Bloodroot and Fern Fronds in Virgin Forest
Laurel Falls is an extremely popular day hike near the Sugarlands Visitor Center on the Tennessee side of the Smokies. At that point, the tourists take a couple of pictures, rest, and turn around.
Keep going. Another half mile and you'll hit one of the few virgin forests in the Smokies. The old stump in this picture reminds us of some of the glories of these old forests.
April 2010.