The Great Smoky Mountains

A place so wonderful, 'Great' is right in the name.

We had an amazing trip to the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee and North Carolina.

It was beautiful beyond belief, and such a trip going "down South" to taste a bit of the culture down there.

We started off with a lunch stop in Lexington, Kentucky for some real Southern cookin'

Rick got a "Hot Brown" sandwich, and it was incredible.

Next stop- North Carolina.

This is our camp site.

Literally on the edge of Big Creek, and it was so secluded and beautiful.

I loved only being able to hear the roar of the water at night.

We could have explored along the creek forever.

Not a bad view, eh?

And of course, nightly s'mores.

Very important.

The next morning we woke up in the dark at 5am, in order to drive 2 hours across the park to Caden's Cove. It's one of the most scenic areas in the park, and usually you can only drive it. But once a week they close the road to cars, and only bikes are allowed. 

The scenery was spectacular beyond description.

We were exhausted, but it was sooo worth biking alone through this for 2 hours.

The views were non-stop.

Sophia's highlight was seeing a baby black bear and it's mother.

She thought it was adorable- haha.

Stop at the Watermill

The famous mist of the Smoky's

This used to be a settled valley, so there are these adorable little cabins/churches/etc. all over.

Can you just imagine living here?

Dreamy.

Next stop was a hike up to Laurel Falls.

Named for the plethora of laurel trees growing around the mountain. 

The falls were beautiful

And we took our time playing in the water

Rock climbing lessons coming in handy...

In love with baby black bears after her sighting.

Next up- driving up through the mountains to Clingmans Dome

We hiked up to the highest peak in the park, and the views did not disappoint.

I even got to hike a little of the Appalachian Trail!

(side note: life goal to hike the whole thing- I was stoked to set foot on it)

Next day we hiked out to the Midnight Watering Hole

It was beautiful, but SO cold!

We swam anyway, and Rick became a hit jumping off the waterfall.

Last day was spent just hiking for miles up an old fishing trail along the creek.

We just took our time, bouldered up the river, and loved every minute of it.

Loved our time here!

We saw so much else that I didn't take a picture of!

Every stereotype of the south is true- from the Confederate flags, to the corn and moonshine sheds. We even saw old men with long white beards, chewing hay, and wearing overalls...and nothing else.

Can't wait to go back!