We spent the whole day in The Great Smoky Mountains. We started with an early morning hike called “Grotto Falls” which was 5.8km.
Grotto Falls Hike
We found a cute place to pan for gold. My issue with the Great Smoky Mountain National Park is how much land was expropriated… but never really talked about. When you ask rangers they don’t have anything to say about it.
“The creation of Great Smoky Mountains National Park required acquiring over 500,000 acres. While a significant portion was purchased from large logging companies, governments utilized eminent domain to condemn and seize land from approximately 6,000 people and families who lost their farms, homes, and generational communities.”
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Next we made a pit stop in Gatlinburg for breakfast drinks. Looks like a fun town to return to for sure!
Clingman’s Dome AKA Kuwohi Hike 3km
“And it became land”
Driving around The Great Smoky Mountains and Visitor Centers
Cades Cove Loop Bike Ride
On Wednesdays they close the Cades Cove area of The Great Smoky Mountains for only biking or walking. We biked 20.5km. It was very hot and humid out. We went for a swim in the river part way through to cool down. There was a visitor center halfway through with a mill and boiling place.
Evening Swim in Little River
The kids spent the evening catching fireflies and Joel and I finalized our plans for Dollywood!
Isla’s review on The Great Smoky Mountains National Park: “I liked seeing the bear. I enjoyed the creeks that we swam in and the waterfall. I really enjoyed it.”
Caleb’s review on The Great Smoky Mountains National Park: “I thought it was really good. I liked the mountains and the water. I liked our campsite.”
Joel’s review on The Great Smoky Mountains National Park: “The drives were beautiful. I enjoyed our swims after hot bike rides.”
Tracy’s review on The Great Smoky Mountains National Park: “There is a sweet homey vibe being in the Smoky Mountains – I’m not sure if it’s because of Dolly Parton’s brainwashing me my whole life or if it’s the super green forests with perfect creeks cascading down pretty rocks. I’d be happy to come back with a few books and just sit by a creek. The views of the Smoky Mountains are so classic with the layers of slightly more faded mountains going on forever. It really didn’t feel like a national park to me – there was no “real” visitor center that educates on the land and its history. The visitor centers just felt like small stores. The “rangers” lacked the love of the area and its history that National Park Rangers usually have. You also have to pay for the Junior Ranger program books and park or trail maps which I have never seen before.”
I’ve decided that I’m old enough to start using pet names with strangers how everyone does in the south and in the mountains – I don’t think I can pull off “baby doll” but will give some others a go because I love it.