Quality time with the brothers. Spectacular views. Much needed peace. We had a wonderful time on our first extended backpacking trip. Each day we found something new and interesting. We learned from every group we interacted with. I want to revisit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and discover more new things.
Revisiting the 2009 Trip:
- Day 1: Twentymile Ranger Station and The Dragon’s Tale
- Day 2: Gregory Bald
- Day 3: The Appalachian Trail and Birch Spring Gap Campground
- Day 4: Shuckstack Fire Tower
- Day 5: Elkmont and Call me Lost ‘Road’
- Day 6: Mount Le Conte
- Day 7: Mount Le Conte and the Ride Back to Chicago
What We Missed and Why I’m Going Back
- In mid-June, Gregory Bald explode in color when the azaleas blooms.
- Ride my bicycle around Cades Cove.
- Drive Justine through the many twisties on The Dragon and other great roads in the area.
- See the trees change into their fall colors. ‘Nuff said.
- Hang out in Gaitlinburg for a few days.
- Explore the other trails in the park.
- Kayak on Fontana Lake and hike around down the more isolated trails.
- See synchronous Fireflies lighting up the night.
This is only a short list of what to do there. It’ll take a lifetime to do it all.