It’s that time of year again when the area’s foliage starts to bloom spectacularly. Despite a late killing frost, the wildflowers are blooming throughout the forest and they are very easy to find. One of my favorite easy hikes is the Gatlinburg Trail that runs from downtown Gatlinburg to the Sugarlands Visitor Center in the park. This is an easy 4 mile round trip hike and it is the only trail that allows dogs and bikes making it perfect for me as I love to take our dog Jake with me.

As I walked the trail along side the river today during my lunch break it was truly spectacular. The white water was flowing rapidly, the Lemon or Yellow Trillium wildflowers were blooming, and the sun was shining through the trees.

The hike reminded me of one of the many reasons that I love living here – the God given gift of our wondrous scenery. As I like to say, there are a lot of really good reasons that a National Park was created here. Any time of year the scenery is wonderful and always changing.

On a day when I was deluged with challenges regarding real estate transactions and the related sellers, buyers, and properties this brief hike was just enough to provide a much needed sanity break. If you are looking for a sanity break of your own come to Gatlinburg and take a hike with a friend, two or four legged. If you really want it to be effective make sure to count your blessings – I was reminded to count my own today!!