The road to Newfound Gap is the main road (441) that crosses the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We came in from Gatlinburg, TN. The drive up into the mountains is very pretty, and to me, it compares to a drive in the Western national parks.You get deep forest to an almost subalpine and if… Continue reading Appalachian Trail (AT): Newfound Gap Heading North
Tag: National Park
Great Smoky National Park
Fall in the Great Smoky National Park is pretty sublime. The mornings are cold, the bugs are few, and the humidity is low. It got very cold at one point. Go prepared for all weather and enjoy one of the most iconic National Parks in the United States. To me, it is the big park… Continue reading Great Smoky National Park
Grand Park
The first time I saw Grand Park was on the summit of Dege Peak, on the Sourdough Ridge, of Mount Rainier National Park. It was the early summer of 2003. I looked across and wondered what that massive flat stretch of green was called. I visited it the long way that summer, coming in from… Continue reading Grand Park
Ranger Falls
In the days when the Carbon River Road was open Ranger Falls was an easy hike to take. It isn't a hard hike but it is considerably longer to do, with the road being converted to trail. Hike is 8 miles round trip. Start the hike at the entrance to Carbon River (Leave your National… Continue reading Ranger Falls
Cross Country in Seattle Park
Cross country backpacking is to me what backpacking once was. Finding a campsite that will suit, and treading gently on the land. It isn't for everyone, and you must have compass and navigating skills and preferably a lot of nights under oneself before trying it. Always follow all rules, especially in National Parks. Tori, Ford… Continue reading Cross Country in Seattle Park