Alum Cave Trail

I didn't do this trail this summer, but the Alum Cave trail is one that goes all the way to the top of Mount LeConte, where there is a lodge that you can stay at, though you have to make reservations months in advance.  I have never gone all the way to the top, 4.4 miles, so I will talk about the two landmarks along the way that I have experienced, which are a totally doable hike with a family.

1. Arch Rock.  This is the first landmark you hit.  This rock has a staircase through it...crazy cool and lots of fun.  You can turn around here, or head to landmark numero dos...

From the bottom, about to enter Arch Rock.

The staircase to get up through Arch Rock.

2. Alum Cave Bluff.  What the trail is named after.  This landmark is a little past Arch Rock and is about halfway through the trail.  Evidently past this point is where the trail gets really strenuous, which makes sense because up to this point, I was having trouble believing that this trail went all the way to the top of LeConte (it just wasn't super steep or anything).  However, to get to this point is not bad...especially for this view...I can't put into words what it looks like, but it is crazy, crazy cool, so I encourage everyone to go check it out.

I really hope to do this trail or one of the longer ones and go all the way to the top of LeConte one day...but until then, this is all I've got for you.  Happy hiking, and thanks for reading this week's blogs about my Gatlinburg trip!

Go Karts and Coasters

In Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge there are tons of fun attractions (not hiking??? *gasp* I know!!!) for families. There are a multitude of go kart tracks, and we did one in Pigeon Forge called Fun Zone Speed Park where a low admission price gets you rides on three tracks. The tracks were decently long and you got about a five or six minute ride which was really impressive. It was a lot of fun, even though I was in a two person car with my mom, the crazy driver!!!! This was how I felt the whole time. Good thrill option (especially if with my mom) for the whole family.

My personal favorite attraction is the somewhat new Alpine Coaster. It is similar to a real roller coaster. The track takes you way up the hill and then you push down on levers to go flying down the mountain, around turns. Totally fun for the whole family (like go karts) and worth the $15 adult ticket price (check out those coupon books around town for deals!). A YouTube link is below. Also note that Goats on the Roof now has an alpine coaster too. I personally haven't ridden it, but I tend to stick to the original. Go check out Goats on the Roof too though...cool place.

Chimney Tops Trail

This week I did the Chimney Tops trail for the very first time. I honestly have never been so out of breath on a hike. The first half of the 2 mile hike isn't bad, but during the last mile you ascend 960 feet. There are a ton of stairs, some of are at a steep incline, but the stairs were honestly easier than the normal path in my opinion.

Other than the extreme asascension, the trail is fairly family-friendly. There were many families on it (shout out to those kiddos for making the strenuous hike!!!). There were no crazy steep dropoffs, however the very end of the trail is extremely dangerous. The last 25 feet or so is basically a rock climb, where some inclines are at 60°. I personally did not make that final climb, and neither did any of my party. Next time I will probably try to do it...but it is a little risky, and I am afraid of heights. However, right before that point on the trail there are some decent outlooks that made the hike worth it. And once you get to the top, it's all downhill on the way back!!! I totally recommend this hike. I felt so empowered after conquering it. Be prepared to have a sore butt and legs the next day though...hahaha! Here are some more pictures I captured along the way. Happy hiking, and check back in throughout the week for more!

Laurel Falls

One of my family's favorite easy hikes is Laurel Falls. It is a paved trail that is only 1.3 miles, leading to a beautiful waterfall. For people, especially families, looking for a trail with a nice view that is not too strenuous, Laurel Falls is an excellent option. We used to do it with baby strollers, but now there is a sign at the trailhead advising against that. There are a couple of spots with really steep dropoffs where very young kids would need to be watched, and while there is a path at the destination of the waterfall, some choose to climb around which may get dangerous. All in all however, the trail is very easy, without a steep incline or long distance (plus it's paved!!!) and the views of the mountains along the way, combined with the waterfall at the end, make it a great starter trail, especially for families. Check back the rest of this week for more trails to check out, especially if you are up for a more challenging hike! Even if you're an adventurer who is all for strenuous hikes, Laurel Falls is still worth it...just to see that view.

Mountain view along the trail

The waterfall destination!!!

It rained (and when I say rained, I mean flat out DOWNPOURED) the WHOLE way back from the falls...it was an adventure and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. But, if there is a chance of rain, you might think about bringing a poncho or umbrella.

Up on a Mountaintop in Tennessee

This past week I was on vacation in Gatlinburg, TN with my extended family.  It was an absolute blast!  We go there often because one of my grandparents is a co-owner of a chalet, but this was the first time we had gone for a full week in the summer.  This week, I want to recap what we did/give tips for what to do in Gatlinburg.  I actually have maybe been shopping, like, twice...because I spend most of my time in the national park, hiking and such, with a couple of trips into Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge for other activities.  Here are the activities I will cover this week:

1. Laurel Falls Trail
2. Chimney Tops Trail
3. Go Karts and Coasters
4. Alum Cave Trail

I have many personal photos that I will share covering these activities, most of which are trails, as I said before.  Here's my challenge to you...next time you travel to Gatlinburg, don't go shopping.  I know, I'm a crazy person, but if these teaser pictures that I took throughout my week don't convince you...I don't know what will.  Happy traveling, and I will update you on these topics throughout the week!

Beautiful views (feat. my acoUstiKats shirt...if you don't know them...look them up, they are my fav a cappella group!!!)

A picture of Mt. LeConte is truly worth 1,000 words

Bonus picture of a baby bear we saw off of our chalet deck

Bonus picture #2 of the baby bear's momma