Then lay in wait for Winter’s breath.

                        R Weisser Oct. 2009

As another Autumn foliage season comes to a close, I begin to look back to all of the falls of my past with fond remembrance. It’s always been my favorite season.

Full of color, and football, and the smell of leaves and the tastes of apples and pumpkins! It’s the last hurrah of temperate weather before winter sets it, a time of warm days and cool, crisp evenings. A most pleasant time of year for both dreaming and reflection!

Each fall is different with it's own personality, and presents it's own special touches. As for me, I am going to observe, and taste and savor each offering of the season.

And enjoying every moment of it!

Flutter and flurry and winter's chill
Toss fire-hued petals aloft until
The caress of earth,  then lay in place
For one last show of nature's grace!

                               R. Weisser 2009 

The one question that comes up the most this time of year is this: "Will it be a good leaf season?"

There are many scientific factors that affect leaf color. The amount of sunlight, recent rainfall, temperature and elevation can all affect leaf color.

But if there is one thing that I have learned over all of the years that I have been taking fall foliage photos is this: There is always good leaf color somewhere!

And like any good treasure hunter, I seek to find the caches of color wherever they may be!

It's a ritual of autumn that I have repeated every year for more than I care to remember.

And it's what I look forward to every year!

There is always a lot of confusion about how to correctly spell the word "smoky." Or is it "Smokey?" You see it spelled both ways so often because it is actually the correct spelling of the word either way!

But if you are referring to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, there is only one official way to spell the word, and that is with no "E" included. Now you can call them the the Smokey Mountains, as do many of the locals, especially on the North Carolina side.

But the more prevalent Tennessee spelling is "Smoky" and was chosen as the official adjective of the park!

Perhaps it was a cost saving measure. The elimination of all of those "E's" over all those years must have saved a small fortune on signage and printing costs. I mean, that could be millions of "E's" saved over all of the years since the park was dedicated.

And when you think about it, it's not smoke at all. It's mist, or fog, or ozone and other greenhouse gases being emitted from the foliage. But the Cherokee named the range Shaconage which roughly translates to the place of blue smoke.

Or it could be equally translate as the place of blue mist, or blue greenhouse gases. Who knows, but it sure is a beautiful place!

Photos courtesy of Richard Weisser and SmokyPhotos.com, but if you type "smokeyphotos.com it will work just fine!

In mid to late October, the fall foliage colors will peak in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Nearly two million visitors will travel to the Park to experience the most colorful season of the year!

In addition to autumn leaf color, fall is also a great time for wildlife viewing. Visitors are treated to deer, bear and elk in their natural habitats. A lucky few will see wolves, coyotes or bobcats too.

And although the park is crowded, there are still quiet places to get away from all of the hustle and bustle of the myriad of tourists. There are many less traveled trails and nature paths that can bring you face to face with the beauty of creation.

It's my favorite place in the world. It renews my spirit and revitalizes my soul!

Fall foliage photos in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park courtesy of Richard Weisser and SmokyPhotos.com

It has been an interesting and controversial weekend. I have engaged in mental sparring with a lot of people that are much smarter than me, and it has taken its toll!

My ability to move quickly on my feet has diminished with each passing year. It is a new world, completely different from the one I grew up in so many years ago.

The best part the passing of time, though, is that each year the Great Smoky Mountains revert one year more back to a more pristine state. In the nearly forty years that I have frequented the park, the changes are dramatic.

The trees are bigger, the balds are grown over, and the overall look and feel is more natural and serene.

Have a great day!

Photos courtesy of Smokyphotos

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 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! Photos of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Get the latest GA Foreclosure List Updated Daily!

The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a popular and pleasant diversion from the hustle and bustle of busy downtown Gatlinburg. Although it takes just minutes to get there from the heart of town, the visitor is transported to a completely different time and place!

The fifteen mile, one way loop is not well-suited for those on a tight schedule. You will rarely be able to maintain the 10 mph speed limit, and you will be compelled to stop the car many times to get out and experience the ancient stream bed and the verdant forest.

