The lookout tower on Clingman's Dome. 20+ years ago, when the air was still sort of clean, you could see for 100 miles. Now the visibility is down to about 50-60.
We rode from Townsend, TN into the park and up to Cades Cove. The scenic loop is closed to cars until 10am (and otherwise has bumper to bumper traffic in the summer). There were so many cyclists on the 11-mile loop! It was awesome!
Our last hike was a 5-miler to Alum Caves Bluff. We followed along the creek and then turned into the forest. Glad we started early, because it was HOT!
We really enjoyed the Smokies; but if we ever come again, it will be in the cooler months of Autumn. We'd love to see the fall colors!
