Yesterday, we hiked up to Laurel Falls, which is pretty close to the Gatlinburg entrance. This trail is very popular, we saw way more people on this trail than any other one we took.
Definitely a good idea to use the backpack on this hike!
The trail was about 2.5 miles round-trip, not too bad except there was quite a bit of elevation gain. Lots of people wanted to pay Josh to carry them up to the falls.
Laurel Falls.
At the trail head there was a big tree with exposed roots. Dave had to climb it.
This morning we got up and headed to the North Carolina side of the park. We checked out the Oconaluftee visitor center and then headed out on the trail that follows along the river.
Dave usually likes to hike several paces ahead of us.
Josh and Dave at the fork in the river.
We stopped for a while at a shallow spot so Dave could wade in and throw rocks.
Finally, we headed to Mingo Falls, located in the town of Cherokee (or nearby at least). This hike involved lots of steps.
162 to be exact. Here's Dave on step #1.
At Mingo Falls. It was much bigger than I expected.
Dave and I waded into a part of the falls and splashed around a bit. The water was freezing!
Pretty view on the drive back to Gatlinburg.
Tonight my mom and stepbrother Justin are arriving. Then tomorrow, mom and I are going to the Biltmore and Josh and Dave are heading to the Knoxville Zoo. Should be a full day for everyone!
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