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 19th 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.
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 Better Homes and Gardens Metro Brokers, Newnan Georgia. All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted, Copyright 2003-2009. Richard Weisser REOS, E-Pro. licensed Auctioneer. 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. North Georgia Photos.
These look like autumn photos. I can't wait to get some spring phots. Mountain Laurel, Dogwoods, naturilzed Daffodils, etc., will be in blossom soon. I have tulips about 4 inches out of the ground.
Richard..I'm with Lenn, I have seen enough snow for a while..some green growth would be nice. But you take beautiful photos no matter the season.
Lenn...
Hmmm .... I did a post about Spring wildflowers in the Park a week or two ago ... I might do more spring stiff later in the week! I needed something for my Smoky Mountain outside blog and this is all my feeble mind could conjure!
Steve...
Yeah, I guess I could have gone in that direction! THX
Richard, personally I like the less visited places. They are apt to more remain the way we all want them ~ beautiful. Gorgeous photos as always.
Looks a lot like the hills here in Virginia! Thanks for the great post!
your friend in Charlottesville Virginia!
Gary...
This is the opposite of Cades Cove, which is also in the park. The traffic in Cades Cove can be as bad as Atlanta during rush hour, while Cataloochee allows free movement. It's our favorite spot in the Park!
Charles...
As well it should, as all were caused during the same great continental collision! Thanks, as always for the comment!
Beautiful phots reminds me of Kentucky.
It sounds like a great place for a picnic and R&R.
Richard,
Areas like this are truly beautiful in any season. I'll have to try that campground. :)
Steve
Richard: Absolutely beautiful. Love the little white church nestled among the color of the changing leaves.
I saw the one with spring flowers. I may not have commented because it reminded me of how much longer I have to wait than folks in Georgia.
Richard - this has been on our list of 'gotta see' parks since we moved down here in November. Your photos have me wanting to pack a bad right now! :) The mountains of the eastern US are so beautiful and full of little surprise places like this. Thanks for sharing!
My parents are in North Carolina I'll look it up it might be a nice place to visit.
Breaking out the mountain pictures again, soon I'll be wanting to take a trip.
Beautiful piece on the Smokies. Is this where Smoky the Bear lives? :)
Richard I have only been on the edge of the park a couple of times. One day maybe I will go through the park.
As a trout fisherman I have combed over this area. Any honey holes you can dilvulge
I have never been there, but your Post shows just how many wonderful places there are to see. I absolutely love your photos.
Beautiful photos, as always! I've been here for 5 years now, and have yet to explore these Smokey mountains...I'll have to do some planning. Thanks for sharing the inspiration.