Blue Valley Overlook, Nantahala National Forest, Highlands, North Carolina

Views like this one of Blue Valley are what bring tourists to *precious* Highlands, NC, the kind of place where folks wipe their bottoms with $100 bills.

Hillbilly Place, Chattahoochee National Forest, Clayton, Georgia

You still see old-fashioned cabins and shacks in the Blue Ridge, but this guy's house is a fun caricature. Even his street sign says, "Hillbilly Place"!

Northbound Leaf Watchers, Mountain View, Georgia

The Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains further north are being swarmed with leaf watchers heading north on 441 from Atlanta. That line of cars was solid all day!

Elk in Misty Morning, Chataloochee Valley, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina

"In 2001, elk were released in Cataloochee Valley as part of an experimental program to reintroduce elk to the park." — National Park Service

Gatlinburg From 321 Above, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee

"You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. We must be cautious." — Obi-Wan Kenobi

Trashy People's Trash, Houchin Ferry Campground, Mammoth Cave National Park, Brownsville, Kentucky

Some trashy people left a little of themselves behind at the Houchin Ferry Campground. Maybe this is why we can't have nice things, America!?

Brownsville Sign, Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky

Who knew Mammoth Cave was so close to my hometown, Brownsville (Texas)? I never suspected all these years ...