Welcome to JOYFUL REFLECTIONS. Also welcome to MARCH!!!! My header picture this month is a photo I took of the pretty Crocus blooms in our yard... The Crocuses and Daffodils are the first signs of spring here in Tennessee. I am definitely ready for SPRING...

Monday, November 5, 2012

Hike to Look Rock Observation Tower (Smokies-10/23/12)

Look Rock Observation Tower
George and I spent a day in the beautiful SMOKY MOUNTAINS in Tennessee on 10/23/12  visiting the Foothills Parkway near Townsend, Tennessee... If you missed my first post showing all of the gorgeous colors up there,  click HERE.

Today I will share another post from that day.  We hiked up to the Look Rock Observation Tower on top of the mountain.... It's not a hard hike (only about a mile round-trip) and on a clear day,  you can really see a long distance from up there.  If you are ever in the Smokies,  we recommend this hike.

The picture above was taken on the Foothills Parkway---looking up at the tower....  Below are more.   Be sure to click on the pictures in order to see them larger.




Now we are on the TRAIL leading up to the tower... George took this picture of me. The Fall colors were still gorgeous here.  You can see that I am wearing my Camera Vest --with water on my right hip and my long lens on my left hip!!!!!!  I'm ready to go!!!! ha




Here is more of the pretty Fall colors on our walk!!!!  Isn't that blue sky just great as a backdrop?




We are almost at the TOP.....  Here is a picture I took of George on the ramp up to the tower... We both took lots of pictures while hiking up to the tower.




I snapped this picture of the Look Rock Observation Tower --up close and personal!!!




I took this picture from the top ---looking down at the Foothills Parkway.   That is where I took the first picture at the top of this page.




Here's George at the top of the tower.  I'd love to be up here either at sunrise or at sunset.  Wouldn't that be tremendous????




Here's another picture taken from the top of the tower.  You can see the beautiful Smoky Mountains in this picture... We were there in the middle of the afternoon ---so the sun wasn't always in the 'correct' place for some good photos... Like I said above,  we need to come really early in the morning sometime--or stay until sunset.




George took this picture of me ---on the top of the tower.  As you know,  I love being on top of a mountain.. This one is awesome!!!!




Here's a neat picture of the sun shining on some yellow leaves  we saw on our way back down the mountain...




I'm going to finish with two more pictures taken while we were on the top of the tower.  I used my long lens to get a good picture of a farm in the valley below the mountain....




And finally,  here's one more ---showing a lake in the valley below.  The last time we came to this observation tower,  it was in September of 2010 I think.... It was nice --but the Fall colors weren't nearly as pretty as they were this year...

Hope you have a good week.   As you probably know,  this is a busy time of the year for us... We are taking the week off ---so our next blog posts will be on Monday,  Nov. 12. 

Hugs,
Betsy

74 comments:

Betty Manousos said...

good morning dear betsy!

i love these! i can just feel the tranquility pouring out of the pictures. such beautiful, amazing colours and views! it's a treat for the eyes.
make me feel serene just looking at them.


enjoy your blog break!

big hugs~

eileeninmd said...

Betsy, these are lovely shots of the Smokies! What a beautiful view from the tower. Great individual shots of you and George. The colors are gorgeous and I loved these photos.

Ms. A said...

These are all beautiful, Betsy... but the 10th one (sun on the yellow leaves) speaks to me!

FlowerLady Lorraine said...

Oh Betsy ~ These are fabulous photos, showing the beauty of the Smokies. Thank you for taking the time to share your hike with us.

FlowerLady

Neal said...

Gorgeous shots. I don't think we've ever been up there but it's hard for me to imagine that we would miss that. Is that on the foothills parkway?

Snap said...

Fabulous, Betsy! I love Mother Nature in the fall. Enjoy the week off!

RoeH said...

Ahhhh - nature. Can't beat it. I think on Thanksgiving I am going out to the Superstitions and climb up Peralta Pass. It takes you up to where Weaver's Needle is. I've been up there a few times however I think I've gotten myself into better shape now that I can do it again. Wish you were here to do that.

Big Dude said...

Great shots Betsy - I haven't been up there in many years. On a clear day, with good binoculars, I believe you can see my neighbors house on the hill from the tower.

Janice K said...

Such beautiful views! Hope your day is just as lovely.

MadSnapper said...

what a gorgeous view and it is the only way i would see it. i might hike to the base of the tower, but never ever climb to the top on those open to fall off of spiral steps. YIKES. the photos are magnificent.

linda m said...

These are some beautiful photos. It looks so peaceful and quiet. I was in the Smokey's once and absolutely loved it. Hope to get back there soon.

I Am Woody said...

Love to visit that place and amazingly it rarely sees visitors!

Latane Barton said...

Oh, Betsy, the view is just unbelievable. I love the Smokies and you captured it in all it's glory. I hope you and George are well and looking forward to winter so you can get some great snow pics!

Connie said...

Gorgeous photos, Betsy! Looks like you were there at a very good time to catch the colors. Enjoy your blogging break.

