May 2022, Gatlinburg, Tennessee
This is America’s most visited National Park! It is world-renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture. That includes well-preserved log cabins, grist mills, and one-room schoolhouses built by early settlers in the area. One of the great draws of the Smokies is its 800-mile trail system crisscrossing forested valleys and misty mountain slopes.

The highest point is 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐬’𝐬 𝐃𝐨𝐦𝐞, at over 6600 ft. The song “On Top of Old Smoky,” made famous by singers like the Weavers and Hank Williams, possibly refers to this mountaintop. It is a steep .5-mile walk to the top from the parking lot. The observation tower on the summit provides spectacular 360° views of the Smokies and beyond. On clear days ideas expand over 100 miles, but often air pollution limits viewing distances to under 20 miles…fortunately, we seemed to have a pretty clear view. That being said, capturing beauty using our phones is challenging!

We took a picturesque 11-mile loop through 𝐂𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐯𝐞, an isolated park valley with a backdrop of mountain peaks and lush, rolling green meadows. Between 1818 and 1821, the population of Cades Cove was@ 670 European settlers. They were farmers, blacksmiths, and genuine American pioneers, and about 80 of their buildings are here for us to view.

Nature is where many people go to escape from the stresses of life…..and the absolute serenity of driving the Smokies is undoubtedly a testament to that! This is one relaxing drive through southern Appalachia.