After such an enjoyable evening in Gatlinburg, we were all excited and anxious to get into Great Smoky Mountains National Park and start exploring. We knew we needed to get into the park and started on the hike we planned to take that day fairly early, so we got up and going just after 6:00am. The amazing sunrise greeted us as we awoke.
Following breakfast at the condo, we headed toward Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
We had just crossed into the national park when we spotted something dark moving not too far from the road. It was a bear!!!
Although we were trying to be quiet, the elation in our vehicle was palpable!
Our first order of the day was to explore Cade's Cove. We had no sooner entered the Cade's Cove Loop (an 11 mile one-way scenic loop in the park) when we were stopped behind a few other vehicles on the road. A park ranger was out informing everyone to be aware because there was a momma bear ahead who was trying to coerce her TWO cubs out of a tree. The park ranger asked that we quietly drive by so as to not provoke the momma bear. The kids could barely contain their excitement over seeing not only another bear, but TWO BABY BEARS as well!
After two bear sightings, we kind of felt like our day had already been made! However, it wasn't even 9:00am, so we continued on the Cade's Cove Loop. We stopped at the Cade's Cove Missionary Baptist Church historic site to look around.
Bren tried out the pulpit!
It was a gorgeous morning on the Cade's Cove Loop!
At about 9:30am, we came to the trailhead for Abram's Falls Trail. Thankfully, there was plenty of parking (perk of not being there during peak season!) We were ready to take a hike . . . literally!
Abram's Falls Trail runs along a river for much of the hike. There's something so peaceful about the sound of running water. We also enjoyed the water fowl!
Abram's Falls Trail
Brecklyn, Brooke, and Brianna on Abram's Falls Trail
Examining scat on Abram's Falls Trail
Because the trail runs alongside a river, there are several spots along the trail where you have to actually cross the water. I wasn't too sure about these primitive bridges when I saw them in photos, but they were very sturdy.
Crossing the water
We really took our time hiking to Abram's Falls, soaking in all the scenery and flora.
I thought the unique shape of these flowers was remarkable.
Brenson isn't in some of these photos because he insisted on hiking several steps ahead of the rest of us. I was trying to not be frustrated with him while also encouraging him to stay with the group!
Crossing the river again
The trees were incredible and made for a shady and lush hike.
Brecklyn, Brooke
Finding beauty in the everyday things
We were so thankful to be there while things were in bloom!
We arrived at Abram's Falls about 10:45am, so it had taken us about an hour and 15 minutes to hike 2.5 miles. Like I said, we took our time and really enjoyed the scenery. And boy was it worth it! Abram's Falls was lovely and so peaceful.
Brooke and Brecklyn in front of Abram's Falls
Brianna and Brenson in front of Abram's Falls
We made it!
Gorgeous view on a gorgeous day!
Chris wanted to get a little closer to the falls, so he took a couple kids at a time and ventured nearer. I was content to sit and enjoy a snack right where I was!
Daddy, Brenson, and Brooke
Chris, Bren, and Brooke
Brecklyn watching Chris, Bren, and Brooke . . . waiting for her turn
Daddy and Brecklyn
We enjoyed a snack and the falls for about an hour, but when things began to get a little busier at the falls we decided to head back down the trail.
This time we saw a lot of lizards like this one scurrying around. I wonder if it was because it was later in the day and had warmed up significantly?
Same with the butterflies!
Savoring the river views
The weather had warmed up a lot since the morning and the humidity was very high. This meant we appreciated all the shade on the trail even more!
The trail was significantly busier with people going toward the falls than it had been that morning. We kept passing people who were in silly shoes for hiking or who had no water on them at all. At one point, we passed a woman who had a large purse on her shoulder, and Brecklyn said, "Lady, that big bag isn't going to feel very good after you make it down this trail!" Lol.
We reached the trailhead right at 1:00pm. Five miles round trip . . . we did it, and it was amazing!
Following our hike, we continued on the Cade's Cove Loop to the Cade's Cove Visitor's Center. The kids all stamped their national parks passport books, then we explored the property a bit.
Brenson, Brooke, Brecklyn, and Brianna
Cable Mill Historic Area
We took our time at the visitor's center, then completed the Cade's Cove Loop. We were about an hour's drive from our condo, so we decided to head back that direction enjoying the scenery of the park along the way. I didn't take any photos of this, but we spotted many wild turkeys driving through the park.
Once we arrived at our condo, we cleaned up a bit and had a little downtime before dinner. I enjoyed the window seat with this view:
Spaghetti was on the menu for dinner, which was a good choice because we were all hungry! We had eaten snacks while we had been out (granola bars, cheese sticks, crackers, nuts, etc), but we were ready for something a little more substantial. This hit the spot!
After we cleaned up dinner and had showers, we all relaxed for a while and went to bed fairly early. With the time change (eastern time zone vs central time zone), it felt just fine to go to bed before 9:00pm. We welcomed the rest as we were looking forward to another full day!
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