Gatlinburg, TN

The black bear is the most popular and sought-after photography subject in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Park visitors all want to catch a glimpse of the large mammals, and will cast reason and good sense aside in order to land a "trophy" photo.

But black bears are wild animals. The park is not a zoo, but a habitat. A she-bear with cubs is a wondrous sight, but she will defend her offspring with her life, and will attack if she feels threatened.

In 2009, park officials have indicated that extraordinarily large black bear populations have led to an increased number of incidents with visitors. Some back country campsites and trails have been closed as a result.

The good news is that you'll have an excellent chance of seeing a bear during a visit to the park this year. The bad news is that you may become involved in a bear "incident" if you are not wary. Always keep in mind:

1. Bears are large and powerful animals and can cause serious injury or death.
2. Bears are attracted by improperly stored food or improperly disposed of garbage.
3. Bears with cubs are the most likely to act aggressively.
4. Feeding a bear can be a death sentence for the animal. Bears that become "nuisance" bears often have to be destroyed.
5. Keep a respectful distance from bears. You are a guest in their world.
6. Some people just don't get it. Report violators to park rangers.

And finally, make one of the three park visitor's centers your first stop on your next visit. Get the very latest information about active areas and closures. A little information and a lot of common sense go a long way towards a safe park experience.

And you just might save a bear's life by doing so!

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 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 to search the entire Georgia MLS for free with no registration required visit CowetaFayetteRealEstate.com! Photos of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

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The Cherokee people called the Great Smoky Mountains "Shaconage," or "place of blue smoke." It is a place of remarkable natural beauty, incredible views, and sparkling streams.

It is an ancient place, created by the cataclysmic collision of the continents which forced the formation of the tallest mountains on earth. But because these are also among the oldest peaks on the planet, they have been worn down and eroded over millions of years into their present state.

So although they are no longer the tallest or the biggest mountains in the world, they remain among the most beautiful.

Photos courtesy of Richard Weisser and SmokyPhotos.com

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 to search the entire Georgia MLS for free with no registration required visit CowetaFayetteRealEstate.com!

Get the latest GA Foreclosure List Updated Daily!

To climb o'er root and rock aloft
Through rhododendron tunnel shafts
Creation's ancient crevice seeps
Along the way to Chimney's peaks.
( R Weisser )

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited National Park in the system. It lies within a day's drive of half of the population of the United States.

The park is designated as an international biosphere preserve and contains a wide variety of flora and fauna specimens.

Of all of the mountain peaks in the park, none are more easily recognized that the Chimney Tops. The Chimneys owes their name to chimney like stone outcropping at the top of the mountain. From these rocks, you get a spectacular 360 degree view of the Tennessee side of the National Park.

The Chimney Tops Trail is one of the most popular in the park. The 4 mile round trip hike takes you on a 1500' climb to the 4730' summit. Although steep in a few places, and occasionally slippery in spots, the average family in decent shape can do the hike in about 3 hours.

Even if you're not up for a hike to the top, there are plenty of excellent vantage points for photographing the famous peaks. Be sure to use the pull-outs and always watch for traffic as this is a very congested are in the park.

To get there, take US 441 ( The Newfound Gap Road) south from the Sugarlands Visitor's Center. When you pass the Chimneys Picnic area on the right, continue south until you go through the tunnel. As soon as you get through the tunnel, the trail head is on your right.

The Chimney tops are truly a Smokies' landmark. Be sure to include a hike to the summit the next time you visit Gatlinburg Tennessee!

Photos, from top: The Chimeys in Autumn, Rock outcropping on the peak, foliage along the Chimney Tops Trail, looking from the tall Chimney to the lower one, the Chimneys in the morning!

Learn More about the Great Smoky Mountains National Park at SmokyPhotosBlog.com!

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 to search the entire Georgia MLS for free with no registration required visit CowetaFayetteRealEstate.com!

This week we returned from our 4 day road trip to Gatlinburg TN and back. This was our 3rd year in a row traveling to the Great Smoky Mountains and it was just a beautiful the 3rd time as it was the first time I saw them.

Vacations are definitely more difficult with a 2 year old in tow, but couple that with 3 other kids deep in the throws of sibling rivalry, a mom 7 months pregnant for the 5th time, and a dad who is used to the sweet retreat of a 9-5 day job, and you have the makings of a Griswald family vacation!

What doesn't kill you on a road trip... will make for the stories that become well-told family folklore :)

I won't go in to the gory details of the vacation that almost put all of us in the funny farm, but I will share some of my favorite photos from the beautiful Smoky Mountains in Gatlinburg TN.

If you get a chance to take a road trip this summer, I highly recommend making your way through Gatlinburg. It's quite breathtaking, especially coming from the flat farmland of the midwest!

Well, as we Tennesseans start every sentence. I just had the most trying experience with one of the banks we are "lending" money to and a bank that must just be plain dumb about business.
I had not one, not two, but three contracts on one single vacation home in Gatlinburg with unbelievable views of the great Smoky Mountains and views of downtown Gatlinburg.
This was a short sale and I wrote one of these in January and one in February and received one in February from another agent. The first two buyers backed out from the fact that these two banks could not give me an answer in two months. Then after they backed out I got another contract on this vacation cabin and still the banks can't give me an answer. Now I have this buyer backing out.
What in the world is wrong with this picture. This property is going into foreclosure because the right hand does not know what the left hand does and everyone loses.
Suntrust who holds the 2nd and will get nothing when Chase forecloses, was holding out for more money. Someone besides me must think they have lost their minds.
I am glad that I live in a beautiful vacation area like the Great Smoky Mountains where dealing with this type of sale is not very often but I feel great admiration for those agents that have to deal with this type of sale daily.
My hat is off to you and when you have time come on up or down which ever it is and enjoy the lights of Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge or just take in the breathless views we have in our glorious mountains.
Thanks for listening, Delores