After leaving Michael and Valerie, we headed for the Smoky Mountain National Park. It has been too long since we have visited. We decided to stay at Elkmont Campground. It is one of only 2 that we have not stayed so far in our visits to this park. We arrived later than anticipated (7:20 PM) because of 2 accidents along the way, one of which was a complete roadblock 1/2 hour from the campground which caused a reroute through mountain roads. Nonetheless we were able to set up camp.
Our goal was to hike Laurel Falls, The Chimneys, and visit Cades Cove. Little did we know The Chimneys are closed Mo-Th due to trail renovations. We were originally only going to stay a few nights, but decided to stay through to Friday so we could at least hike that trail on our way home.
Because Laurel Falls didn't have parking available by the time we got there, we had a change in plan. We hiked the Meigs Creek Trail instead. We had chatted with some local hikers who brought to our attention we would be crossing the creek about 15 times. I thought that a bit of an exaggeration. We went about our merry way.
This trail starts at the waterfall just off the roadway.
The hike was beautiful. We crossed the creek about 5 times before coming to an unexpected waterfall.
The trail narrowed considerably, and the creek crossings were becoming more difficult to navigate. Perhaps because I was just too nervous rock hopping! So after the 8th crossing, and coming to a 9th, I said, "let's just head back. We've had to have hiked at least 2 miles by now." So we went back to the unexpected waterfall to have our snack.
Along the trail, we kept hearing noises. I would stop hoping to see wildlife of some sort... deer, fox, bear, whatever, but we soon realized it was the nuts falling from the trees. I told Clif we need our hard hats because if one of those hits us on the head, it will hurt!
Anyway, after that short hike, we ventured to check out Cades Cove. We were going to bike it Wednesday morning before they let the cars in at 10am. There was a LOT more traffic than I was expecting at this time of year. In my naivety I thought because kids were back in school, there wouldn't be many out and about, but boy was I wrong! It was mobbed, and trying to find parking places to each landmark was a fiasco. We ended up leaving after viewing the first half.
Wednesday we got up before sunrise and headed out for Cades Cove. It was a bit chilly at 48 degrees, but we had enough layers that we were cozy. That was until the breeze hit us from riding down the hills at 22+ miles an hour! I complained to Clif like the Dalmatian puppy on 101 Dalmatians..."my hands are froze, my ears are froze, my nose is froze!" It was foggy, but we could see the abundant wildlife grazing in the fields. The only drawback about riding in the fog, is that you need windshield wipers for your glasses! I finally took mine off. It was easier to see with my blurriness than to look through dew covered lenses.
Watching the sunrise over the mountains was unique because of the fog.
I especially like how the rays penetrated through these trees.
We biked 11 miles in about an hour and half which I didn't think was so bad considering we were taking pictures, and had to walk up 3 hills. When we had finished the ride, it was only 9:00, so we walked in so Clif could get some pictures with his camera. He got some nice shots.
Afterwards, we decided to complete the rest of the tour from the previous day. Traffic was a little lighter until noon, then it was worse than Tuesday! We decided to take one of the cut through roads and have our lunch there. At least we'd be away from all the people! On our way back swinging around to exit the park, a young buck bounded up the hill within 10 feet of the parking area. That was amazing.
Once back at the campground, I opted for a nap. When I got up, I saw that Clif had taken a nap too.
Thursday, once again we got up early to beat the crowds. We were at the Laurel Falls parking area by 8:30 and it was already 1/2 full.
We had decided to not only hike to the falls, but beyond to the next trail intersection. This way instead of only hiking 2.2 miles roundtrip it would be more like 6. So off we went.
The trees beyond the waterfall were huge.
We had hiked our 3.1 miles and all uphill. Whew. But... we happened upon another couple who asked us if we were going to Cove Mountain. We weren't planning on it. They encouraged us and told us there is a fire tower up there that takes air samples and sends data to Alabama and Colorado. Well, if we hiked this far, what's another mile?!
We made it. The view wasn't quite what we were expecting though, but it was a nice hike just the same.
There were signs of recent wildlife, but we didn't see any.
Clif reminds me at least our 4 mile hike to the trailhead is all downhill. :)
On the way down he spies this cool spider web dangling in the trees.
I was glad we left early because by the time we got back to the falls, it was mobbed. We wouldn't have been able to get a good picture. There was a park ranger up there with one of the clickers counting how many visitors were there that day. I bet it was 50 just with who was in the area, and probably came close to 1,000 if not more by day's end.
We spent the rest of the afternoon in Gatlinburg. It was very festive for Fall.
Finally, Friday, the last day of our adventures. We headed out to The Chimneys. The last time Clif and I hiked this is when we were friends in the Youth Group at church. We weren't even dating at the time. I told him I would never hike The Chimneys again unless it was from the main trailhead. Back in the 80's we hike up the back side and had to scale along the rock face then straddle over an opening to get onto the main trailhead before the decent. I like going up the main route much better. :)
We were going to have about a 1400 foot gain in 2 miles. I agree. This hike will be strenuous.
The scenery was breath taking.
It was a strenuous hike with many staircases to climb,
and many bridges to cross.
We were huffing and puffing, only 1 more mile to go. I don't think I show it though. :)
I did have to take my glasses off though and put them in my pocket. They kept steaming up.
But as we hiked along, something bit me on the neck! We've never seen such a creature. It was a cross between a cricket and a wasp. I told Clif to take a picture in case I went into Cardiac Arrest or something. Needless to say, after about 10 minutes the sting went away, and there was no signs of a sting.
Just as we're nearing the top, the clouds roll in.
We stayed at the peak for 45 minutes hoping the cloud would pass. It never did. Needless to say, we didn't get any of those awesome views.
I let Clif go up and take the pictures. I stayed at the base of the Chimneys.
Then time to head out.
Next stop, Newfound Gap. Our last stop before leaving the Smokies.
This vacation has been refreshing. It was wonderful to get away from the Florida heat and humidity for 2 weeks. When we were riding home, we realized Florida had gotten some serious rain. There were streams in the grass alongside the interstate! Now I know why Amber had sent us an email asking us, "when you come home, will you PLEASE bring sunshine!"
As of today, 1 week later, we are enjoying a slight cool down and sunshiny skies. A taste of Fall for us Floridians. Fortunately for Clif and I, we had already experienced it on our trip. :)
