Saturday, April 13, 2019

Trip North - Smoky Mtns - Traverse to Gatlinburg

We decide to drive across the Mountain to Gatlinburg and check out the Elkmont Campground on the other side to see if they have a site available we will fit in.  I tried to book online but couldn't get in.  Also want to see how the drive would before pulling the 5th wheel over.

Gary takes in all the surrounding beauty
 You can see where it gets it's name
 It's a rainy day so good for a drive - 
not so good for going outside and getting pictures

 This is Newfound Gap a mountain pass just over 5,000 feet and on the border 
of North Carolina and Tennessee.  You can see the road below.
 A busy little spot in spite of the weather
A few people were hiking the Applachian Trail.  Hmm - If I left today I might make it to Maine by September.
 There are blind rock sided curves to go around with a 36' 5th wheel behind you.
  And then there are those WINDING roads!
 Where you cross under yourself.
 Via a Tunnel
Right hand turns with certain death if you miss the turn.
 We finally level out and near civilization.  We drove to the campground and the Ranger gave us a map and told us to pick out some spots.  We selected 6 and all were reserved.  Gary finally asked if anything was available for Monday and Tuesday - he checked and had one site.  It wasn't marked for larger RV's so I asked how long - he said just go look at it and see if you will fit.  We did and it was plenty long with lots of space for overhanging the back end.  It was next to the bathroom and by the turn in the road but we took it.
We thought we might stop in Gatlinburg for lunch
 Not realizing what a tourist trap it was.  Spring break and wall to wall people , bumper to bumper traffic and tourist traps.
 Saw this sign and decided to be wise
and back home we headed.
 as we got to to the road for Clingman's Dome it was a light drizzle and I said to Gary let's go ahead and try it.

To be continued . . .




No comments:

Post a Comment

Talk to us! Let us know what you think!