Great Smokey Mountains National Park

We left the hotel before dawn to catch the sunrise in the Great Smokey Mountain National Park, and it was beautiful to catch the early morning light as we drove through the mountains. At Kuwohi/Clingmans Dome, we took a short hike to the highest peak in the Park and an observation tower (and I think we were technically in North Carolina). It was a bit chilly and we were high enough to be above the clouds, waiting for them to move and give glimpses of the valley below. This location has gone through a bit of an identity crisis, as the federal government vacillates between calling it what the Cherokee have called it and what the white settlers named it, and the signage shows that ongoing tug-of-war.  

Sunrise as we drove higher and higher

Observation tower at the top

"Smoky" view from the top

Some of the signage with name changes

From there we drove to multiple lower and equally scenic spots, and I reveled in the fall colors. And as a geography nerd, getting to park and walk across the Tennessee/North Carolina state line was an extra treat. 

Fall splendor

Another gorgeous overlook

Crossing the state line with ease

"Goin' to Carolina in my mind"

We’d already seen so much, but I wanted to drop by the visitors center back near the entrance for their suggestions—and that’s when we encountered the crowds. The building itself wasn’t crowded, but the park’s layout means limited access and two-lane roads, creating one of the most scenic traffic jams you could imagine when the weather’s nice. But once we made it in so I could get my passport stamp and their recommendations, we hit the road for the Cades Cove Scenic Loop. This was still a constant line of cars, but at least we were steadily cruising. The loop winds around the remains of the village of Cades Cove, which was settled in the early 1800s but was abandoned (partly by choice) in the 1940s when the area became a national park. They left many buildings intact, so it felt a little like an Appalachian ghost town, and it was fascinating to think about what life was like in this small, isolated community.

Road to Cades Cove (between flocks of cars)

View as we were leaving the park—hard to see unless you zoom in, but scars from the 2016 fire were still visible.

Leaving the National Park, we headed to Dollywood for some final music and a cinnamon bread run to take with us.

The Grist Mill

Just one more loaf...

Seemed a bit early to start setting up for Christmas, but it looks like their decor will be sparkly and over the top (not surprised)

Dinner was a fancy buffet at the Dollywood DreamMore Resort, a great end to the day and finale of the trip.

The fancy hotel

This treasure box contains is a time capsule that won't be opened until Dolly's 100th birthday (in 2046), revealing a song that she's kept secret.

Hotel entrance after a great buffet dinner 

 Squeezing in one last Dolly stop, we swung by the Sevier County Courthouse and saw her statue in front.

The county courthouse

Dolly's statue in front of the courthouse

The next day we started the drive home after church, making a point to refuel at Buc-ee’s. It was still great, and amusing to see it appears to be the new hangout for local youth. I can also confirm that next-day cinnamon bread is still delicious.