June 26, 2018 - Photos - GRSM NP - Foothills Parkway Drive

Today's Travel Map

Round trip was a total of 60 miles.

We had just left the campground and the views started!!

We drove through Townsend, Tennessee.

The Foothills Parkway is part of  Great Smoky Mountain NP
and runs from Rt. 321 to Rt. 129.
Later this summer, the new extension to Wears Valley will open!!

There are pull-offs all along the parkway.

By the time we reach the Look Rock pull-off,
the clouds had lifted:o))

Today, we wanted to hike to the Look Rock Tower!!

We crossed the road and begin a lovely walk to the tower.

The view over Maryville, Tennessee!!

Looking towards the Smoky Mountains!!

What goes up... must come down;-)

Back on the Parkway, we saw bikes of all types.

 

When we reached Rt 129, 
we made a right and park along Lake Chilhowee.

If we had made a left, 

we could have driven "The Tail of The Dragon!!"

Instead, we took a break and enjoyed our view of  the lake.

Then it was time to head back the way we came.

Driving this direction we could see Look Rock Tower!!

Perfect Day...Beautiful Views!!

We found a shady spot for lunch;o))

Before heading home, we stopped at
The Dollar General with a VIEW!!!

By the time we got home, the storm clouds were brewing!!

Just after we got inside...the skies opened up!!!

Just another Smoky Mountain Day;o))

June 25, 2018 - Photos - GRSM NP - Rest Day, Campground Wildlife

Campground Map

Click HERE to learn more about Honeysuckle Meadow Campground.

Today was a Rest Day...
just hanging out at the campground!!

When I open the shades this morning
I was greet by this little fellow....

Since it was black & white, I assumed SKUNK!!

However, it didn't look like skunks I have seen before.

His back and amazing tail were all white!!

A little internet search led me to believe it was a very young striped skunk.
Fortunately, he moved on without leaving his scent ;-)

On a late morning walk around the campground
I found some other wildlife to photograph.

Too Cute!!

Spoiled Goats Across the Road ;-)

Down by the fishing pond 
there was a family of Muscovy Ducks!

Dad

Mom and the 11 Ducklings 

 Family Portrait

NOW.... Everybody in the pond!!!

June 24, 2018 - Photos - GRSM NP - Gatlinburg Tail Hike and City Walk

Today's Travel Map

Today's Hiking Map

Click HERE to learn more about The Gatlinburg Trail.

We chose to start the Gatlinburg Trail from the National Park end of the trail.
The trailhead is located beyond the Headquarters building,
where you can park next to the maintenance yard.

We felt right at home;o))

After a short hike along the maintenance yard, 
you head into the woods and along the river!!

The trail is well maintained with beautiful features such as:

a bridge,

a bench,

and a statue ;o))

It is a lovely walk along the river and through the woods!!

The end of the trail brings you to Gatlinburg.

We have driven through Gatlinburg several times very early in the morning
to get to hikes at the Motor Nature Trail.  
However, we have never actually stopped IN the city!!

So we figured we have to at least give it a mile of our time;o))

We gave it 2 miles...
 1 mile up and 1 mile back so we can say we have BEEN there!!

It's a tourist town...people, stuff, food & traffic!!

We walked up one side as far as the Aquarium.








Then we crossed the street and headed back.

Love this Sign!!

At the end of our walk back,
we saw the MOST amazing North Face store!!
It looked like a Mountain Lodge:o))

WELL, so much for Gatlinburg...been there...done that;-))

It was time to get back as we could hear the rumbling of thunder!!

Back through the woods, the way we came...

Along the river...

Over the bridge...

and into the car...

Just before the skies opened up!!!