The drive across to Smokemont GC was about a 4,000' climb up and then down on Newfound Gap Road with a temperature difference of about 15 degrees at the gap. We decided to leave Clingman's Dome for another day which proved to be a mistake. Our first trip over, the weather was perfect which wasn't the case the next time around. Clingman's Dome is the highest peak in TN and 3rd highest in NC at 6,643' straddling the boundary between the 2 states. It is also the highest point on the Appalachian Trail where we could see some hikers passing through. I could barely see Harry half way up to the observation tower because of fog. We'll just have to come back!
Smokemont was another great campsite with rivers passing through. We lucked out with a secluded spot at the end. More great hikes with Ellen, trips to Cherokee to the Cherokee Museum, Craft Center, Indian tacos made with frybread a bit too thick and Internet service to get the taxes off.
Friday we worked our way north about 300 miles to Cave Mountain Lake CG in the George Washington & Jefferson National Forest in Natural Bridge Station, VA. Showers, showers, showers! The one thing we were missing in the Smokies.
Smokemont was another great campsite with rivers passing through. We lucked out with a secluded spot at the end. More great hikes with Ellen, trips to Cherokee to the Cherokee Museum, Craft Center, Indian tacos made with frybread a bit too thick and Internet service to get the taxes off.
Friday we worked our way north about 300 miles to Cave Mountain Lake CG in the George Washington & Jefferson National Forest in Natural Bridge Station, VA. Showers, showers, showers! The one thing we were missing in the Smokies.
