This is winter in the Smoky Mountains?

Winter in the Smoky Mountains is full of surprises and beauty - especially in the Great Smoky Mountains national park.

A few days ago we all woke up to snow on the ground all throughout the Smoky Mountains and now for the 2nd day in a row I am hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains national park in a tee shirt and shorts.

I just returned from hiking the Cove Mountain trail near the Sugarlands visitors center and on the entire hike did not see a single person!

When driving through the main roads of 441 and 321 in Gatlinburg there were only few people walking around town and the weather was marvelous.

This is one of my favorite times to be in the Smokies when the crowds are few and the air is crisp and fresh and the visibility is great. Remember they are called the Smoky Mountains and the views in the winter are the best all year.

The picture above was taken this afternoon from the Cove Mountain trail. What a day in the smokies with a picture perfect blue sky, warm breeze and the peace and tranquility of the great Smoky Mountains National park!