The hazy effects on the Smokey Mountains can be attributed to the high humidity levels.


In this photo, one can see Gatlinburg below with the Smokey Mountains in the background from the SkyPark.


There is a suspension bridge called the SkyBridge up at the SkyPark.


They have a few glass floor panels on that suspension bridge.  It is not for the faint of heart!  Yes, that's my shoe.


This is a shot of downtown Gatlinburg.  Crawdaddy's is a great place to grab lunch.


Pigeon Forge is like one big carnival with attractions and shows every block or two.


The Island in Pigeon Forge features a ferris wheel along with lots of retail and restaurants including an Ole Smoky Moonshine store where they do tastings.


One needs to try Paula Deen's Country Kitchen at the Island in Pigeon Forge, TN.  This is Paula's famous Southern Fried Chicken!


The Alpine Coaster in Pigeon Forge has been featured on TV.  This mountain roller coaster allows the rider to control the speed of the car as it propels down from the top of the course.


I am about to head up the mountain to begin my way down to the other side of the course.
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    The Great Smokey Mountains National Park is one of the only national parks with no admission fee since the State of Tennessee said they did not want a toll road going through land they ceded to the federal government.  As a result, this beautiful park is free to access for all!  I could tell why they are called the Great Smokey Mountains after seeing the "hazy" effect on the mountains due to the humidity levels.  There are lots of fun attractions in the nearby cities of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.  Gatlinburg has a cool SkyPark which is only accesible via a chair lift.  There is a large suspension bridge with four glass floor panels too up there.  Gatlinburg has some great restaurants and shops in the downtown area.  I would not miss getting Kilwin's Ice Cream there either or trying some of Bryd's famous Georgia mini cookies!

    In Pigeon Forge, it is like being in one large carnival!  They have shows and attractions all along the main Parkway there.  The Island is a large retail complex with a Margaritaville Resort, ferris wheel, and of course Paula Deen's Country Kitchen!  Pigeon Forge is famous for mountain roller coasters too including the Alpine Coaster!