There are some overlooks with good views, but this trail is more about Roaring Fork itself. It is a world of rocks and moisture and moss and shade loving plants. You are likely to spot a deer, or if you are really fortunate and observant, a black bear!

A few brave settlers once built small hardscrabble farms along this watercourse, and a few structures have been preserved here in an effort to depict what life was like in the time before the national park was established.

But the journey here is about the theater of the forest, the fragrance of the firmament, and the music of the cascading stream. It's a sensory explosion that overwhelms even the most citified sojourner and beckons them to stay and enjoy a long draught of primeval essence!

To get there from Gatlinburg, simply take Airport Road and follow straight into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and then follow the signs to the trailhead.

Photos Top: Roaring Fork, Bottom" "The Place of a Thousand Drips" 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 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! Photos of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Get the latest GA Foreclosure List Updated Daily!

The black bear is the most popular and sought-after photography subject in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Park visitors all want to catch a glimpse of the large mammals, and will cast reason and good sense aside in order to land a "trophy" photo.

But black bears are wild animals. The park is not a zoo, but a habitat. A she-bear with cubs is a wondrous sight, but she will defend her offspring with her life, and will attack if she feels threatened.

In 2009, park officials have indicated that extraordinarily large black bear populations have led to an increased number of incidents with visitors. Some back country campsites and trails have been closed as a result.

The good news is that you'll have an excellent chance of seeing a bear during a visit to the park this year. The bad news is that you may become involved in a bear "incident" if you are not wary. Always keep in mind:

1. Bears are large and powerful animals and can cause serious injury or death.
2. Bears are attracted by improperly stored food or improperly disposed of garbage.
3. Bears with cubs are the most likely to act aggressively.
4. Feeding a bear can be a death sentence for the animal. Bears that become "nuisance" bears often have to be destroyed.
5. Keep a respectful distance from bears. You are a guest in their world.
6. Some people just don't get it. Report violators to park rangers.

And finally, make one of the three park visitor's centers your first stop on your next visit. Get the very latest information about active areas and closures. A little information and a lot of common sense go a long way towards a safe park experience.

And you just might save a bear's life by doing so!

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 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! Photos of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Get the latest GA Foreclosure List Updated Daily!

The Cherokee people called the Great Smoky Mountains "Shaconage," or "place of blue smoke."  It is a place of remarkable natural beauty, incredible views, and sparkling streams.

It is an ancient place, created by the cataclysmic collision of the continents which forced the formation of the tallest mountains on earth. But because these are also among the oldest peaks on the planet, they have been worn down and eroded over millions of years into their present state.

So although they are no longer the tallest or the biggest mountains in the world, they remain among the most beautiful.

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 to search the entire Georgia MLS for free with no registration required visit CowetaFayetteRealEstate.com!

Get the latest GA Foreclosure List Updated Daily!

To climb o'er root and rock aloft
Through rhododendron tunnel shafts
Creation's ancient crevice seeps
Along the way to Chimney's peaks.
                              ( R Weisser )

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited National Park in the system. It lies within a day's drive of half of the population of the United States.

The park is designated as an international biosphere preserve and contains a wide variety of flora and fauna specimens.

Of all of the mountain peaks in the park, none are more easily recognized that the Chimney Tops. The Chimneys owes their name to chimney like stone outcropping at the top of the mountain. From these rocks, you get a spectacular 360 degree view of the Tennessee side of the National Park.

The Chimney Tops Trail is one of the most popular in the park. The 4 mile round trip hike takes you on a 1500' climb to the 4730' summit. Although steep in a few places, and occasionally slippery in spots, the average family in decent shape can do the hike in about 3 hours.

Even if you're not up for a hike to the top, there are plenty of excellent vantage points for photographing the famous peaks. Be sure to use the pull-outs and always watch for traffic as this is a very congested are in the park.

