We spent the morning in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, aptly named, and could have easily spent the day. We woke the kids early, they were not excited after yesterday’s tiring day and late night, but this was our chance to see the park. I’m very glad we were up early because it became increasingly congested as the morning went on. We learned it’s the most visited national park in the country with over 12 million visitors each year and going up. We also learned it’s free to enter because “the land was purchased from private owners with the agreement that they and their heirs would be able to continue to visit the land without financial burden” according to the park ranger. They make it up elsewhere and this was the 1st place we’ve had to purchase the Jr. Ranger program book for a whole $2.50. (most national parks and sites have free booklets and activities to complete to earn a pin and so far the kids have earned/collected them from Glacier NP, Federal Hall in NYC, the Freedom Trail, Shenandoah NP and now GSMNP. Actually, only Emerson has Federal Hall because she filled out the whole booklet to earn it and Maddy didn’t, but when she realized she missed a pin opportunity she wanted to go back, lol).

We drove up to Clingman’s Visitor Center by 7:30am and walked the .5 mile to the lookout. It was paved and a gradual grade but it was still a workout. The lookout is atop Clingman’s Dome which is the highest peak in GSMNP at 6,643′ and the 2nd highest peak in eastern US. The morning temperature was low 60s up there and we were not dressed appropriately having been sweating since Virginia. It was a great structure that probably has amazing views of the Smoky Mountains but we wouldn’t know, it was too “smoky”. Mat and I laughed the whole way up because we were in a huge cloud and couldn’t see very far in front of you. The kids were good sports and enjoyed the foggy view from the lookout anyway. It was really beautiful in it’s own haunting and peaceful way. It was like someone had started painting the trees but hadn’t put the background in yet. Clingman’s Dome is the highest peak in the park in both Tennessee and North Carolina since the stateline goes right over it so we can check another state off on our road trip. Surprise, I wasn’t expecting to visit NC this trip. After our excursion in the very “smoky” mountains we waited in line to get into the Sugarlands Visitor Center (yup, a line to get in!) and enjoyed doing the Jr. Ranger program before heading back to the Ridge Outdoor Resort to pack up the RV and continue down the road. So many hikes and waterfalls to see in GSMNP, next time. Off to Nashville, TN in the afternoon.

We made it to campground by 3pm thanks to driving through a time zone. We set up camp, all 3 kids went to play in the pool, and I cleaned up, did laundry for the 1st and figured out our blog. I’ve been journaling but figured out how to add the pictures and share it. Now to find a not spotty network…