RV Road-trip to the Smoky Mountains Day 3 - Roaring Fork Nature Drive & Hiking our first trails.

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Up early, quick breakfast and we were out.We were excited to get the exploration started after counting down the days for months. Again taking the advise of the Park Ranger we headed to Roaring Fork Nature Drive which included beautiful sights, several historic homesteads to explore and a relatively easy trail along the North Pigeon River. It took us a few extra minutes to find the start of the drive (signage surprisingly is not that great) but once we did it was amazing.River and cliff views started almost immediately and continued throughout the drive. 

We took the advise of the ranger and did not enter the trails at the first trailhead as he said this would be more strenuous than the second entrance.What he didn’t tell is was this second entrance was actually closed , something we learned at the end of the trail as again there was no signage telling us we couldn’t use it . Oh well, no harm done. Not sure why it was closed as we had no issues or problems hiking it. It was rocky and rooted but other than that no problems.

When we merged to the 2nd trail we were met with such beautiful waterfalls throughout the trail. We hiked out for about 1 hour out and then turned around as we knew we had much more to explore.So glad we did as while heading back to the truck we saw a baby bear in the woods.I am sure momma was somewhere close by but we could not see here anywhere so we decided it was best to move along.It would be the only bear we would see all week so I am so glad I saw it when we did.

Leaving the trails we came upon the most gorgeous overlook and decided to have our lunch at this spot.When getting out of the truck I was shocked at the temperature change.It was about 15 degrees colder and very windy so we bundled up, lowered the truck bed and picnicked atop the Smoky Mountains. 

After out picnic we headed further up and down the mountain exploring more homesteads and pulling over to photograph more waterfalls. About 2 miles from the end we came upon what ended up being the most beautiful falls just on the side of the road. Of course we had to pull over and take lots of photos and selfies.

Before we knew it we had completed Roaring Fork and had been out for almost seven hours so time to head back to the RV where we made dinner over the fire (BBQ chicken, potato and veggies) relaxed for little bit and headed to bed.Another day of exploration was waiting for us.

RV Roadtrip To the Smoky Mountains ~ All Blog & Video Links Are Here

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We are just back from our first ever RV road trip to the Smoky Mountains. It was amazing and I have/am creating several blog posts and videos sharing our adventures.

If you want to follow along, please join us as the blog posts are listed below (and include the video links) or if you just want to see the videos you can find those on our YouTube Channel.

Here we go.....
1. Roadtrip to the Smoky Mountains Day 1 ~ Getting There
2. RV Roadtrip to the Smoky’s Day 2 - Rainy Day Exploring
3. RV Roadtrip to the Smoky Mountains Day 3 - Roaring Fork Nature Drive & Hiking Our First Trails.

YouTube Video's

1. RV Roadtrip to the Smoky Mountains Day 1 - Getting There
2. RV Roadtrip to the Smoky’s Day 2 - Rainy Day Exploring
3. RV Road-trip to the Smoky Mountains Day 3 - Roaring Fork Nature Drive & Hiking Our First Trails.

RV Roadtrip to the Smoky’s Day 2 - Rainy Day Exploring

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Our first full day in the Smoky’s consisted of heavy downpours on and off all day and so most trails were closed for safety reasons.  We decided to take our time in the morning having a great breakfast in the camper then headed out to the Smoky Mountains National Park (SMNP) Sugarland Visitors Center to gather some maps and to have the rangers help up create our plan for the week.  This is one of the best NP Visitor Centers we have visited.  Lots of info from the rangers, a great onsite nature museum and a short (30 minutes) video on the history of the mountains.

Leaving Sugarland Center we took the suggestion of the Park Ranger and headed towards Newfound Gap Road seeing just a sample of the beauty we would experience all week.  The rivers and creeks running just along the roadside were a surprise to us and so pretty, the views even covered in rain clouds and fog were stunning. This is going to be a great week :)

Decided not to spend all day on Newfound Gap Road (as we knew we would be exploring it again later in the week) we decided since it was still pouring down we would head over to Sevierville to go to the Lodge Cast Iron Outlet store where we were able to pick up a few pieces we wanted at very reasonable prices. We also visited the largest Knife Store in the country and few more of the outlets in the area before we headed back to the campground.  While still raining, we did get a nice window of time to be able to cook dinner over the grill (I forget though what) and then had a nice relaxing evening together before calling it a night so we could get up and moving for our first hike the next day early.

RV Roadtrip to the Smoky Mountains ~ Getting There

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Out the door and heading down the road by 6:00 was the goal.  We were driving this road trip to Tennessee all in one day. This would be the longest we have done with the camper both in time and miles and we wanted to make sure we had plenty of time.

It rained almost the entire drive but luckily it was a completely uneventful drive.  Lots of views, talk, laughter and snacks along the way.  After a few stops for stretches, gas and a groceries we arrive around 4:00pm.  First impressions of the campground were very good and this did not change throughout the week.  I had no idea we had the river behind our site, and while the trees, plants and grasses had grown to block most of the view we had that lovely sound of a babbling brook passing by us all week.  So relaxing, especially at night.

Set-up took no time, dinner was simple and when the rain moved in later that evening we called it a day knowing the fun was just starting....

New Places To Explore

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The Virginia Dept. of Game & Inland Fisheries just opened two new Wildlife Management areas with walking trails and guess what? They are within 20 minutes of our home!! This is so great as there are really no places to hike or take the dogs for a nice long walk anywhere near us.

Well if you know us, you know we had to check them out as soon as we heard so we headed to one of the two last weekend and it was fantastic. The Duncan Wildlife Management Area is where we went and while it only has one of its trails open currently the map showed there are several more planned. The main trail is gravel covered and very wide, perfect for puppies on a leash who like to zigzag like ours. Biking would also be easy here as you have plenty of room to pass others without interfering with their walk. It has a large pond area and a large meadow near the end and was almost completely flat so not strenuous at all. It will be a very “buggy” walk though the summer so while we will go back, probably will not until after bug and tick season. Here are a few photos from our walk.



Avery's First Soccer Game

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Our baby is old enough for organized sports.. How did that happen?

So now I am the proud Nanny of a Soccer player. She started out shy, very apprehensive and we weren't sure she would even step on the field but once she saw the fun everyone was having, including her BFF who is on the same team she was off and running all over the field.

So if you are looking for us this spring on a Saturday morning, look for #4 in the red jersey. We will be right there cheering her on!