Having lived in Ohio most of my life, I find it troubling that I'd often drive to Florida for vacations but I'd never been to the Smokies. Even the last few years we've driven by multiple times, but never stopped. OK, it's pretty much always January and snowy mountains + an RV is not a good equation. So FINALLY we made it to GSMNP! We camped at Elkmont Campground which we loved because the sites are right along the river and well, it's a great birding hotspot.
Nicole ended up driving up on her days off to bird with me at the park.
After setting up our campsite, we drove thru Gatlinburg and stopped in Pigeon Forge for dinner. Holy Moly! It's such a weird juxtaposition when you're in the thick forest of the Smokies, and then all of a sudden you're in a bustling town with roller coasters and kitschy signs and shops attempting to lure tourists. One of our friends said Gatlinburg is like a Vegas and I laughed. But you know what? He's right. The lights, signs, crazy buildings (one's even upside down) certainly give off a similar feel.
Looking out at Gatlinburg from the Smokies.
The kids found this bright blue mushroom in our campsite!
In the morning, we set out to drive the Cades Cove loop in the hopes of spotting wildlife. Birds, deer and a turtle were out, but no bears were hanging around.
Such a pretty drive.
We stopped to hike one of the trails and found this fun bridge and some cabins.
Our favorite part was hiking Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the Smokies and along the Appalachian Trail. It's located right on the state line, so both Tennessee and North Carolina claim it. It's a beautiful trail from the first step.
Once on the ridge, it's time to climb the observation tower for a better look.
On a clear day, you can see for more than 100 miles into seven states from here!
Our view was quite obscured, but that's why they call it the Smoky Mountains.
The fog kept changing and came right over us at one point.
Time to head back down thru the fog.
Even after the hike, they still had plenty of energy to climb around on these rocks for half an hour.
Our last morning Nicole and I were birding from the campground and found the Elkmont ghost town of cabins originally built in the 20s. It looks like they may be updating a few of these.
Here's what happens when a bear is spotted along the road. Sheesh!
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