Great Smoky Mountains and the Tremont Institute

The Tremont Institute offers a variety of programs right in the Great Smoly Mountain National Park. Their "mission is to deliver experiential learning for youth, educators, and adults through programs that promote self-discovery, critical thinking, and effective teaching and leadership."

I've been there now three times for the photography workshops. They offer a "Springtime in the Smokies" workshop (generally a weekend around mid-April) and an "Autumn Brilliance" workshop near the end of October - beginning of November. Next year's dates are already set, April 11, 2025 - April 14, 2025 and October 31, 2025 - November 3, 2025, respectively. The workshops are a great chance to get away from it all, learn something about photography and have a good time with other like minded photographers.

This past year they added a Writers Conference which sounds really interesting. A 2025 conference has its dates set too. Check out their page to see if any of their programs are of interest to you.

In the meantime, here are a few of my favorite photos I took during this November's "Autumn Brilliance" workshop.


Spruce Flats Waterfall

Rushing Water and Rock

The Swirl

Ruins

Brilliance in the Fog

Rickett's Glen

Back in September I spent a couple days meeting up with an old friend and hiking around Rickett's Glen State Park in Pennsylvania. One of the hikes we did was a 7+ mile hike taking us past 21 waterfalls. Even though I didn't take as many photos as I would have had it been a photography trip, I still have a lot to go through. It's an amazing and somewhat challenging hike if you ever get a chance.

A Waterfall

A Waterfall

Another Waterfall

And Yet Another Waterfall