The river behind our site.
Monday we drove south through Bryson, NC, to the Deep Creek area of the park to see some, or at least one waterfall. It was rainy and many of the waterfalls were a distance off the road (like, miles) so we didn't trek far.
Deep Creek Entrance
The trail to the closest waterfall was quite steep but only a half mile. The other waterfalls were on a 4-6 mile loop depending on which you visited. We chose the close one as it was a steady climb all the way. It wasn't all that impressive so we pass on continuing to some of the others.
On the way up we saw that the squirrels were preparing for the winter that's not too far away. I'm not sure this hiding place is all that secure unless it snows soon.
This was the waterfall which was not more than a trickle and this after it had rained.
We returned into Bryson to check out the town and have lunch. We had lunch at Nate & Nick's Pizzeria & Grill. Service was very slow but the Philly Sandwiches we had; mine ribeye steak with mozzarella, onions and peppers, Linda's chicken with the same, were great!
There is a tourist train ride into some of the scenic area near Bryson. The town was all decked out for fall and the shops, according to Linda, were not your run-of-the-mill touristy types you see many places. They actually had some really good "stuff"! She made several purchases. No quilt shop in either Bryson or Cherokee.
Bryson visitor center/museum.
Flowers lining the bridge over The Tuckasegee River in Bryson.
Later we traveled west over the mountains to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. One trip through Gatlinburg was one too many. Trucks blocked one lane making deliveries and the tourists clogged what was left. Pigeon Forge was better as it had multiple lanes through town but lots of traffic signals. Both these towns were total tourist traps. "Ripley's Believe It or Not" in Pigeon Forge??? Give me a break!!! There were several other "attractions" we felt were out of place in that setting. So we retreated to the park and our campground.
It was foggy over the top so most of the higher elevation views were obscured.
It was raining on and off and it had poured all night Monday. The upper elevations of the park were shrouded in clouds so there weren't many views to shoot. The lower elevations were overcast and free of fog but lacking a lot of color. Pretty just the same. Linda oh'ed and ah'ed and felt it was not just pretty, but beautiful.
It seems there are streams and rivers everywhere and the foliage was turning along some of them.
In the afternoon we did get some clearing at the intermediate elevations and were able to find some color.
We are grateful for the fall colors we were able to see and they were beautiful. In another couple of weeks the whole place will be a blaze of color. Of course that color might just be on the ground if a storm comes through which has happened just when everyone thinks it will be just another few days, but then it is gone in a day.
Wednesday we moved on to Nashville, TN and have met our Chicago friends here. We have a lot planned with shows and tours etc. So it may be a few days before we get to another post. We plan to be here until Monday.
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