The view from the Blue Ridge Parkway near Maggie Valley, North Carolina. October 25, 2009.
This is my post for the My World meme. It is hosted by Klaus, Ivar, Sandy, Wren, Louise and Fishing Guy. To learn more about our world or to join and share your part of the world, click HERE.
Since the direct route home from Maggie Valley was closed because of the rock slide on I-40, Betsy and I decided to get home by going south on the Blue Ridge Parkway and then west on the Cherohala Skyway. We were hoping that we could find some autumn color while avoiding the masses of traffic around Gatlinburg and in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
It was a beautiful day with a clear blue sky. Most of the color was gone from the higher elevations as you can see from the picture above. But there was more color at the lower elevations.
Woodfin Cascades, North Carolina. October 25, 2009.
No trip would be complete for Betsy and me if we didn’t find a waterfall. We had to view Woodfin Cascades from across a valley, but it was still a nice addition to our collection.
The Cherohala Skyway is a 36-mile road from Robbinsville, North Carolina, to Tellico Plains, Tennessee. Along the way it crosses the 5400 foot mountains on the border of the two states. There are very few signs of civilization along most of the skyway. Construction of the skyway began in 1960 and it finally opened in 1994.
Color along the Cherohala Skyway, North Carolina. October 25, 2009.
We probably saw the most vibrant colors of the trip on the skyway. The picture above is only a small sample of what we enjoyed along the way.
Tags: Autumn, Mountains, North Carolina, Travels
Senior Moments 
October 27, 2009 at 6:04 am |
Oh, the color is breathtaking…and set against that gorgeous blue sky? What a perfect view George!
October 27, 2009 at 6:50 am |
George: Your hills are on fire with color, what a neat show.
October 27, 2009 at 7:13 am |
George, I really like that view of the Cascades – almost hidden by the trees in their autumn finery!!!
October 27, 2009 at 7:29 am |
I’d say your unexpected detour has its benefits.
October 27, 2009 at 7:36 am |
That last picture George is very pretty!
October 27, 2009 at 7:53 am |
I’m glad you found the colors — they’re gorgeous!
October 27, 2009 at 8:50 am |
Bee-utiful!!! the colors have been exceptional out here to although now that the rains have started the leaves will get knocked off and the ground shall be beautiful. LOL MB
October 27, 2009 at 8:51 am |
Bee-utiful!!! The colors have been exceptional out here too, although now that the rains have started the leaves will get knocked off and the ground shall be beautiful. LOL MB
October 27, 2009 at 9:46 am |
Glorious colors George!!!
October 27, 2009 at 10:48 am |
The waterfall adds even more beauty to the colors that surround it.
October 27, 2009 at 11:13 am |
Gorgeous color! I love the light gracing the trees in the second one. The cascades just peeking through the color is wonderful. One day I want to go when all the leaves are gone just to see what lies behind. 🙂
I posted something special on my photoblog today I think you’ll like. Bring Betsy with you when you come by. 🙂
October 27, 2009 at 11:44 am |
I think George, that it was well worth that landslide, to view all this.
October 27, 2009 at 12:19 pm |
Wow, what beautiful color. I think maybe having to take a detour home was well worth the extra time, look at all the wonders you found!
October 27, 2009 at 12:33 pm |
More from MaryBeth. LOL Sorry about the double posting—how does that happen??
Thought this was interesting since you were maybe in the vicinity.
http://www.nationalparkstraveler.com/2009/10/conservation-easement-protects-nearly-1500-wooded-acres-rimming-blue-ridge-parkway4818
October 27, 2009 at 12:54 pm |
Gorgeous shots! Really love the colors in the last one! Fall is a great time to have a camera!
Enjoy!
Sylvia
October 27, 2009 at 1:18 pm |
Oh WOW what colors!!!! Incredible!
October 27, 2009 at 5:16 pm |
Fantastic pics George. Rock slide or mud slide both are dangerous. Sometimes things happen for a reason. Look at the spectacular views that you & Betsy saw on your way home.
I’m glad you both are home safe.
October 27, 2009 at 7:15 pm |
You’ve greatly captured some lovely reds.
October 27, 2009 at 7:48 pm |
George, it looks like you found some pretty fall colors.
Great photos.
October 30, 2009 at 8:10 am |
Your world is glorious indeed and I’m glad you share it with those of us who don’t get to see such Fall beauty. In case you can’t tell … I’ve finally opened my ‘reader’ and am playing catch up this morning 😉
Hugs and blessings,
November 5, 2009 at 11:20 am |
These are absolutely beautiful! Your fall colors were really awesome…seems like this year ours was more of the gold than normal.