Chimney Tops Trail—this hike united our family like no other hike has. We had no idea we were going to do this hike, it was just something we saw on the side of the road and thought we’d pull over and check out, maybe go a little ways then turn around…no we did the whole thing on a whim. This was by far the hardest hike we had ever done. It was a 1.75 out and back trail for a total of 3.5 miles. And there were well over 600 steps of climbing, not all together but just steps and steps and climbing and climbing and Mac did it ALL. Not one moment of being carried. The confidence boost of mastering this was so sweet. The talks we got to have about endurance, family sticking together, cheering each other on, and using your voice tell us when you need a break, water, a snack etc.. because we can’t see in your brain…..ahh it was a great hike. The views at the top were neat. We had brought snacks had a nice rest at the top. A crew in front of us on way down saw a black bear, we never saw it but were keenly aware that they were around! The game most know as “20 questions” took form in our family as “the animal game” we played for hours on this hike. This game how now transformed into “person, place or thing”….still very much “20 questions” but now broader than just our original animal version.
Greenbrier area—This was the closest part of the National Park to our campground. There are several pull off areas to go down to the Pigeon river or to go hiking in the woods. At the very back there is a parking lot with multiple trails, one leading to the massive Application trail itself! That is where we found an old barn. We stopped there for awhile and our old fashion farm boys played pretend! They had animals and fields and made homemade pancakes with the flour they crushed from the wheat field, the eggs they gathered from the chickens and the milk they got from the cow….all invisible to everyone else 😉 . We went to another spot one day in between showers and walked through the puddles.
Cades Cove—This is an iconic drivable loop of the Smoky Mountains. We did it last year and enjoyed it so much we did it again on this visit. We hiked a little further on a trail and saw another homestead. We stopped at an old church. Its amazing seeing how they built things back then. We now have a metal picture of Jesus being the cornerstone, and what a cornerstone actually is!
Grotto Falls—This hike takes you back to a waterfall….that you can walk BEHIND! Definitely a fun hike, 2.8 total miles. Parking was a bit tricky for us in the ole pick-up but we were able to park on the side of the road down a bit from the parking lot. On the way to the falls it is mostly up hill and then a fast down hill on the way back. We saw all sorts of little crawling critters on this hike. We ate on a rock in the river watching the waterfall, crazy how loud moving water can be!
Quiet walkway— There are a few signs off the main road through the park that just say “quiet walkway.” We parked at one and got out and went adventuring. We called this place the “Secret Schneider Spot.” We went back a few times to see how the water had rose after a rainfall, had a picnic, etc. Just a beautiful green, moss covered rock, gentle water rolling kind of spot! The sign about the quiet walkway reads “A short walk on this easy trail offers close-up views, subtle aromas, and the serene quiet of a protected woodland. You will be walking in on the the last great wildland areas in the East, but you won’t need a backpack or hiking boots. Take your time. Have a seat on a rock or a log bench. The trail has no particular destination, so walk as was far as you like and then return.” ….and so we did!