The real Rocky Top

  NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Rocky Top, you’ll always be ... a real place.
    All you Alabama Crimson Tide and Florida Gator and South Carolina Gamecock fans take note: Rocky Top actually exists.
    It’s 5,441 feet up in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s an estimated 25 yards long by 10 yards wide, and for hikers it’s right on the Appalachian Trail.
    Rocky Top is the spot glorified in the catchy tune by that name that became a state song in 1982 and is the fight song at the University of Tennessee. In this state, it’s a sacred anthem.
    This is no sneaky plot hatched by Lane Kiffin or Peyton Manning or Phillip Fulmer.
    The tune sung and played endlessly at Volunteer athletic events (and annoying to opposing teams) has a notable namesake in the park.
   
   
    (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)