After horseback riding we took a short drive over to the Sugarlands Visitor Center. The girls had a good time stamping the passport book. They had these great bear and deer stamps in addition to the cancellation stamp. We bought the girls their Junior Ranger books. To receive their badges they had to complete those books. Since there wasn't a Ranger Program to attend that day they also were given a sheet of questions to answer about the incredible little museum there. Even though the Visitors Center was a relatively small space they did an impeccable job showcasing the plants, animals and birds found in the park. We learned the Smoky Mountains are broken into several different Forests and each has their own unique trees, plants and animals. There was also a very interesting 20 minute film about the park we watched. We learned there is no other location that can match the vast amount of different species of plants and animals existing in one place. Several of the animals and plants are only located in these forests.
Once we were finished at the visitors center we headed over to the Laurel Falls Trail. On the way we stopped at some overlooks for pictures.
Before we started on our hike we sat on a rock with our packed cooler. We quickly made and ate sandwiches and then we were off. At the start of the trail there was a kind, older woman who let us know it was a tough up hill walk but was well worth it. Then right after seeing her we saw a Danger sign letting us know there had been vertical drop deaths on this trail. With that knowledge, we set off and Adam and I made sure the girls stayed to the inside.
About a half mile in to the 1.3 mile walk we heard a huge clap of thunder. We paused for a bit to discuss and decide if we should continue on. Surprisingly, it didn't seem to deter anyone else. We were worried about the potential of lightening and the rain making the terrain slippery. Ultimately, we decided to press on. It was a breathtaking trail. It felt like we were walking to the tippy top of the extremely tall trees. There were several points where the trees opened up and you could see absolutely stunning views of the Smoky Mountains.
As we approached the top we could start to hear the Waterfalls. As we rounded the bend there they were. The 80 foot high waterfall was so picturesque . It was a tall cliff of huge rocks shaped like a triangle with a rounded top. The water was cascading down from the top and then turned into three smaller waterfalls coming over the bottom. To the other side there were several large boulders and water was flowing off of them as well. We could not believe how many people had climbed down the boulders and were in the water below. Then we spotted two guys seemingly in their early 20's who were sitting at the edge of a rock with their feet dangling over the edge. The girls could not get over what dangerous choices all these people were making. Ella even took a picture of those boys. So many people were playing in the water and we all really wanted to as well, but it continued to thunder and the sky was looking ominous so we quickly took some pictures and started on our 1.3 mile descent back to the car.
There was a bench made out of a large log off to the side of the trail. We stopped there and gave the girls their hiking treats, mike and Ike's and gummy bears and enjoyed the view.
We didn't get to our car a minute too soon. As soon as we closed the car door the rain started coming down. The timing was so spot on it almost felt like divine intervention. Thankfully the rain was short lived. We decided to head to Cade's Cove from there. The nice couple we met at the pool strongly recommended this and so did a friendly couple we met at our Loco Burro dinner. When we were on our way we spotted a swimming hole where there were tons of people enjoying the water. We pulled over, the girls changed into their bathing suits and we went to explore. The girls had a great time getting wet and playing on the rocks. We noticed some fish swimming in the water which was very cool to see.
After a decent amount of time here we got back in the car, the girls changed again, and we were off to Cade's Cove. Adam got out to get the information book when we first got there and had a good laugh. The sign said auto book, but his weary driving eyes read audio and he was standing there perplexed as to what was audio about this book until he finally realized his mistake. The first thing we got to was a field of wild horses. It was absolutely majestic to see these horses in all their various coats with their flowing manes and the Smoky Mountains in the background. One horse was trying to itch itself on the wooden fence post and looking at me with helpless eyes. I couldn't resist. I went over and started scratching and petting this gorgeous chocolate brown horse. It seemed to love it and I was loving it just as much. I was a bit nervous because there was a warning sign posted saying the horses kick and bite but this horse and I bonded instantly and no harm came my way.
Just as we parted ways with my new special buddy there was a huge clap of thunder and rain started to fall instantly. The horses went running and so did we. As we continued our 11 mile scenic loop in the car we were all somewhat disappointed it was thundering and raining because we had gotten to Cade's Cove at the recommended time to see the animals feeding (supposedly bears and deer are often spotted here) but we think the weather scared them off. As quickly as the rain came it ended. What we saw next was better than spotting any animal in the wild. The biggest, widest, brightest, most stunning rainbow appeared right over the mountains. It was so perfect it was hard to believe it was real. And it showed itself just as we were getting to a lookout point with a completely clear view of the Smokies. It was one of the most beautiful views my eyes have ever seen.
As we continued on the loop we did spot a baby deer grazing in the meadow. We watched as it crossed the road and disappeared into the forest.
As we were driving through the park all day the girls continued to work on their Junior Ranger books. We came upon the Cade's Cove Visitor Center and decided to go inside to see if they could get their badges and take their oath. Success! They were given certificates, sworn in as Smoky Mountain Jr. Rangers and presented their badge. As an added bonus they had a Cade's Cove cancellation stamp for our passport book. Lily had a good time trying on the bear hat while we were in the adorable store there.
For some reason the drive out of Cade's Cove took forever. It is a one lane road and at times we were at a complete standstill. This wouldn't have been too big of a deal except that we were all starving and ready for dinner. It got late in a blink and we were exiting the park around 8pm. We decided to pass through the center of Gatlinburg and found the BBQ restaurant Three Jimmy's closer to our campsite. We all enjoyed our meal here and they had really good live music too. Lily especially enjoyed the moonshine cinnamon apples. She drank every drop of moonshine sauce from the bowl. We ended our meal by sharing a gigantic chocolate éclair to ring out my last day as a 39 year old.
When we went to leave the restaurant we were shocked to find it was teeming rain. They had an aluminum awning and the pitter patter was deafening as it pelted down and poured over the side. We decided to go back in and listen to the music for a bit longer. We were all so tired and it wasn't seeming like it was going to let up any time soon so we eventually decided to go. Adam sacrificed his dry shirt and shoes to go and get the truck and pull it up to the front for us. After such a full and active day we all had a very easy time falling right to sleep. It was a wonderful way to put 39 behind me.
