June 18, 2018 - Photos - GRSM NP - Cucumber Gap Loop Trail

Today's Travel Map

Click for Cucumber Gap Loop Trail details

Heading Into The Park

Driving The Park Road

Only  A Few In The Parking Lot :o)

First part of Cucumber Gap Loop Trail is Little River Trail

At the beggining of the trail, we saw remains of old summer homes.

The hike was along the river and was spectacular!!!

Green, Dark and Moist... 
Perfect conditions for mushrooms!!! 

Near the end of the trail, we saw Husky Branch Falls

Shortly after the falls, you turn right to begin Cucumber Gap Trail

This trail was a more challenging hike in the woods.

Carefully crossing a creek ;o)

The Trail was uphill with lots of rocks, roots and other challenges!!

But EVERYTHING, above & below, was GREEN:o)) 

You had to look very carefully to find the WILDLIFE;-))

The last leg of the loop was Jakes Creek Trail.

The trail was actually an abandon road.

The road led to summer homes which were abandoned when the NP was created.

At the end of the road,
some of the former resort village was preserved.

Back at the trailhead parking and time to find a lunch spot.

You don't have to drive far....

ANY pull off will be a beautiful spot!!!

Waiting our turn to cross the One-Lane Bridge to drive back to our campground.

June 16 & 17, 2018 - Photos - GRSM NP - Weekends Make Good Rest Days

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is America's most visited national park.  Approximately 10 million people visit per year.

That's more than double the next closest National Park!!

So WEEKENDS we leave to everyone else;o))

We call these "Rest Days!!"

Just hanging out at the campsite and watching the birds:o))

Beautiful start to the day....

The Birdfeeders Provide Hours of Entertainment:o))

Baby looks great in our beautiful site!! 

Won't be long until we have 'Mater' Sandwiches!!

Almost Time To Make PESTO:o)) 

Eat Your Clover  &  Don't Touch The Basil 

Afternoon Storms Rolling Over The Mountains