TN - Gatlinburg

The Smokey Mountain stretch, via Maggie Valley and Cherokee. Pure Tennessee beauty and wilderness, for hiking, lodge lounging and bluegrass.

US19 South / US441 North: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Miles: 60 (of 584)
Ain't no mountain high enough!

Day eight cont: accompanied by the Smokey & the Bandit soundtrack, we make our way through the mountains to cross the Tennessee border. Elk sightings near the Oconaluftee visitor centre, and brief stops at the Charles A Webb Overlook, Newfound Gap for the TN state border, and Chimney Tops Overlook. Yeehaw 🤠

Day nine: biscuits and gravy for breakfast before hitting our chosen hike for Tennessee, Chimney Tops. The Smokey Mountains lived up to their name this morning, providing a cool and cloudy hike. 7km total, 638m elevation. Whilst the viewpoints were thick with cloud, the trail itself had us on cloud nine ☁️🥾

We round out the day with a venture in to the main town for chicken tenders and Miller Lite. Trump MAGA stores are popular in these parts and we can't help but poke our heads inside. We finally crash for the evening in our brookside (Roaring Fork River) lodge with Mad Dog's Donuts to hand 🍩

Motel: Brookside Lodge
In room facilities: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sleep quality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Location: ⭐⭐⭐⭐Read more