The Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Aside from seeing GrandDad and NanaB, the Smoky Mountains was the highlight of the trip.  This park is gorgeous!  Niki and I are sure that we will be spending much more time in this park in the years to come.

Charlie and Peter explore the Chimneys picnic area.

Tall trees.

In Cades Cove.  This is why they call it the Smoky Mountains.

Foundation of stone.

A mill and mill chase in Cades Cove.  This mill still runs - they were grinding wheat when we were there.

See the black dot back by the woods?  That's a bear.  Yeah, it's far away, but how close have YOU gotten to a bear in the wild?  (Click on the photo to make it larger.)

Ready for the hike up to Laurel Falls!

Um, it turns out they weren't kidding.  Even though the trail was paved, it did have steep drop-offs.  We watched the kids like a hawk.

The laurel giving Laurel Falls its name.

Peter  explains it.

At the top - Laurel Falls!

CJ and PJ at the top.

Wow.  Look at that drop-off.  Like I said, we kept a hand on the kids.

Grandkids and Grandparents.

The view from the trail.

GrandDad on the way down.  He's got a hiking backpack, an adventure hat, and a pink sippy cup.  That's  just how he rolls.

You can reach the Appalachian Trail off the trail up to Clingman's Dome.

Dad and the observation deck at Clingman's Dome - the highest point in Tennessee.

Dad and me at the top.