Explorations of the Smokies
Take a look and discover some of the Smoky Mountains most treasured locations. Here, in Explorations, we will feature our own personal experiences of locations and places throughout the Smoky Mountains and surrounding areas.
Our Explorations are unique, off the beaten path, and just downright interesting. So for those who want something a little extra when they visit the Great Smoky Mountains, check out our list of Smoky Mountain Explorations!
On one of the most beautiful trails in the Smokies, you’ll find Arch Rock and Alum Cave Bluff.
From Newfound Gap, we head south on the Appalachian Trail to Tremont for a multi-day hike.
Cataloochee was once home to a community of 1,200 people. We experienced some of the preserved buildings there.
A small waterfall that’s a quick, easy hike located behind Sugarlands Visitor Center
This is an excellent place to have a picnic or to just set back and relax.
Take a look at our firsthand experience at Clingmans Dome during sunset.
Having seen Fontana Lake several years from Clingmans Dome, we finally drove down and checked it out.
A great historical site featuring many old abandoned structures in the Smoky Mountains.
We set off early one morning to check out the Laurel Falls trail and waterfall.
Mingus Mill near Oconaluftee offers a glimpse into life over 130 years ago.
A relatively unknown mountain road proves mostly mundane but there are a few surprises.
A quick look at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center on the south side of the park.
Our experience of Parsons Branch Road was exciting and, at time, a little scary.
We leave Cades Cove via Rich Mountain Road on a rainy afternoon.
Read about one of our favorite attractions in the Smoky Mountains, the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.
Here we learned about Smoky Mountain bats, beetles, and buys!
We stumbled upon the Tail of the Dragon, an 11-mile stretch of US 129 that has 318 curves.
We experience the infamous “Road to Nowhere,” just north of Bryson City, North Carolina.