After 8 days spent hiking in the Smokies we embarked on our next journey - the great 469-mile scenic Parkway, which follows closely the highest ridges between the Great Smoky Mountains and Shenandoah National Park. It attains altitudes of more than 6,000 feet and averages between 3,000 and 4,000 ft.
It is literally the "Backbone" of a great scenic mountain region embracing the Southern and highest portion of the Appalachian mountain range, an area of approximately 20,000 miles and was designed especially for leisurely enjoyment of the scenic wonders along the way.
Our first day along this wonderful, peaceful mountain road was quite cloudy but still stunning. We did all of 70 miles! At this rate we may miss the plane home!
Have you noticed the thousands of dead trees in many of the photos? Caused by a tiny wingless insect called the Balsam woolly adegid, introduced from Europe around 1900 - its killing the Frazer fir trees, around 90- 99% since the invasion in 1957 was discovered. Just shows you dont have to be big to have an impact.
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| from Devils Courtyard - see our rig |
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| Looking Glass rock |
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