To get there, take US 441 ( The Newfound Gap Road) south from the Sugarlands Visitor's Center. When you pass the Chimneys Picnic area on the right, continue south until you go through the tunnel. As soon as you get through the tunnel, the trail head is on your right.

The Chimney tops are truly a Smokies' landmark. Be sure to include a hike to the summit the next time you visit Gatlinburg Tennessee!

Photos, from top: The Chimeys in Autumn, Rock outcropping on the peak, foliage along the Chimney Tops Trail, looking from the tall Chimney to the lower one, the Chimneys in the morning!

Learn More about the Great Smoky Mountains National Park at SmokyPhotosBlog.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 to search the entire Georgia MLS for free with no registration required visit CowetaFayetteRealEstate.com!

There is something extraordinary about an Eastern Mountain Stream. The swift waters tumble and careen over rounded boulders that have been smoothed after eons of erosion.

The rivulets flow cold and clear, rife with fish and salamanders and other aquatic creatures that depend on the continuous flow of sustenance. Plants thrive in the luxuriant and moist environment of the stream bed and animal are attracted to both drinking water and plentiful fodder in stream locales.

Although these photos capture some of the visual beauty of the mountain stream, they are a poor substitute for the actual sight of the splashing, dancing torrents sparkling in dappled sunlight. Nor can they convey the fresh organic perfume of the river valley, or the cacophony of sounds generated by the splashing and crashing of liquid over stone!

And although a photo of water cannot refresh the body, it can certainly rejuvenate the spirit!

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.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park features some of the highest peaks in the Appalachians, as well as a tremendous diversity of flora and fauna. The Park also offers some of the largest stands of virgin forests in the Eastern United States.

And because the park is within a day's drive of 50% of the country's population, it is the most visited national park in the system. Now is the time to plan your Spring Wildflower pilgrimage to the park, with late March and early April being the peak time for seeing the most blooms!

All 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.

A few years ago, a teacher named Ken Smith was spending his summer working in the gift shop at Yellowstone National Park. One of the items they sold there were the circus animal cookies that are so popular with children.

Ken thought that it was silly to sell cookies depicting giraffes, lions and tigers at Yellowstone. He thought that the cookies should depict bears, elk, bison and other Yellowstone creatures instead, and have an Yellowstone theme instead of a circus carton.

When he discovered that there were no such products on the market, he started the Wildlife Cookie Company to fill the niche. The first product he released was indeed based on animals in Yellowstone, and the cookies were a success. The company then made the decision to branch out into other National Parks, with a unique product for each area.

So when they decided to do a Great Smoky Mountains cookie box, our lives crossed. Ken contacted me and asked if I would provide the photos for the product container. I was only too happy to comply, and about six months later, the cookies appeared in gift shops and concession stands both in an out of the Park.

So if you are visiting the Smokies, and if you buy a souvenir cookie box, look on the back! If you look at the Clingman's dome observation tower very closely, you can see my wife waving at me! She has been immortalized forever in the sphere of animal cookiedom.

Now, how many people can say that? And the point of all of this? If you have a good idea ... run with it!

For more information visit the Wildlife Cookie Company 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 2003-2008.
Learn more about Coweta County and Fayette County Georgia Real Estate, and Lake West Point Lots.

Every October I take several trips to The Great Smoky Mountains National Park to photograph the change of the seasons. In the Southeast, the mountains and autumn are intrinsically intertwined. The brilliant leaf color, the cooler temperatures, and the abundance of visible wildlife all contribute to a rejuvenating experience.

And it's not just the sights that draw me either. It's the smell of the new fallen leaves, the autumn blooming flowers and the fragrance of the cascading brooks and rivers. Every breath recharges and renews, and goes deep within the spirit.

And there are fall tastes as well. Anything apple: apple cider, apple fritters and fried apple pies! In the south, we also enjoy a big sack of boiled peanuts while we are on the road. The best are made in a big black kettle over an open fire. The mountains are also associated with huge country breakfasts of ham, eggs, hash browns, grits, biscuits and lots of gravy! Oh and pancakes too, we mustn't forget the pancakes.

