We got up to a brisk 34 degrees and headed off to Rufus Morgan Falls. There were several hiking opportunities in the area and being it was an hour drive to get there, why not spend the day exploring the area.
As we tootled down another bumpy dirt road, we had the thought, "I wonder if it is hunting season." I wasn't too concerned. But then, at the parking area, there was 1 lone pickup truck with hunting kennels secured to the bed and 2 hunting hounds in them. Why on earth would a hunter leave his dogs in the truck? Our answer came upon the trail. We ran into this hunter with his rifle squarely on his back walking another hound on a leash (see the orange hat in the picture? That's him). Turned out in hunting the day before, his dog tracked an animal. So much so, he wandered 30 miles from where he was hunting. Good thing his hunter had a tracking device on his dog, or he would have never found him! Come to find out, hunting season started 2 weeks earlier, but fortunately for us, we were hiking in the "bear sanctuary" so hunting technically is limited to other wildlife.
He let us know, we didn't have too far to go before reaching the falls.
It was a pretty loop trail that took about an hour to complete.
Evidently, hunters like to use the sign for target practice!
Next up, the historic Wilson Lick ranger station. It is well preserved, but was boarded up.
A further drive up the mountain brought us to the fire tower.
A view of Franklin, NC off in the distance.
Just off to the left, but not quite in the picture, you could see there was indeed a forest fire off in the distance. Just above left of the city, you can see lingering smoke in the valley from it.
Some fall foliage, but not as brilliant as in years past.
The tower has been reconstructed somewhat. It isn't as tall as the original structure, but still lent to some spectacular views.
Lots of hiking opportunities up there.
We ventured onto the AT for a little adventure. Clif has had a dream to hike the whole thing, only now that he is almost 60, he said it's not in the cards. I guess his stamina is not what it used to be.
The scenic gravel road back down the mountain.
We decided to continue a loop to the north instead of just heading straight back to camp. This led us through the Natahala River Gorge. The sights were beautiful.
Although, not far from here, as we approached Bryson City, smoke filled the air. It was hard to breathe. I was glad we were camping further south because it didn't penetrate that far.
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