Great Smoky Mountains NP. September, 2000
Photographed with a Hasselblad XPan and 90mm lens on Provia 100F.

The park derives its name from the blue haze that continuously pervades the area. It is caused by water vapors and hydrocarbons exuded by the leaves of the vast forests in the valleys. Contemporary air pollution has only accentuated the effect.

The park is quite large with more than 270 miles of mountain roads, but the number of paved roads is limited.Newfound Gap Road, the main road that runs north / south through the park, has numerous interesting viewpoints but for the best vistasClingmans Dome isthe preferred location.

Clingmans Dome

Clingmans Dome Road Sunrise #1. Great Smoky Mountains NP. September, 2000
Photographed with a Hasselblad XPan and 90mm lens on Provia 100F.

For a complete section devoted to photographs fromClingmans Dome, clickhere.

Cades Cove &Cataloochee

Blue Church, Cades Cove, Great Smoky National Park. September 2000
Photographed with a Rollei 6008 and 300mm Schneider lens on Provia 100F

For a complete section devoted to photographs fromCades Cove & Cataloochee, clickhere.

Oconaluftee River. Great Smoky Mountains NP. October, 2000
Photographed with a Hasselblad XPan and 30mm lens on Provia 100F.

Though I’m a big fan of wide-format and panoramic photography it isn’t often that a subject presents that lends itself to a vertical composition. This view from a footbridge across theOconaluftee River,which runs alongside the lower section ofNewfound Gap Road,is a rare exception.