Whats the difference between the Cumberland Plateu and the Smokies? (Knoxville: art, rain)

[Tinman313]

Just better than the Smokies....

[JoshB]

Thanks everyone for answering. I like both regions, Tennessee is one of the most beautiful states I've ever seen.

Thanks Again, Josh

[Grizzlybear34]

Originally Posted by TnHilltopper

There was recently a really informative program on this on the Discovery Science channel about the geology of the Appalachian mountains.

From what I remember from the program, (which would fit in a thimble)

During the permian when the African plate slammed into the North American plate, the edge of the North American plate folded and uplifted forming the Appalachian range. The plates later separated and formed a small inland ocean which is now the Tennessee valley, then moved back together again. When they moved back together there was again some uplift but not so much the folding.

Here are a few links that I found during a quick search.

Geography of the Sequatchie Valley

New Georgia Encyclopedia: Appalachian Plateau Geologic Province

http://lordibelieve.org/time/age6.PDF

TNT - Thanks for the links - great reading!

[Grizzlybear34]

Here are a few shots that I've taken that show the plateau. One thing that was pretty amazing, last January, I flew to Chattanooga from the Tampa area. Once you get over the plateau, you can see the ridges running in lines under you. Almost like God was plowing the land with deep plow lines and raised earth on eith side of the plow line. I was truly awestruck by the site.

This is atop Lookout Mountain at a popular hang gliding location...



This is a shot, looking toward Nickajack dam - you can see the flatness of the peaks - or lack of peaks...



Truly just beautiful country. Sorry, I don't have pics of the Smokies.

[JoshB]

Grizzlybear34,
Those pictures are amazing! They just made my day. I'm planning a road trip to Tennessee this summer and am planning on visiting the Cumberland Plateau and the Smoky mountains. Thanks everyone for all the information.

This Tennessee thread is always alot of help.

Thanks Again.

[TnHilltopper]

Originally Posted by Grizzlybear34

TNT - Thanks for the links - great reading!

You are most welcome and I have to admit, I have become a geology buff since relocating to the area. Sadly, the sandstone in this immediate area is not as suited for caves as where the limestone has been exposed, but there are a couple of really decent caves near by.

When I was living outside of Marietta, GA I went with a group of fella's a couple years back to a sink hole on a private farm that you had to lower your scuba gear then rappel down (apx 40 ft) to get to this huge underground chamber that had a lake at the bottom. It was only about 40 feet deep and the water was crystal clear, that is until you stirred up the bottom then it was a brown out. Amazing experience but it did look kind of funny hiking in our scuba gear a half mile through the middle of the woods to a small hole in the ground.

I let you know when the next rappelling trip is in case ya want to hop on the rope and go for a spin. After all, it is the best way to get to know the rocks. (not to mention you can get some great camera shots)

[Rocket Dog]

Oh, Wow! JMT, McMar, TnHilltopper. What a wealth of information you all (oops, I mean y'all) have posted here. You've answered so many of my questions before I even asked them! I have a strong feeling I'll be leaving Missouri very soon (yay.)

[Rocket Dog]

Originally Posted by LauraC

This is my observation. Without hiking up or down, on the Cumberland Plateau you look down (gorges) for the scenery. In the Smokies you look up (mountains). If you do any hiking, you'll initially be going down to a place and up to return to your car on the Plateau. In the Smokies, you're more likely to be hiking up to a place and coming down to return to your car.

The other difference, a big difference, is less tourists on the Plateau.

Laura,
I just noticed your post. I agree with 2mares, this is such a clear and interesting way to describe these differences. It certainly helped my understanding. Thanks.

[Tennesseestorm]

OR... you could move in the "valley" in areas such as Chattanooga, Knoxville, or Bristol-Kingsport-Johnson City (Tri-Cities) and be between the two of them!

[gemkeeper]

There is no doubt, jdinkc, that no matter which you visit and maybe ultimately choose as your home place, you are going to love the beauty and majesty that these areas hand out to one and all.

Anyplace in east to central TN is a win-win when it comes to beautiful country. Enjoy your trip this summer and do visit both areas and everything in between.