Drifting Along the Appalachian Trail
A section of the Appalachian Trail on the Roan Highlands winds through two conifer forests on the way from Carvers Gap to the top of Round Bald. This is one of my favorite sections of the trail and I’ve wanted to photograph here after a snowfall. ..A late November snowstorm was forecast for the mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina so I drove through the storm to Carvers Gap at 5512 feet in elevation. As I left the shelter of my car the snow was falling, the wind howling and the temperature was ten degrees. It was a struggle to walk up the trail since there were snowdrifts across the trail and the wind kept knocking me sideways. ..I made it to the first section of woods, entered a calm and dark forest, and left the raging storm behind. I enjoyed the sudden tranquility as I wound my way through drifts of snow and under the low hanging branches. The snow-covered trees and trail were even more beautiful than I imagined they would be and thoroughly enjoyed taking images of this sanctuary away from the storm. I soon left the protection of the forest and entered back into the storm. I took a few pictures from Round Bald toward Roan Mountain and then headed back down the trail to my car. ..Since this snowstorm took place in November, I should have more opportunities to enjoy the snows of Roan Mountain throughout the coming winter. .