But, sad to say, this year might be different. Downturns in the real estate market have made discretionary cash very limited. It is also unnerving to "hit the road" with an uncertain supply of gasoline. In our part of the country, only one in twelve stations have gasoline to sell, and when you get it, it's a long wait at the pump.

And two years of drought have taken their toll. The water level in the streams and rivers is very low, sometimes just a trickle. Also, the drought makes the leaves a little browner and a lot less colorful. Not only is that bad for the vegetation and the ecosystem, is isn't the best scenario for the dedicated photographer.

I will find a way, somehow, to make my annual treks. It's the only way I can revitalize my spirit! I must. I need to breathe!

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.

Welcome to Gatlinburg Tennessee, the gateway to The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Gatlinburg is just over a mile from the Sugarlands Visitors Center and offers all of the creature comforts sought after by area travelers.

Gatlinburg offers accommodations of every kind from simple motel rooms, suites, condos and cabins to deluxe upscale mountainside homes with spectacular views and every conceivable amenity.

Gatlinburg also offers a smorgasbord of food options, from fine dining on locally raised trout to fast food. There is truly something for every taste and preference, and choosing can be one of you toughest decisions of the day!

Gatlinburg offers shops and boutiques galore, and you can spend days here without visiting the same store twice. No trip to the Smoky Mountains is complete without an evening spent shopping in downtown Gatlinburg.

Here are some helpful links:

Gatlinburg - Official site of Gatlinburg and the Chamber of Commerce, Start you online research here!

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park -  NPS Site.

Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community - Local crafts and regional art.

Gatlinburg Department of Tourism and Convention Bureau.

SmokyPhotos - Photos of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and surrounding area!

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) Follow me on Twitter Account cowetafayette 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. All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted, Copyright 2003-2008.

Since the establishment of the National Park in 1936, Gatlinburg has become the destination of choice for visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains. The park is a favorite choice for both through hiking and day trips.

One of the most popular day hikes in the park is the Chimney Tops Trail. This popular 4.2 mile roundtrip trail will take you to some of the best views in the Smokies.

The popularity of this trail may require parking some distance from the trailhead, so arrive early or plan on an extra long walk. Be sure to wear good hiking shoes or boots and carry enough water for the climb to the top of the mountain.

Begin your outing just a few miles south of town on U.S. 441 at The Sugarlands Visitor Center. The Sugarlands is aptly named due to the sugar maples that dominate the landscape. At the visitor center, you can get books, maps, and updates on weather and wildlife issues.

Continuing south on the Newfound Gap Road about 4 miles, and just after going through the tunnel, you will come to the Chimney Tops Trailhead.

The trail starts through a pleasant wooded stream valley, and all crossings have bridges so you can avoid rock hopping. You will pass through heavy rhododendron thickets as you begin the ascent to the summit.

The trail is moderately steep in some areas, so rest as needed. As you continue the climb, wonderful vistas will open up to you! At the crest, you will continue along the ridge until you come to the Chimneys.

The Chimneys are actually rock formations at the peak of the mountain that are hollow in the middle and resemble a large stone chimney. From the top of the big chimney the view is spectacular, and a fitting reward for the exertion required ti get there!

Return via the same route, and then it's back to Gatlinburg for food, shopping and entertainment!

Photos: Top right: The Chimneys from The Newfound Gap Road, Bottom left: The big Chimney. Courtesy of Richard Weisser and SmokyPhotos.com.

When you ask the question: "What does this town have to offer?" few can offer the response of what makes Gatlinburg one of a kind: Gatlinburg Tennessee offers The Great Smoky Mountains National Park!

That would be enough, as the Great Smoky Mountains is the most visited National Park in the United States. Somewhere between eleven and thirteen million visitors every year come to enjoy the unsurpassed natural beauty and the magnificent splendor of creation at its finest!

But Gatlinburg has so much more to offer! It has plenty of lodging available for park visitors. Everything from simple motel rooms to deluxe chalets! It also offers every kind of eatery imaginable. Everything from simple fast food to elegant dining. is available!

