Having planed to do this hike after hearing about the “Jump Off” on several youtube channels, I was excited that my ankle felt a lot better. I got up before dawn and made my way up to Cumberland Gap. The Jump Off via Appalachian Trail I can’t stress enough how much better it is if...
When I woke up, my knee felt a lot better but my ankle still hurt to walk on. Fortunately the park has several “driving” sights/tours so decided to go light on the walking/hiking and started my day at Cades Cove. There are a number of trailheads up there and decided to try out the poles...
At the visitor center they said that close encounters with bears on the trail is relatively rare… but apparently the parking lot of the Motel 6 is another story. Ran into this guy getting ice for the cooler. Rainbow Falls I got to the Trailhead about 7:30 AM. The parking lot was already full but...
I arrived in Gatlinberg early enough in the day to see the visitor center and talk to the rangers before hiking. I remember asking them about bears and if I need bear spray. (She basically said no.) It was too late to do a full on hike but there a couple of short trails behind...
