Smoky Mountains April 2-4

My wife and I decided to take a trip to the Smoky Mountains for our first anniversary. This was our first time visiting the park and it definitely won't be our last. We stayed in a cabin in Sevierville which was approximately 12 minutes away from the park entrance. We couldn't have asked for better weather with blue skies and highs in the mid 80's; not bad for the beginning of April. Our trip was short (3 days) but we managed to see some of the park's most beautiful sights, hike some of the most breathtaking scenic trails we've ever seen, and best of all, (for me of course), I found and photographed new salamander species. Here are a few of my favourite pictures from our stay.

"Cabin Fever"

The view from the balcony

Blue Ridge Two-lined Salamander (Eurycea wilderae)

Imitator Salamander (Desmognathus imitator)

This Salamander is an endemic to the Smoky Mountains.

Ocoee Salamander (Desmognathus ocoee)

Southern Red-backed Salamander (Plethodon serratus)

Black-bellied Salamander (Desmognathus quadramaculatus)

Seal Salamander (Desmognathus monticola)

Desmognathus sp.

Desmognathus (larval stage)

While walking the Cove Mountain Trail we came across a Black Bear foraging just off the trail. The bear could care less that we were there and continued feeding as if we didn't exist. I was able to get some decent shots of the bear before it disappeared. This was definitely one of the highlights of our trip.

I discovered this scorpion under a rock at the cabin.

One of the thousands of waterfalls in the park.

Newfound Gap at 5048'

Skunk Cabbage

Skunk Cabbage is one of the first plants to flower in my region (Southwestern Ontario). On a walk today I discovered one growing under the leaves on a damp sandy bank. This plant starts appearing after the snow melts, uncovering its unique bulbous exterior. Why is this plant called skunk cabbage, you might be asking? This plant earns its name from the pungent skunky aroma it emits when the leaves are crushed. Insects are also attracted to the odor, which in turn pollenates the plant. Another interesting fact about this plant is its ability to generate its own heat to melt through the snow. Here is an image of the one I found today; spring is coming! I also saw my first Chipmunk of the year.

Skunk Cabbage

Snake Road

Every year during the spring and fall a unique road in the Shawnee National Forest in Southern Illinois is closed off due to "the snake migration." These reptiles spend their summer foraging in the surrounding swampland. In fall these snakes seek hibernation in the crevices of the limestone bluffs, bordering the southern portion of the swamp. Snakes are not the only animals utilizing these bluffs for hibernation; lizards, newts, salamanders, frogs and toads also call this place home.

For the last few years I have been able to experience the fall migration. It was amazing exploring Snake Road and photographing the large diversity of herpetofauna this wetland has to offer. We found over 30 species of herps (reptiles and amphibians) during each visit to the road. If you are into nature and want to see a natural phenomenon I would recommend a trip to the Shawnee National Forest.


Here are a few of the many photographs I've taken on my short but memorable visits to "The Road."

Timber Rattlesnake

Western Cottonmouth

Rough Green Snake

Black Rat Snake

Western Mudsnake

Shawnee Kingsnake

Yellow-bellied Watersnake

Green Tree Frog

Southern Leopard Frog

Northern Cricket Frog

Bird-voiced Tree Frog

While photographing this little frog decided to jump on Steve's tripod

(Look carefully!)

Dwarf American Toad

Fowlers Toad

Central Newt

Mole Salamander

Slimy Salamander

Cave Salamander

Yellow Spotted Salamander

Marbled Salamander

Fence Lizard

Ground Skink

Five-lined Skink