GSMP Mingus Creek Trail April 14, 2024

 A hike recommended by a park ranger. He said it was moderately difficult and not popular so there would not be a lot of other hikers. He was correct. We only ran into 2 other couples hiking. We could have hiked to Clingmans Dome ... NOT!  Surprise Cemetery about 2 miles in.

GSMP Deep Creek Trail April 14, 2024

3 mile loop hike to see 3 waterfalls.

Mingo Falls (near Cherokee, NC) April 13, 2024

Beautiful waterfall, quick hike, not too far from our campsite in Cherokee, NC 

Great Smoky Mountain National Park (Cherokee, NC side) - April 13, 2024

 

We saw lots of Elk this trip. 

GSMP Clingmans Dome April 12, 2024

 We knew it would be colder at the top - 6643 fet up - but we had no idea it would be snowing and blowing. We hiked the half mile, very steep path up to the observation tower but did not go up this time. Zero visibility and crazy wind. Way too cold !!

Start of the walk up with just a few flurries.

Halfway up looking back down the path.  Snow is accumulating !

I can at least say I hiked a portion of the Appalachian Trail !

Smoky Mountain Railroad Bryson City, NC - April 11, 2024

We didn't let the rain stop us from getting out. The train ride was the perfect rainy day way to see the landscape. 

Nantahala Outdoor Center. Whitewater rafting training center and a stop along the Appalachian Trail. 

The markers in the water are a training course down river and back up river. 

Cool beer name !!

Helen, GA Dukes Creek Falls April 8, 2024

We didn't get to see the Total Eclipse, but this was not a bad sight.