Great Smoky Mountains National Park

We got up early to get a jump start on visiting the most visited national park of them all, Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Our goal was to hike around at Clingmans Dome and also do the Cataract Falls hike. We did our research and Clingmans Dome was set to open for the season today, Thursday, April 7th, so we headed there first … only to realize that it is indeed not open yet. Then we went over to the New Found Gap and straddled the boarder line between Tennessee and North Carolina, a super cool experience.

This is what I love about my quest, not always does everything go according to plan in nature and in parks … but you always have a fun time or make a fun (or funny) memory. We had a blast today and escaped out of the park as the mondo stream of vehicles was making their entry.

“At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is the highest point in Tennessee, and the third highest mountain east of the Mississippi. Only Mt. Mitchell (6,684 feet) and Mt. Craig (6,647), both located in Mt. Mitchell State Park in western North Carolina, rise higher. The observation tower on the summit of Clingmans Dome offers spectacular 360° views of the Smokies and beyond for visitors willing to climb the steep half-mile walk to the tower at the top.”

Next time I visit, I want to ride horses in the park with Sugarlands Riding Stables.