Thank you. Useful words.

We live in Bryson City, NC, so I'm a little predjudiced towards "the quiet side" of the Smokies. I can only reinforce what others have said about the crowds that time of year. Get there early. There are so many places, but on the TN side, I love Cades Cove ( I think this is closed to vehicles Wed mornings, but check with visitor center) and also the Greenbrier area. The TN/NC border has Newfound Gap, the overlooks close to the top on both sides, and Clingmans Dome. I enjoy closing out an evening at the Clingmans Dome parking lot. Parking will be an issue in all of those areas, but take your time and enjoy. In NC, the Deep Creek Trail near Bryson City offers a nice 2.4 mile, 3 waterfall loop. Easy walking on an old road bed. As mentioned Soco Falls is beautiful, but to get a picture like the one shown, you have to go down some pretty steep and slick rocks and there is very limited parking along Highway 19. Any section of the Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP), including Waterrock Knob, has great views. I'll be glad to answer any other questions you might have. Enjoy and come back again!
I forgot to mention the wonderful Cherokee Museum and several shots with authentic Cherokee crafts and art. Also, there should be a lot of elk around the Oconaluftee Vistor Center and now often in Cherokee.

Yes, i believe this is correct. To highlight the whole sheet, I think you just click on the top - left blank corner. At least data what I remember. How this helps.

It's been about 7-8 years ago, but both times when we stayed in Sedona, we rented a Jeep from Ferabee's. I think it is now Barlow Adventures. Don't know about the new owners, but were treated well by Ferabee's. I can't remember all of the Jeep trails we did, but they were the same as they Pink Jeep and others did Broken Arrow was one. Even my wife really enjoyed it. It's great to be able to stop and enjoy when one wants to. Have a great trip.

If you're over on the east coast, we were just at the Merritt Island WR. Lots of roseate spoonbills, wood storks, a little of everything. Lighting is best there in the morning. Enjoy.

If you're over on the east coast, we were just at the Merritt Island WR. Lots of roseate spoonbills, wood storks, a little of everything. Lighting is best there in the morning. Enjoy.

I've been following the daily posts and finally decided to join. We live in Illinois, but spend much of our time in western North Carolina. I love the Smokies and other ranges around us here. My first SLR was a Canon AE-1 about 35 years ago. Now I have a Pentax K-5 and just got a Nikon D7100. Looking forward to learning more from UHH.

Nighttime on Cataloochee Creek

(Download)