I have been visiting the Smoky Mountains since I was a kid. I remember going there on family vacations while growing up. And then my husband and I started visiting the Great Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg for anniversary trips . We visited both Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains in March and I gotta tell you, I never tire of those mountain views with the river running alongside the road as we venture into the National Park.
I especially enjoy visiting the Smoky Mountains in the spring, although there are a few roads and sights we are unable to see during that time, due to the roads being closed because of possible snow and ice in the higher altitudes.
One of the reasons I like this time of year is the weather is just right for hiking, and if you wander into the mountains very far, there are plenty of chances to hike!
There is always such a peacefulness in the mountains that I really enjoy. It’s nice to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and deeply breathe the mountain air and enjoy the nature that surrounds you.
There are so many trails to choose from while visiting the Smoky Mountains; short, easy to moderate hikes, or long and strenuous ones for those who are more adventuresome and, well…younger. As for me, I stick to the shorter, more moderate hikes these days, though I do have fond memories of greater feats.
Oh, the things you see while walking along the path, and the birds you hear. It really is an amazing world we live in.
These are the steps we didn’t take, that we would have taken in younger years gone by. We knew where they led and it was up…
The sound of rushing water while walking makes for a more enjoyable time. I most definitely don’t get to do this at home! With all the big rocks that line the river, there are plenty of opportunities to sit and enjoy the day, or just to catch your breath~
And if you’re feeling really adventurous, like the group of college-aged boys, you climb on the rocks in the water. I remember the days, but now, I am content to watch the younger folks explore and take a few risks instead.
Footbridges I can handle. This was a beautiful setting that helped to bring our hiking times to an end. It had been a peaceful, albeit sore-muscle inducing time in the Smoky Mountains.
The day was growing old and our stomachs were telling us it was getting close to feeding time. We ventured back to Gatlinburg and dined Al Fresco, so to squeeze in a few more hours of the pleasant day we had just experienced.
I’ll never tire of the Smoky Mountains. Though there are plenty more places I want to see, it was nice to take a few days and revisit an old friend.
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