There are also hundreds of merchants, plenty of shopping, novelty and boutique stores as well!

Other popular stops are Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies and the ski slopes of Obergatinburg. There is also an extensive arts and crafts community where you can buy one of a kind items created by local artisans.

Gatlinburg has something for everyone. Why not plan a visit to Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park today?

Photo courtesy of Richard Weisser and SmokyPhotos.com

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) Follow me on Twitter Account cowetafayette 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. All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted, Copyright 2003-2008.

Wow, it's hard to believe that July is almost gone. Here in Newnan Georgia, the kids start school next week. College football is just a month away, and soon I will be making my plans to visit both the North Georgia Mountains and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for my annual fall photo fiesta!

I love taking photographs in the fall for a number of reasons. First, the colors are amazing. The palette changes from day to day and region to region. And here in the Southeast I can find good Autumn color from late September through December.

Second, the air is cooler and crisper, allowing for longer hikes into wilderness areas with lower levels of exhaustion. I can still do ten miles a day with ease, and can push it to fifteen if the trails are not too steep and rocky.

One of the most common questions I get is "When will the leaves change color?"  Many factors affect the change of the leaves and the intensity of the fall foliage color.  Sunlight, elevation, precipitation, temperature, wind and many other factors make it impossible to determine not only when the leaves will change, but also where the color "hotspots" will be in any given year.

So you'll just have to go out and find the best photographs. And along the way, you just might find yourself having a spiritual revelation just by observing the wonders of creation!

Photo: Blue Ridge Parkway near Gatlinburg Tennessee courtesy of Richard Weisser and SmokyPhotos.com.

Note: Even my own wife accused me of doctoring this photo in an image editor, but is was good light, good film, and good filtering that produced this unbelievable shot!

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) Follow me on Twitter Account cowetafayette 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. All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted, Copyright 2003-2008.

If you plan a visit to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park be sure to include a day hike to Andrews Bald. Andrews Bald is a mostly open peak, with spectacular views of the North Carolina side of the Smokies.

This is generally a cool and pleasant trek, as the entire walk is over a mile in elevation. The beginning of the trail is in the Clingmans Dome parking lot. The lot is usually crowded, with visitor's climbing to the overlook tower on the peak of  Clingmans Dome, and this is an excellent side trip.

You will not find so many tourists on the trail to Andrews Bald. This destination is less frequented than many of the other more readily accessible You descend from the parking lot on the Appalachian Trial bypass, which is just below the trail to the tower. Then turn left on the Forney Ridge Trail towards the bald.

Although the two mile trek does not involve major elevation changes, the trail is quite rocky and difficult to negotiate in some places. Also, beware of Timber Rattlers on bright sunny days,

The forest opens up as you approach the bald, and if you visit in late May through early July, you will be treated to blooming Azaleas and Rhododendron of every species and color. There are grassy meadows here that are perfect for picnics featuring dramatic vistas in three directions! There are lots of good rocks for sitting, but bring a blanket and relax for a while before the return trip to the parking lot.

Andrews Bald is one of my favorite places in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and I heartily recommend this day hike for those seeking a different king of mountain experience.

Photos Courtesy of Richard Weisser and SmokyPhotos.com.

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. All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted, Copyright 2003-2008.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited National Park in the United States. Every year, over eleven million visitors com to enjoy the natural wonder and beauty of the mountains.

I have been taking photographs of the areafor thirty years now, and even if I take a hundred photos from the same vantage point, they are always different! Sometimes in a subtle way, sometimes more obvious.

In 1999 I compiled my film photos into an archive. You can see the film photos at:

SmokyPhotos.com

I also put together a collection of photos of the North Georgia Mountains and surrounding communities. You can see these photos at:

NorthGeorgiaPhotos.com

If you get a chance, have a look at my sites and my photos. Hopefully, you enjoy them as much as I did when I created them!

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.