July 6, 2012 -- Waterfalls and forest

Along Roaring Fork Road

We had heard that the Cades Cove area of the park was closed because of downed trees on the roads due to yesterday's storm. A stop into the visitor center proved that to be correct. Since we would be heading to the southwest part of the park tomorrow, we decided to redo the auto tour on Roaring Fork Road, and take a few trails. Stops along the road today were considerably longer as we enjoyed the coolness of the forest, and the lovely breezes near the picturesque waterfalls that punctuated the tour along the road. This area was home to people who had tried, unsuccessfully, to farm the land. And many of the buildings they lived and worked in are still standing, many restored, along this road.

We were amused at the number of people who would just drive by a lovely spot, lean out the window, take a picture, and then move on. And we remarked several times to each other how happy we were that, in spite of the wetness of the ground after yesterday's deluge, there really were no mosquitoes to speak of. 

Along the Grotto Falls trail

Grotto Falls

A little later in the afternoon, we decided to take the Grotto Falls trail, an easy 2.4 mile round trip walk. The trail was lined in towering, flower-laden rhododendron. And the trail's pay-off was the falls at the end. Unfortunately, there had been many people on the trail, a large number of which were loudly splashing and climbing all over the rocks. What could have been a wonderful quiet retreat had to be shared with others. We'll have to return sometime in the fall or when there are fewer people there. But the walk back was just as delightful as the ascent. 

Views on the trail back--lovely rhododendron

We decided to walk into Gatlinburg from our motel to check out the zoo--aka tourist spots. OMG. Is it possible that people come here just to take part in this bizarre spectacle? It's like Times Square, only REALLY tacky: bumper to bumper traffic and crowds of sweaty people 4 abreast, tramping up and down the parkway dragging their children with them.

If I never experience Gatlinburg again, it will be too soon.
Tomorrow we may try again to visit the Cades Cove area. Then we head east to Asheville.