Falls and Old Growth Forests

May 8^th

As my friend Burke once said, “Rain?  Why do you think the land is so green?”  Thank you for that reminder as I hike my way through the Smoky Mountain National Park.  Yes, it was a rainy start but one of the options was Laurel Falls trail which is usually an opportunity for mist.  A little rain will only add to the atmosphere!

Arriving at the trail head one quickly learns of the popularity of hiking on the Tennessee side of the park.  There are several parking area with trail heads on both sides of the road; however, it appears everyone is headed to Laurel Falls.  After packing the rain gear and grabbing a cap and hiking stick we are ready to join the herd of folks headed up the paved trail.  The trail was paved in 1932 at a cost of $590 to provide access in the event of a fire.

The trail climbs through greenery and through a relatively young forest over rather fragile terrain so there is a valid reason to pave this trail.  Recall, most of the park was heavily logged before 1930 which thankfully prompted individuals to lobby for and create a park.  Without their efforts the mountains might be devoid of trees and become muddy slopes that eventually wash away. 

After 1.2 miles we reach Laurel Falls.  The falls are interesting but cannot hold a droplet to the falls in the Deep Creek area of the park.  So we cross the bridge and continue up the mountain; however, now the path is rocky and rough.  Pavement is not required here as few hikers continue past the falls missing fantastic scenery and rustic trails.  

After another ¾ miles or so we notice huge old growth trees.  What a treat.  Forests become old growth after 120-240 years of growth… 

How big is that tree?

Let's figure this out...

 2013   <== today's year

-1927  <== park creation, approximately

---------

     86 years <== This is a relatively young forest if an old growth forest age is 120-240 years.

 Luckily some of the trees in this area did not succumb to the loggers saws.

Downed tree cleared from the trail

After admiring the majestic trees we retrace our steps to the parking lot using the same path.  On the return the sky has cleared and there is a hint of sun which means the trail has a completely different appearance

Sunshine changes the view

 revealing .... 

... a wild azalea.

For certain, the majestic old growth trees made a lasting impression.