MTWaggin said...

Pretty snazzy vest there missy! I love the shots from the tower, what absolutely lovely country and I am so glad to see it through your lens.

TexWisGirl said...

truly beautiful territory. looks like perfect weather, too.

Small City Scenes said...

Beautiful views. You look like you are on top of the world. I bet it felt that way too. MB

Lady Di Tn said...

Nothing better than photos of our Smokey Mts. The color of your t-shirt made you really fit in with the scenery. Enjoy the time off. Peace

Sylvia K said...

What a gorgeous place, Betsy, and your photos are breathtaking!! I do love to be on top of the mountain!! And with colors like these the view is even more awesome!! Thanks for sharing the beauty!! Have a great (if busy) two weeks! Look forward to seeing your next post when you return!!

Out on the prairie said...

What a lovely collection, as if you were at the top of the world.

Grandma Bonnie said...

That is such an awesome view from the tower. I bet that would look beautiful in the snow. Thanks for sharing all your wonderful photos.

NCmountainwoman said...

Awesome indeed! Great photographs from the tower.

Ruth Hiebert said...

This is a gorgeous spot. Yes,you do need to be there either at sunrise or sunset. That would give amazing pictures.

Anonymous said...

I do love autumn. Those colours are amazing in your beautiful shots.

happyone said...

Wow, beautiful fall pictures. The blue sky makes the colors even more beautiful!!

Rose said...

As always, Tennessee is beautiful. The Smokies are just a bit more so.

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

That looks like the perfect day for a hike. Beautiful pics!

Terry and Linda said...

WOW! I love the beautiful trees and THAT VIEW!!! You still have color. We don't all brown here and boring.

Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
http://deltacountyhistoricalsociety.wordpress.com

joy said...

Just what I need to brighten my day!

Rose ~ from Oz said...

Oh my Betsy, the fall colours, the vistas from the top, the wonderful hike itself - all just stunning and exhilarating.
And I have to say Betsy you could pass for a photographic journo!! :)

Sally Wessely said...

Wow! I have just got to visit those Smoky Mountains sometime. I think fall would be the time to go.

You are certainly set for anything with all your gear. I'd say that took some planning and organization to get loaded up for the hike. Love it.

Heidrun Khokhar, KleinsteMotte said...

On the same day we celebrated a birthay you had a great time at that look out place. You are right , the colours are exceptional this year.

Anonymous said...

Betsy, I love those beautiful fall leaves and spectacular mountain views.
Hugs :)

Unknown said...

Hi Betsy,

Stunning pictures, I really love the view from that tower, absolutely stunning. And I envy you a little, that you still can walk around in a T-shirt :) thank you very much for sharing...making me smile every time.

Hugs,
Eva

Ann said...

So pretty Betsy. The colors are amazing. Love that shot of you at the top of the tower and the one with the lake off in the valley is just breathtaking.

carolina nana said...

Enjoy your week off Betsy. Hope you have nice weather.
Blessings
Marilyn

Karin said...

Love the walk up the tower - what a great place! The view from there is spectacular!

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

These are wonderful, Betsy! It looks as if you caught the colors just right. And you can't fool me...the reason for so many pictures on the way up to the tower was to give yourself a chance to catch your breath. That trail may not be long, but it's steep!

Sharon said...

Wow, reading someone else's view of a place so close to my heart simply reminds me how lucky I am to be in such close proximity to these mountains. I can be on top of that tower in 45 minutes from my driveway. What a privilege it is to live here.

amy @ Life in Pink Hi-Tops said...

Beautiful! Hope you have a great week off.

Harriet said...

Wow! Beautiful pictures, I felt like I was there!

Chatty Crone said...

Hello and good evening. Just what I needed to see - some beauty. The colors are so beautiful there. You know I love the photos looking down - but they still take my stomach away!
sandie

myletterstoemily said...

that foothills parkway is just gorgeous!
your photos are always breathtaking.
thank you for sharing.

myletterstoemily said...

that foothills parkway is just gorgeous!
your photos are always breathtaking.
thank you for sharing.

Unknown said...

What beautiful color. And you, Miss skinny thing! All this hiking about is really paying off. You look so healthy and happy :-). Keep doing what you are doing!

Cheryl @ TFD said...

Your photos are just beautiful, Betsy! The fall colors are simply gorgeous. I wouldn't have been able to walk to the top like you did, tho. I'm so afraid of heights!
Hope you enjoy your week off! Stay well and safe.

Carletta said...

That third shot with the blue sky and sunlight is gorgeous!
We hiked to this tower the first time we ever went to the Smokies. I remember it being a much longer walk. :) We were prepared to do it on another trip but it was closed for some reason I don't remember.
Amazing scenes and fall color!
Have a wonderful week off!

Linda P said...

Spectacular views and colours. Thank you for climbing up that tower and sharing what you saw. Have a good break!

Catherine said...

