Scenic Seven

Samantha looks up Dragonflies in her Nature book while taking a break along Laurel Falls Trail.

Trey using his sling shot.

Samantha requested a "scenic hike" for her seventh birthday. This is such an easy request to accommodate in the southeast that we had a difficult time deciding which scenic place to hike.We landed on the Great Smoky Mountains National Park at the recommendation of some friends who had recently visited the park. We biked, hiked and enjoyed scenic views that, as Trey commented: "take your breath away!"


We attempted a night hike (twice) looking for the fast becoming famous Elkmont Trail head, home of one of only two places in the world known to have synchronous fireflies. We arrived about ten days past mating season so we missed the synchronized show, but it was fun to hike and drive in the park at night among the many fireflies. 

One of the highlights of our trip was biking Cades Cove which closes to motor vehicles every Wednesday and Saturday morning until 10 a.m. We chose an alternate route that took us on a dirt road (to avoid the steep hills that require walking with your bike), and happened upon a magical butterfly paradise.Imagine thousands of butterflies dancing around you as you ride your bike on a dirt road in the middle of a wild flower field in Cades Cove. Magical in deed!

The kids at Laurel Falls.

We also hiked Laurel Falls early Sunday morning before all the other tourists crowded the trail. As we approached the top of the falls, the rain clouds opened up, and we hiked 1.3 miles down the mountain splashing in puddles and singing songs as the rain fell. It was fun until we got cold. Then it was bearable, and most certainly memorable.

Samantha turning seven was a fun family adventure for all of us.