Great smoky Mountains National Park: Middle Portion
Over 20% of the park is old growth forest. There are plenty of evergreens, including red spruce, balsam fir, eastern hemlock, and white pine, but the region is characterized by its diverse deciduous hardwood forests. Among its most abundant tree canopy species are various oaks and maples, as well as birch, beech, ash, tulip poplars, and more. Many of the ancient hemlocks have been wiped out by the adelgid insects which are related to aphids. The old growth portion is difficult to visit, however. The only hike I saw with large old growth trees would take 8 hours, which is too difficult for me. There are plenty of big trees like the hickory, however.
The understory trees and shrubs are renowned for their beautiful rhododendron, mountain laurel, flame azalea, witch hazel, and spicebush. Wildflowers are also abundant.
The hike to Alum Cave Bluff was challenging to me at 5.0 miles round trip with a 1200 foot altitude change. Perhaps being a bit old and out of shape might have something to do with it. I should have taken a snack too. The hike took me 4 hours and I was going pretty slow for the last hour, even though it was downhill.
