We were so close! After (around) five more hours of driving we were in the mountains! This was the first large park that was free to the public.. also the most visited park in the country. We caught a glimpse of the sunset and then set up camp aside LITTLE PIDGEON RIVER in Townsend, TN. We were smiling with mountain air in our lungs and the noises of a rushing river swooning us to sleep. It was the most beautiful, natural sound; i could sleep close to that river every night of my life!
Bright and early we were aiming to see the sunrise from CLINGMAN"S DOME, so we packed up and got out while the stars were still twinkling above! Had slightly underestimated the time it would take to drive to the spot, so we technically watched the sunrise from the car. after the car ride we started the hike that brings you to an overlook with the ability to see 7 different states! From the lookout, it is only a half mile walk up, but the thin mountain air at 6,643 ft makes the journey quite the exertion. And yes, some of the gasps were caused by the views! There was no need to explain why they call them the smoky mountains; fifty shades of blue/gray outlining each mountain. Breathtaking views of spruce-fir tree lined mountains surrounding us. We spent some time enjoying the OCONALUFTEE RIVER as well. The water was freezing cold and crystal clear, absolutely perfect. The three of us had this section of the river to ourselves. The smoky mountains are oddly the perfect habitat for wild rhododendrons as they were lining the forrest. ((we could only imagine how beautiful it will be when they bloom!) We happily took some time out of our day to just watch the water and let our minds wander to a peaceful state. Then took a trip to the visitor center which just made us run away from all the people and go back to the mountains. Incredibly grateful for the views to follow-- this might be my favorite place.
Bright and early we were aiming to see the sunrise from CLINGMAN"S DOME, so we packed up and got out while the stars were still twinkling above! Had slightly underestimated the time it would take to drive to the spot, so we technically watched the sunrise from the car. after the car ride we started the hike that brings you to an overlook with the ability to see 7 different states! From the lookout, it is only a half mile walk up, but the thin mountain air at 6,643 ft makes the journey quite the exertion. And yes, some of the gasps were caused by the views! There was no need to explain why they call them the smoky mountains; fifty shades of blue/gray outlining each mountain. Breathtaking views of spruce-fir tree lined mountains surrounding us. We spent some time enjoying the OCONALUFTEE RIVER as well. The water was freezing cold and crystal clear, absolutely perfect. The three of us had this section of the river to ourselves. The smoky mountains are oddly the perfect habitat for wild rhododendrons as they were lining the forrest. ((we could only imagine how beautiful it will be when they bloom!) We happily took some time out of our day to just watch the water and let our minds wander to a peaceful state. Then took a trip to the visitor center which just made us run away from all the people and go back to the mountains. Incredibly grateful for the views to follow-- this might be my favorite place.