One of my favorite destinations of all time for finding tranquility is The Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  With over 700 miles of trails offering stunning views, picturesque waterfalls, and vibrant wildflowers this national park is a true haven for nature lovers. Each season brings forth a breathtaking landscape, providing endless inspiration for my artistic endeavors.  I capture countless photographs of weird and beautiful things along the trail that ignite my creativity. These natural images become the basis for my art pieces and designs.

"Whirlwind" by Debbie Alley made with helicopter seed pods from a maple tree

A beautiful viewpoint or captivating destination along the trail can be incredibly inspiring and motivating. Waterfalls, in particular, have a special allure that entices you to trek up the mountain.  If you would like to find a great place to get away and immerse yourself in the mountains I recommend you visit Rainbow Falls.  It is conveniently located near the main parkway in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, easy to find and moderately difficult to hike. 

The Rainbow Falls trail in the Smoky Mountains is a popular hiking trail that leads to Rainbow Falls, one of the highest single-drop waterfalls in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The trail is about 5.4 miles round trip and is considered moderately strenuous with a total elevation gain of about 1,500 feet. Along the way, hikers will pass through a diverse forest with rhododendrons and interesting rock formations. The highlight of the trail is Rainbow Falls, which plunges about 80 feet over a cliff, creating a beautiful mist that can produce rainbows on sunny days. It's a scenic and rewarding hike for those looking to explore the natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains.