the stretch of the Appalachian Trail between Clingmans Dome and Newfound Gap is one of my favorite places on this earth to hike. it's like stepping into an ancient world where you expect to see fairies and sprites around every corner. it's in the top 5 of the most beautiful places i've ever seen with my own eyes. the light coming through the trees on a foggy morning has made it my go to place after the wave of north bound thru hikers passes through each spring. it has my heart. July 2019