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The People News, a free newspaper serving Cleveland Tennessee (TN) and Bradley County Tennessee (Tn).
Of Bradley County Tn.
OCTOBER 2006
The People News, a free newspaper serving Cleveland and Bradley County Tn.
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The People News
Special Report
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HOME
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BACK ISSUE ARCHIVE
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EDITORIALS
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LETTERS
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Enjoy the stunning beauty of Fall
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by Alexandra Edwards
Early Autumn is the most spectacular time of the year, especially for those fortunate to live in the Smoky Mountain region. The climate is at its best, cool and fresh in the mornings and evenings, yet warm enough during the day to still enjoy many of the outdoor activities done in the spring and summer. Fall is just a great time to be outdoors and enjoy the most beautiful scenic views of the year.
The leaves on the trees are just getting ready to turn color and very soon those lush greens of summer will make way for their grand finale, showing a bright array of the most colorful Autumn hues. The countryside will be ablaze with red, purple, orange, gold, amber, and bronze, that look almost illuminated against the bright sun.
People from all over the United States travel to see our spectacular fall colors. Those of us who live in close proximity to the Smokies need just take a short ride to take advantage of the many Fall Color Excursions being offered.
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The last two weekends in October are the best times to visit The Cherokee National Forest. Colors will peak first at the higher elevations. Take the Ocoee National Forest scenic byway located in Polk County off Hwy 64 and runs seven miles right to the top of Chilhowee Mountain. There are three or four parking areas where you can stop off and see the breathtaking views surrounding the majestic Parksville Lake and surrounding area. Another alternative would be to stay on Hwy 64 and travel the 19 mile scenic byway which runs alongside the Parksville Lake and the winding, rippling Ocoee River, famous for its whitewater rafting and 1996 Olympic canoe/kayak events. The colors will be spectacular as you follow up river, passing the famous old wooden flume and beautiful mountain waterfalls.
For those who prefer to hike rather than drive to view the fall colors, the Old Copper Road Trail which starts at the upper end of the river by the Ocoee Whitewater Center, will take you past the 'Blue Hole' a popular spot with the locals for swimming and picnicking and wildlife viewing.
A leisurely drive recommended by the Cherokee National Forest is to take Highway 30 East from Hwy 411 North of Benton. Follow it along the Hiwassee River to Reliance. Once there, you can take a walk along the John Muir Recreational Trail and witness the brilliant fall colors. From Reliance go north back to Highway 411 at Etowah.
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For more information call The Cherokee Forest Fall Color Hotline: 1-800-204-6366.
Another fall color tour recommended by park officials is; from Townsend, Tennessee, enter the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and turn right at the "Y" onto Laurel Creek Road toward Cades Cove. Enter the 11 mile loop road and follow it for 6 miles to Forge Creek Road, follow to Parson Branch Road, where you can enjoy 8 miles of autumn scenery in all its splendor. Follow the road to the end to Hwy 129 then turn right. The road will ride round Chilhowee Lake to the Foothills Parkway. The auto tour takes about 4 and a half hours and covers 65 miles of all the good things nature has to offer.
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Another good way to view fall's 'beauty pageant' of color is to drive over the border to Bryson City, North Carolina and take a Great Smoky Mountain Railroad excursion. Nothing could be more relaxing than sitting back, just looking out of the window of a train as it chugs its way along the 53 mile track through the National Forest's natural wonders. With over 125 varieties of trees found in the area, the ride could be nothing but spectacular.
The Great Smoky Mountains Railway offer a variety of excursions, for more information call 1-800-872-4681 or on the Internet, go to www.gsmr.com.
Of course, the mountains are not the only place to view the glorious colors of the countryside of the southeastern region. Throughout the month of October, River Ridge Farm, in Clinton, Tennessee, not far from Knoxville are offering a 'Fall Color Tour' on horse drawn wagon rides through upland oak forests, meadow and river bluff. A two hour ride takes you across the ridge to view the magnificent view of the Cumberlands and the Clinch River Valley, then down to the river and along its banks. A four hour ride which includes lunch or an afternoon snack is also available. For dates and more information call: (865) 457-6774 or e-mail; info@riverridgefarmtn.com.
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Yet another relaxing way to view the multitude of fall colored leaves is by a boat cruise down the Tennessee River . On October 23, 27, 28, 30 and November 4 ,The Southern Belle Riverboat will take you on a four hour, round trip Fall Leaf Cruise from Ross's Landing, Chattanooga, into the Tennessee River Gorge. The cruise includes a deluxe deli buffet, live band, informative commentary, free bingo with prizes, and your very own fall decoration handmade by you. For more information call the Southern Belle Riverboat at 423.266.4488 or 800.766.2784 or visit www.chattanoogariverboat.com.
Also along the river, 'The Annual Fall Color Cruise' will take place on October 28th. Cruise the grand canyon of the Tennessee River by boat, car, or bus to view more than 300 different trees and 900 kinds of wildflowers. Then sample genuine southern cuisine and enjoy traditional, country, and gospel music at the folk festival. For more information call the Alhambra Temple at 423-892-0223.
We in southeast Tennessee are extremely blessed to live in such a wonderful part of the country, lets not take its natural wonders for granted, go outside and feast your eyes. We also invite visitors to do the same.
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HOME
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BACK ISSUE ARCHIVE
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