Time in our national parks can be some of the most rewarding you’ll spend. Sunrise at Rocky Mountain National Park.
The last couple of weeks have been heavy on the fitness side, so what better way to break back into the outdoors by paying homage to National Parks Week?
If you’ve been a reader of this site for any length of time, you know where I stand on our public lands. They are definitely a treasure, and they’re most beautifully preserved in our national parks.
I’ve been to a few, and two of my favorites are tucked inside some of America’s great mountain ranges: Rocky Mountain National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. So in this post, East meets West with photos from these great American landscapes.
THE SMOKIES
The Appalachians have had a long time to perfect their allure, and the monarchs of this range are in its southern reaches. Great Smoky Mountains National Park packs a wallop when it comes to scenery.
For instance, take a look at this scene from halfway up Mount LeConte…
Alum Cave Bluff.
As you hike these mountains, you’re going to pass through ecosystems that range from low-lying broadleaf forests to spruce-filled woodlands more than a mile high.
Looking out from Tennessee’s high point, Clingman’s Dome.
And just about every overlook has a surprise waiting to be discovered.
This how the range and the park get their name.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH
In the lower 48 states, no mountain range is as mighty as the Rockies. And I think that’s what people were trying to encapsulate when they designated a specific slice of Colorado to become Rocky Mountain National Park. Big, burly mountains and alpine landscapes dominate the land.
The Keyhole on Longs Peak.
The park’s centerpiece is one of the state’s iconic mountains, Longs Peak.
Longs Peak, the sentinel of Rocky Mountain National Park.
If you want to feel small, hike here. These mountains will do the trick.
Rugged, forbidding, haunting, and beautiful.
So there you have it. The weekend is coming up. If you’re in range of one of our national parks, do yourself a favor and go. Breathe some clean air, see some cool places, unplug and take advantage of a wonderful piece of our national heritage.
Bob Doucette
proactiveoutside 
I was at Clingman’s Dome recently saw a beautiful sunset. Your photos are really good!
Thanks much! The first time I went to GSMNP, I steered clear of Clingman’s Dome because I wasn’t hip on walking up to an observation tower. So I hiked Mount LeConte instead. Last year, went to Clingman’s Dome, and the views were spectacular. Great drive, good hiking there, and out of this world views.
I have been an amateur photographer since 1980 and the sunset from ClingmansDome is one of my best…it is beautiful up there!…Happy Hiking!
Clingman’s dome must be amazing at sunset. I’ll remember that next time I go!