Fog on a Mountain
What would you feel when you are in heaven? Probably - high, relaxed,
problem-free, peaceful, thankful. But the heaven talked about here is
not just the feeling or sensation but quite an example or let’s say, a
prototype of a literal heaven you may have in mind. Yes, the fog on a
mountain is a symbolism of that stairway to heaven and it is the smoky
mountains that you will end up seeing.
The Great Smoky Mountains are known for its foggy dome. It is
located between the overlapping ridges of North Carolina and Tennessee,
Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is a hiker’s paradise of over
800 miles loaded with trails from easy to strenuous treks. Though hiking
may seem to be its main feature, car camping, picnicking and auto
touring are also some of the activities to look forward to.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a twelve-month guarantor for a
wide range of activities. Visitors willingly try out the park no matter
what season it may be. Its moderate climate makes it a particular
favorite for millions of people each year. Actually, it would be best to
take your vacation when the crowds are not as many as when summer comes.
It is in the seasons of late fall, winter and early spring months that
will make your visits memorable and private.
As a known sanctuary for wildlife, there are more than 240 species of
birds found in the park. 60 species are
year-round residents, 120 species breed in the park, which include
52 species from the neo-tropics. Many
other species use the park as an important stopover and foraging
area during their semiannual migration.
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The four seasons experienced throughout the year are not hindrances
to having quite a great time at the mountains. Should you decide to come
on whichever seasons here are some information on the four-seasons’
temperature and weather:
Spring - March through May
Weather is unpredictable that it changes rapidly. Most radical changes
happen on March that snow can fall at any time during this month.
Temperatures: lower elevations have a mean high of 61ºF; Low
temperatures,
often below freezing, have a mean of 42ºF. Milder weather comes in
mid-April.
May is warmer, with daytime highs in the 70s and 80s and lows in the
40s and 50s.
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It is a wonderful time to come to the mountains during Spring because
it is in this seasons that you will witness rhododendrons, azaleas,
dogwoods, and other flowering trees and wildflowers blooming. During
Springs, the days are usually warm and the nights are cool enough.
Summer - June through August
Heat, haze, and humidity envelop the Smokies during summer. Afternoon
thunderstorms are common. Temperatures increase through the period with
July and August afternoon highs in the 90s in the lower elevations. In
the higher elevations, the weather is much more pleasant.
It is in the summer that people would be very glad to come over. It is a
season filled with fun activities enjoyed by both young and old.
Whitewater rafting, mountain biking and horseback riding are just some
of the sports to enjoy during the summer season. Community activities
like craft shows, parades, festivals, go-carting and fairs are the
guests’ craze during the summer too.
Autumn - September through mid-November
Autumn’s signals are the clear skies and cooler weather at the very
beginning of the fall season. Warm days alternate with cool nights.
Daytime highs are usually in the 70s and 80s during September, falling
to the 50s and 60s in early November.
September - first frosts often occur.
November - lows are usually near freezing, the driest period of the year
with only
occasional rain showers; in the higher elevations, snow is a
possibility by November
If you decide to visit the Smokies during fall, you’ve just chosen the
right season. Colors of different hues are seen everywhere. Like
mentioned in the Blue Ridge Parkway page, it is the colors that astound
visitors. The mountains ar covered with leaves of vivid red, orange, and
golden colors.
Winter - Mid-November through February
Winter in the Smokies is generally moderate, but there are occurrences
of extreme weather. Low elevations have warm temperatures and it is in
the higher areas that you’ll usually find snow. January and February are
the months when one is most likely to find snow in the mountains.
Winter is considered to be a special season in the mountains. The snows
are not usually deep that their just enough to be enjoyed by children
who wish to go snow sledding.
And why else can you not call the Smokies a heavenly place when all
year, all seasons, the mountains are available for accommodation? The
fog on the mountains is an invitation to you visitors to discover what
it sees underneath it. There is so much to be happy about in the
mountains and it is up to you which delights to pick, but a perfect
suggestion would be, pick all!
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