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East
Tennessee and Western North Carolina are world renowned for their scenic
beauty. These are the incredible Appalachian Mountains, a mysterious place
of mist and time. You'll never forget! The Great Smoky Mountains, the Cherokee, and Nantahala National Forests all converge to bring a unique environment for photographers. Sweeping vistas of unparalled beauty, high peaks and overlooks, waterfalls, white-water streams and rivers, all give image makers a place to create our own forms of art. The Cherohala Skyway is an exciting place for nature photographers, and other visitors. |
In
comparison to the Great Smokies, the Cherohala Skyway is not a well known
place, so there are less people around. This only adds to the opportunities
for superior photography. Recently myself and the infamous photographer "Mule" Patterson took a full-day trip across the Cherohala.
We had with us several Nikons for 35mm, and two Mamiyas for medium format.
We gave them a workout! Here we see The Mule risking his life for your
viewing pleasure. The mid-October weather was mild and warm. My Jeep® Wrangler gave us the ability to pull off the Skyway at will, so we were able to acquire some really nice images. Let's look at a little history of the Cherohala Skyway, and then we'll enjoy a few of the images. |
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Back
in 1958 at a Kiwanas Club meeting in Tellico Plains, a joke was made that
the only roads into North Carolina from Tennessee were the original roads
made by settlers taking wagon trains west in the 1800's. An idea was proposed
to bring attention to this fact by having a wagon train from Tellico Plains
to Robbinsville North Carolina. This was done, and developed into a tradition.
Once a year, from that time forward, the wagon train would make its trip.
This caught the interest of local and national political leaders. Over
forty years later, a 52 mile two-lane blacktop highway was created at
the cost of over $100 Million Dollars. On October 12, 1996, the Cherohala
Skyway was officially opened. |
In
April 1997 North Carolina recognized the Skyway by declaring it a "Scenic
Byway." Later it became recognized as a "National Scenic Byway." The name Cherohala comes from the combination of two national forest names.
The Cherokee
and Nantahala
National Forest names were combined to form the word Cherohala. We are the beneficiaries of amazing beauty as a result! Let's look at a few nice images of the Skyway. Then decide whether you would like to bring home some world-class images from one of the planet's most beautiful places. Of course, it certainly helps to have the proper vehicle to get you there. Here is my choice. |
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As
you travel along this very smooth double-lane road, your eyes are constantly
seduced away from the task of driving. In the autumn of the year,
my favorite time, the colors can be intense and awe-inspiring. The Mule
and I drove very slowly along the Skyway, with our windows down of course,
to prevent missing a sight, sound, or smell along the way. Often we would simply pull the Jeep off to the side of the road to take a picture. There are wide grassy shoulder areas along both sides of the road, so it's not dangerous to pull over, or set up your tripod. Every few miles there is a nice multi-car pull-off where you can view a scenic vista, and find a restroom. |
As
you move along the Skyway, you look to the left and right, and see only
beauty. There are no businesses anywhere along the 52 mile drive. You
are genuinely "in the mountains." Be sure you have a full tank
of gas, and some food with you. This is a three-hour wilderness adventure.
As you climb up the Skyway, finally reaching about 5300 feet, the view
is incredible! Everywhere you look are trees, flowers, butterflies, and
quiet. In the cool autumn air, you feel as though you're an explorer,
with a great new land to conquer. Bring plenty of film and maybe you can
capture this sensation. Check out The Mule's view of this adventure in
his own website article. |
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Since
we had arrived in mid-October, the fall colors were slightly past their
peak. The Cherohala colors will peak in early October on the top of the
Skyway (5000+ feet), but will be in full glory lower down the mountain
in early to mid month. Any time during the first three weeks of October will almost guarantee your eyes a feast of Autumn's best. Come here and spend a few weeks of October in the area. Visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park while you're here, it's only a few miles away. East Tennessee in the Autumn is one of the most delightful areas on the lovely planet. These pictures prove it! |
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| Comments: Go Here |
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| All Images are Copyright ©MMIV by Darrell Young, All Rights Reserved |
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The Author's Jeep® Wrangler TJ
