Thomas Ridge, Clouds, from Appalachian Trail June 2010

Last June, we hiked to LeConte Lodge along the Appalachian and Boulevard Trails, staying overnight, and returning via the Alum Cave Trail.  I'd sworn I would never again do the Boulevard Trail after hiking it round trip in October2007.  I was outvoted, thankfully, as it resulted in views of the Thomas Ridge (which I have photographed before) on the North Carolina site of the Smokies that were spectacular.

This photo was taken where the Sweat Heifer Creek Trail meets the Appalachian Trail, about 1.7 miles (according to the sign) up the Appalachian Trail from the trail head at Newfound Gap.  There is an open area at the start of the Sweat Heifer Creek trail that permits sweeping views of the North Carolina side of the Smokies.

Late Spring in the Smokies is a great time for the billowy cumulus congestus clouds that make for great black and white landscape photographs.  This was taken in color and converted, with additional contrast and black and white filter adjustments to bring out the details in the clouds and ridge.