Ellison and I are counting down to our annual trip to the Smoky Mountains!
Ellison and Waylon in 2009.
Each November for the past 8 years we have spent a week visiting the area around the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. I know this park can be seen as overly touristy, but I can't even begin tell you how excited we get about this trip.
Not only does it mean cooler weather and great hiking, but it also signals the beginning of the holiday season. We listen to Christmas music and watch Hallmark movies nonstop until January. It's ridiculous and we love it.
However, fall in the Smokies means crowds. Like lines of cars miles long on the parkway and standstill traffic in popular places like Cades Cove. This is rough and can sap even the most enthusiastic of hot-chocolate-and-holiday-music fueled spirits.
A crowded trail is something you want to avoid, if possible, and easy enough to do with a little planning. Some research into the best times of day to start out and a search for off-the-beaten path hikes will help.
Not only does it mean cooler weather and great hiking, but it also signals the beginning of the holiday season. We listen to Christmas music and watch Hallmark movies nonstop until January. It's ridiculous and we love it.
However, fall in the Smokies means crowds. Like lines of cars miles long on the parkway and standstill traffic in popular places like Cades Cove. This is rough and can sap even the most enthusiastic of hot-chocolate-and-holiday-music fueled spirits.
A crowded trail is something you want to avoid, if possible, and easy enough to do with a little planning. Some research into the best times of day to start out and a search for off-the-beaten path hikes will help.
Being from Florida, any hike with snow is a big deal.
After 8 years of visits with an infant, then toddler, we have hiked most of the shorter, easier trails in and around GSMNP (Chimney Tops, Hen Wallow, and Andrews Bald are among our favorites).This year Ellison and I agreed that it's time to step up our hiking game and try out some of the longer, more difficult trails.
While it doesn't mean we are giving up on our tried-and-trues, we do want to see what else the park has to offer in the way of strenuous day hikes.
Here's what we're thinking...
1. Rich Mountain Loop (8.5 miles) - I've heard this trail is a great way to escape the crowds and to enjoy the beauty of Cades Cove in a more quiet, natural way.
2. Silers Bald (9.3 miles) - this is an ambitious one for us, but Ellison claims to be up to it. Honestly, it depends on the weather. If we go, we are planning on taking the Clingman's Dome route.
3. Baxter Creek Trail (Mount Sterling) (12.2 miles) - this is definitely something my husband and I would do, but I'm not sure that Ellison is quite up to it. This is one we may be saving for future trips. It is considered one of the most strenuous hikes in the Smokies - which is a large part of its appeal.
I know there are others that could make this list, but these are the ones that stood out to us.
And for sake of reminiscing, here are a few pictures from past trips.
While it doesn't mean we are giving up on our tried-and-trues, we do want to see what else the park has to offer in the way of strenuous day hikes.
Here's what we're thinking...
1. Rich Mountain Loop (8.5 miles) - I've heard this trail is a great way to escape the crowds and to enjoy the beauty of Cades Cove in a more quiet, natural way.
2. Silers Bald (9.3 miles) - this is an ambitious one for us, but Ellison claims to be up to it. Honestly, it depends on the weather. If we go, we are planning on taking the Clingman's Dome route.
3. Baxter Creek Trail (Mount Sterling) (12.2 miles) - this is definitely something my husband and I would do, but I'm not sure that Ellison is quite up to it. This is one we may be saving for future trips. It is considered one of the most strenuous hikes in the Smokies - which is a large part of its appeal.
I know there are others that could make this list, but these are the ones that stood out to us.
And for sake of reminiscing, here are a few pictures from past trips.
Ellison's first glimpse of the elk at Cataloochee in 2007.
Having Waylon on the trail helped keep things moving in 2008.
It was all about short hikes and outdoor exploration in 2009.
The hikes got a little longer in 2010.
Freezing at Clingman's Dome in 2011.
On our way to Chimney Tops in 2012.
It snowed in 2013!
By 2014, Ellison was ready for all-day adventures.
Ellison and I both are really looking forward to these new-to-us hikes and to pushing ourselves a little harder than we have in years past. We also are excited about being able to share an experience that we both love through Girls in the Park! We will have tons of pictures and stories from the trails, so be sure to check us out in November.
Do you have any suggestions for our trip? Any trails we missed that you think should be on the list? We'd love to hear from you as we plan our visit!
Do you have any suggestions for our trip? Any trails we missed that you think should be on the list? We'd love to hear from you as we plan our visit!
RSS Feed
