Great Smoky Mountains National Park - October 2014

The Smoky Mountains Meetup was the inaugural Guided Photo Trip for Lisa Hale Photos in 2014 with an all female group 14. We met near Asheville and carpooled through the breath-taking mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee. Our home-base was a large, modern cabin tucked high atop a mountain near Townsend. Destinations included an early morning arrival at Cades Cove where members hiked to the photographer's favorite location: Sparks Lane; a low-lying, fog-covered meadow split in two by a dirt road.

The group had a couple options for hiking/exploring. Some went to the Tremont area while others explored the shops of Townsend.

The Great Smoky Mountains provides a lush forest landscape that beckons to be explored. The group saw plenty of wildlife as well. The Smoky Mountains is home to turkey, deer, elk, black bear, coyotes, wild boar, and many other species.

There is no bad time to go to the Smoky Mountains. The tourists seem to enjoy the area year-round, so pack your patience while visiting the park.