We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day to take our hike into the mountains. Late May and early June mark the start of summer weather in the mountains, although it’s rarely ever “hot” because of the elevation (and the shade from the towering trees also helps to lower temperatures).

It’s well known that prior to the establishment of the National Park, the Smokies were inhabited by small communities and logging operations. This led to a lot of timber being cut all across what would later become the Park. This is why many of the trees that you see when you visit the Smokies are less than 75 years old.

Every once in a while you’ll come across a giant tree that somehow escaped the timber companies or the development of the mountain communities. These trees can often date back to the 1800s.

It’s unknown how old this particular giant Poplar is and its height certainly couldn’t be accurately measured but suffice it to say that it towered over the surrounding trees.

Guests of our city always love taking a visit to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park during their stay. Pigeon Forge is so fortunate to have its location nestled in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, just minutes away from some of the most beautiful areas of the National Park.