DON’T WAIT

SNOWING

 It’s starting to snow! ❄️ 

PERFECT DAY

I always say it’s a perfect day if I see deer. (Not the silly napping Bambi on the side of the road!) 

On this trip through the Smoky Mountains I saw several elk and several deer! Perfect day!

But as I continued my adventure I found a true treasure! This made my heart so happy!

I do like tractors!

I was in Heaven! 

GATLINBURG

WALKING IN THE WOODS

HIDEN

There is always more than meets the eye. So much that is just hidden from view or around a less travelled corner. 

WATERWAYS

There are few things in life that make me happier than a creek in the woods. Definitely on my TOP 10 favorite things list! 

TWISTED

One of my favorite Christmas play lists is Twisted Christmas by Twisted Sister. Seeing this cute place on my drive made me smile. I wish it had been open. 

TUNNELS

There were these three on in the Smoky Mountains and I went through two on my way to North Carolina as well... at night! 

I love tunnels! 

GROWING GREEN

I am pretty sure the reason I love it so much is because this ‘Girl from Phoenix’ didn’t grow up with it, but all this green mossy stuff pleases me so so very much!

NEWFOUND GAP

This is one of my favorite stops. I love the stonework, it files my mystery castle need. The view is always so lovely!

CLINGMANS DOME

This one was new for me. It was windy and cold and beautiful. I didn’t make it to the observation tower, there were a lot of people there, but the drive and the views were AMAZING!

Credited as the highest point in Tennessee, Clingmans Dome sits at 6,643 feet above sea level. It’s the third tallest mountain east of the Mississippi River. Visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park can travel along the seven-mile stretch of Clingmans Dome Road to Visitors Center and trailhead that leads to the summit’s observation tower. Along Clingmans Dome Road are several scenic areas with pullouts that allow for photo opportunities of the Smoky Mountain range.

The seven miles of winding road offer views of nature ranging from mountain valleys to sculpted ridges and a variety of woodland. The road closes from December 1 through March 31 (and during inclement weather); although Clingmans Dome and the observation tower are open year-round. At the end of the twisting road are a large parking area and the Visitors Center. Restrooms are available.

From this parking area, follow the half-mile trail to the Clingmans Dome summit and its observation tower for one of the best views in the park. The paved trail is wheelchair and stroller accessible, but the very steep incline may be challenging for some—there are several benches along the trail for resting. Several trailheads also start on Clingmans Dome Road, including the Forney Ridge Trail, the Noland Divide Trail and the Appalachian Trail (AT), which marks its highest point where the AT crosses Clingmans Dome.

There is a short half-mile hike to the summit of Clingmans Dome. However, due to the steep gradient, the brief hike may not be suitable for the young children and the elderly. At the summit, there is a 360 degree observation platform that provides visitors with 100-mile views on clear days.

https://smokymountains.com/park/things-to-do/clingmans-dome/

GREIF

 GREIF is love that has no where to go. 

MOON RISE IN AZ

Thanks MO