We've lived in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains for 10 years, and this is the first time I've ever gone into the park after a big snow. The roads had been closed for the past few days, but we decided yesterday to chance it and see if we could get anywhere. We wanted to see Cades Cove in the snow and figured this would be a very un-touristy time to go.
We were excited to see that Laurel Creek Road, which heads up to Cades Cove, was open. The drive along the Little River was breathtaking.
We were wrong about the tourists, though. Traffic was fairly heavy and going very slowly, which was smart. The road were terrible and we were surprised it was even open. Eventually we decided to turn around because there appeared to be an accident ahead of us. We slid off the road enough during our U-turn that we had to get pushed out. Fortunately, there are always plenty of nice guys in pick-up trucks ready to help people out of ditches.We came down the road s-l-o-w-l-y and passed another accident on the way. The park rangers had closed the Laurel Fork road by this time. We decided just to hike along the river for a bit. Duncan desperately wanted to walk out on the ice, and Laurel kept wishing for ice skates.
We took a short hike on the Chestnut Top Trail right across from the Wye. The trail was pretty slick on the way down, but it sure was beautiful.
The whole afternoon was absolutely gorgeous. Sometimes I still can't believe we live in this beautiful place! We're expecting temperatures back in the 50s and 60s by this weekend, so I'm glad we ventured out before the snow melts.
"He will make me as surefooted as a deer and bring me safely over the mountains."
~Habakkuk 3:19
~Habakkuk 3:19
Linked to Five Minutes for Mom, Parenting By Dummies, and Outdoor Wednesday
excellent photos. Been to the Smoky Mountains twice in my life but never in winter.
ReplyDeleteHow absolutely beautiful. Don't you just love God's wonderful creation? Happy WW!
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful memories were made that day. Thanks for sharing your photos with us. Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous images! I would love to visit the Smokies and I bet the winter is nice since there are less people there.
ReplyDeleteIt looks beautiful there...we live at the base of mountains too...I love the snow...maybe because we don't get it here and I don't have to deal with it. It is rainy and soggy here though. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteThe Smokies are an amazing place aren't they. I am in Knoxville and have not been up to hike in over a year...you gave me the itch to go back with these beautiful images!
ReplyDeleteWe are all lucky to live in such an amazing country. Each state unique in its beauty. Happy New Year! La
ReplyDeleteLOVE these photos! We love driving around through the mountains when it's snowed. =) I'm dying to see Cades Cove covered in snow. Thanks for the sneak peak...we may venture out tomorrow...hopefully all the snow hasn't melted. Happy New Year to your wonderful family! I love reading your blog and getting another local's perspective on our beautiful scenery!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shots! What a wonderful family outing.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous shots! We only got a little snow flurry, but nothing stuck. I miss snow a little bit. :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful snow! We got a little around here. I believe it was the first Christmas snow since the 40s!
ReplyDeleteI really loved your snow photos around Cades Cove. I have been there many times. This is gorgeous and I love the photos of your family especially. A wonderful experience and since we live about an hour from the park in Western Carolina We too feel blessed to live in theses beautiful mountains.
ReplyDeleteHugs, Jeanne
Wish we could have gone to see the snow up in the mountains too but there was too much going on this weekend.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! Hoping there is more snow to come this winter so we can venture out and play!
Winter fun! What great family photo's for your memory book!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing them with us!!
cool photos
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