The Great Smoky Mountains National Park was established in 1934 and with over 9 million visits per year, it is the most-visited national park in the United States. The name “Smoky” comes from the natural fog that often hangs over the range and presents as large smoke plumes from a distance. This fog, which is most common in the morning and after a rainfall, is the result of warm humid air from the Gulf of Mexico cooling rapidly in the higher elevations of Southern Appalachia. The images captured here are a reflection of this diverse area, including rushing river rapids, peaceful valley’s and sprawling mountain vistas. Having never been to this area of the country before, I will not hesitate to return whenever the opportunity presents itself. To view a slideshow of the trip, please CLICK HERE, or on the image to the left.