Smoky Mountains 2017 Day 5 – Sunrise and Travel

Most of the last day is taken with the drive home, but we did get up early and go catch sunrise from a new spot.  This time, just after (heading to Tennessee) the Newfound Gap Overlook.  Since we didn’t do much Sunday, I’ll use this post as a wrap up…. Continue reading

Smoky Mountains 2017 Day 4 – Grotto Falls, Laurel Falls, Cade’s Cove

We started early on Saturday and went up to Clingman’s dome for a chilly (as expected) sunrise. After that, we headed over to the Roaring Fork Motor Trail to the Grotto Falls trail head.  It’s a moderate hike and climb at 2.6 miles round trip with 585 ft of elevation. … Continue reading

Smoky Mountains 2017 Day 3 – Mt. Cammerer

Despite avoiding the weather the evening before, day three was the real day of questionable weather.  Having been to the park a few times before, and wanting to explore something new, we took a drive to the Eastern end of the park to hike up Mt. Cammerer.  I think we… Continue reading

Smoky Mountains 2017 Day 2 – Rainbow Falls & Aquarium

Apparently I started to write this (day 1 was written then), but then took a six month hiatus, so though I can track what we did based on pictures, I don’t recall exactly what the rationale was for doing the various things on various days.  So, for some reason which… Continue reading

Smoky Mountains 2017 Day 1 – Husky Gap Trail

First day of an extended weekend trip to the Smokies. Janet and I had done a very similar trip to this before in 2015, so it was relatively predictable.  Drove overnight Wednesday to get to Gatlinburg and then got a hotel on the outskirts of Smoky Mountain National Park to… Continue reading

Smoky Mountains 2015 – Day 4

Smoky Mountains Day 4 itinerary: 6:30 – got to Cades Cove (sunrise) Drove two loops around Cades Cove Started hiking Middle-Prong trail Turned back due to rain Stopped at “The Sinks” Returned to hotel – nap 4:30 – Chimney’s Trail 7:00 – return to trailhead Bear sighting Drove through Gatlinburg… Continue reading

Smoky Mountains 2015 – Day 3

Smoky Mountains Day 3 itinerary: Slept in (forecast of rain) 11:30 – stopped at NOC for a hat 12:00 – Alum trail to Mt. LaConte 7:00 – return to trailhead Return to hotel, made dinner Went to Morton Overlook for sunset It was supposed to rain on Saturday, so we… Continue reading

Smoky Mountains 2015 – Day 2

Smoky Mountains Day 2 itinerary: Stupid early – drive to Clingman’s Dome Nap in Clingman’s Dome parking lot 9:00 – Hiked to Clingman’s Dome Continue down the Appalachian Trail Fail to find Siler’s Bald 4:30 – return to Clingman’s Dome lot Returned to hotel Day 2’s itinerary really only had… Continue reading