Another weekend, another hike...this time in the southwest Smokies. My route will be along the AT to Shuckstack tower. This is Fontana Dam.
Crossing Fontana Dam
Crossing Fontana Dam. The late season colors are still awesome at these low elevations.
Crossing Fontana Dam. Officially I'm on the Appalachian Trail although right now its a sidewalk across the dam.
Entering the Smokies along the AT
The AT just after entering the Park
The back side of Fontana Dam
Nice colors along the trail
Getting ready to start the grueling uphill climb
Backcountry campsite spring conditions are the worst they've had in years after a few years of persistent drought. (Zoom in to read the spring report - upper right button)
Views along the AT on the way to Shuckstack - wow, look at the those reds and browns from the late changing oaks.
Shuckstack Tower
A view from below the tower
I had lunch beneath the tower and contemplated whether I'd go to the top. This chimney is the remains of the old ranger cabin that used to be up here.
Well...I didn't make it to the top, but I got a few good shots part of the way up.
Looking north toward Clingmans Dome. I love the contrast of the reds and yellows. I assume the reds are oaks and the yellows maybe poplars or beech along river banks?
Views on the return trip from Shuckstack