You two...always on an adventure. I Love It!!!
Hope you are having a happy week Betsy!
xo Catherine

Brenda said...

Your photos just make me cry! I miss HOME so much and wish I had time and money to visit. SHOOT I would even love to move back there, but hubby's not sold on that yet. LOL! You captured some really AWESOME shots!!! The colors are so vibrant and just POP! What a wonderful walk and I love the LONG SHOTS! You captured the valley so beautifully. Deep breath....SIGH....It was like being there. I do really love the photos of you and George.
(((HUGS)))
Brenda

Randy said...

Just incredible Betsy! I love the Smokeys too. I'd like to retire there eventually. And you are looking so good Ms. Skinny Minnie!My best to George.

Jeevan said...

All the photos are fascinating with autumn colors... the views are awesome as well as the valleys! Wish I take the ramp to the rock towers if I could be there. :)

Have a great week ahead Betsy! Take care both

Cheqna said...

Hi Betsy,

You both looked great in the photos,

and the Fall colours certainly were beautiful.

Have a great week ahead.

:-)

Annie Jeffries said...

All so pretty, Betsy. Thanks for bringing Fall into my home.

imac said...

Tower - tree - mend - ouse.

DeniseinVA said...

I love the fall colors, they really were beautiful in the Smokies weren't they? Great photos as always. You've put another place on my bucket list. Thanks Betsy, one day!

Rohrerbot said...

Adopt me as your long lost son!!!! LOL!!! I want to tag along with you guys on these treks. I so want to be retired. You have such incredible views of those Smoky Mountains. There are too many amazing places in this country to see. But I really would love to visit this area someday. Thanks for sharing your treks. The colors of fall are breathtaking!

Hootin Anni said...

Wow, the views take my breath away!!! Such gorgeous scenes.

Don't forget to take some relaxing time too for the next week. :o)

Wendy said...

What splendid photos you take, Betsy! I love the one with sun shining all over you. And George looking so happy and glowing.
The views from the tower are breath-taking, with fall leaves so vibrant and colourful.

Thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said...

What a lovely hike! Enjoy your time away.

troutbirder said...

Oh my. What a spectacular set of pictures. I love it....:)

Janie said...

The fall colors are gorgeous, and your pictures really show them off. What a great place to hike!
You're packing quite a load with all your camera gear, Betsy.
Hope you have fun on your week off.

A Colorful World said...

Stunning views! What a wonderful tower. I would love to get up there some time. Hope you have a wonderful week!

Busy Bee Suz said...

The fall colors are just gorgeous from that vantage point!
Next time, pack a pic nic dinner and stay for a romantic sunset!!! XOXO

Farida said...

Autumn is still very much felt there! The lovely leaves' colors are beautiful!

Anonymous said...

Hi Betsy, As the late, great Dale Evans, used to say: "Happy trails...". Glad you did the hike. Looks so pretty. We had a lot of frost here in the yard this morning. Will have a short warm-up in the days before doing back to colder times. Enjoy! Have a super nice week-off!

Starry Dawn said...

Hi Betsy,
Gorgeous photos of the fall in TN!
You are so blessed to live in such a wonderful place, TN.
Thanks for sharing your world, Betsy dear friend!
Have a wonderful time wherever you go with your husband, George!
See you when you return...
Hugs & Blessings,
Poet Starry.

Andrea said...

If you will adopt Rohrerbot, you better adopt me too! Or else i will be very jealous as I also love everything you are doing, most specially the waterfalls. I always love those wide angle shots from the top. But I can see your camera gadgets look so heavy, aren't they heavy for your neck, and you still have a long lens there, plus water bottle! haha!

Dee said...

Dear Betsy, glorious photographs. Thank you. When I read your postings about places you have visited and see the photographs, I feel as if I'm there with you.

I visited the Smokies once, way back in 1971, when I lived in Dayton, Ohio. I so remember the bear we met! Peace.

Anonymous said...

Pretty fall colors against a beautiful blue sky. I love to visit the mountains, too!

A Brit in Tennessee said...

How I love those incredible mountains.....looking spectacular as always.
Thanks for sharing Betsy, looks like you had a grand time !
~Jo

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

Nov. 11th

Gorgeous photos!!!

I am finally getting here, to say Thank You So Much for your comment on my blog... Concerning the Election. Thank You. Yes, it is so good, to not feel alone.

I notice that you have not posted, since the day before the election...
It's been very rough... Hard to figure out how to come back to Pretty Blog Land. If to come back, even.

For me, blogging is so much Fun. I do not want to short-change myself of this fun. So I decided to come back, on my own terms.

I will post Pretty. And when I need to say things, I will say them. And not in the least care, if ladies do not want to read my blog anymore.

Wishing you well, with your coming back to Pretty Blog Land.

Gentle hugs,
"Auntie"

Dar said...

Betsy, these take my breathe away. You are so close to God way up there.
Beautiful!
Blessings

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Beautiful distant views of the Smokies from that vantage point! I think this autumn was one of the best in upstate NY before the hurricane came.