Stairway to Heaven
Steps along the Trillium Gap Trail enroute to Mt. LeConte.
Trillium Gap Trail
The hike up Trillium Gap Trail leads to Grotto Falls and, miles further, the peaks of Mount Leconte. In spring it is a walk through the lush exuberance of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Sylvan Glen
Grotto Falls
Grotto Falls Sanctuary
Grotto Falls is one of the more beautiful waterfalls in the Great Smoky Mountains, particularly after heavy spring rain.
A View Through the Falls
The trail to Grotto Falls passes behind the Falls, especially welcome on hot humid days.
Grotto Falls
Grotto Falls sits in a beautiful ravine, surrounding by lush growth and stone cliffs.
Spring Impression
Springtime Impression, Cades Cove Drive
Springtime Along the Roaring Fork
The waters of spring are swelling and the moss and young green leaves create a magical sanctuary.
Roaring Fork
Moss - covered boulders grace the waters of Roaring Fork.
Roaring Fork Moss
Quiet getaway along the Roaring Fork. Nestled not far from the craziness of Gatlinburg, Roaring Fork is spectacular with spring's moss-covered streams and fall's colors.
Spring Storm
Rays of light break through the arriving storm clouds in Cades Cove.
Spring Yellow
Springtime flower in Cades Cove
Daisies
Spring Daisies
In the Grasses
A black bear chews on grasses and flowers near one of the old homesteads that dot Cades Cove.
What Do You Think They Want?
A black bear and one of her two year old cubs look up from a meal of grasses and roots.
Waking Up
After awaking, this black bear mom slowly stretches, yawns and seems to orient herself. In reality, she is keenly aware of everything going around her and, especially, her three cubs sleeping above.
Walking the Plank
After awaking from her nap, this large black bear makes her way toward her three young cubs still sleeping above her in this tree deep in the forests of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Lifting Fog
Fog hovers above the end of the Cades Cove valley.
In the Meadow
A black bear licks his chops and takes a quick peak from her breakfast feeding.
Escort
A mother black bear escorts her three young baby cubs down from this tall oak tree when they have spent the night sleeping.
Waiting
A sow black bear waits at the tree's base as her cubs slowly make their way down.
Holding On
A young cub seems plastered to this tree trunk, as he uses his sharp nails for a secure grip as he its slowly backs down this tree.
Between the Trees
Mom peers between two trees as her cubs scamper down from above.
Standing Guard
Like a scene from a movie, this large black bear stands watch with her cubs nearby.
Blaze
A bear cub with a bright blaze on her chest stands in a grassy meadow in search of mom.
Peekaboo
A young cub peeks warily around the tree where he has been playing.
Newfound Rhododendrons
Rhododenrons and Laurels begin to fade atop a high ridge in the Great Smoky Mountains just below Newfound Gap
Emerging
A large black sow emerges cautiously from the forest's edge.
Hyatt Lane
Heavy fog shrouds Hyatt Lane and the Cades Cove valley.