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Smoky Mountains

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the park we’ve visited the most in the U.S., and Clingmans Dome within the park is one of our favorite places we’ve visited. Named for U. S. Senator and explorer Thomas Lanier Clingman from Ashville, North Carolina, Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the park, and this mountain provides gorgeous views from 6,643 feet. Not only are the views stunning, but this outing also provided us with one of our longest in-person bear sightings in the Smokies. Of course, you should obviously keep your distance from all wildlife. The general recommendation from authorities is to maintain a distance of 100 yards from black bears. Do not call out to wildlife to entice it to come closer, and certainly don’t offer food. And though your instinct may be to run, that is also a bad idea. Sometimes, though, you may just be hiking along…

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most accessible national parks for many people in the United States since it sits in Tennessee and North Carolina, and Cades Cove Loop is one of the park’s most popular areas. We’ve spent the most time in this national park ourselves since it’s often on our path to other destinations. Who can resist a quick stop? We certainly can’t. And then there’s this: this park will always hold a special place in our hearts because it’s the area we chose as one of our first vacations together. My youngest child wasn’t even an idea yet! We’ve made some stops since then, but one thing remains true: Cades Cove is simply a Great Smoky Mountains National Park must-do. And, it just so happens to be easy to access by car as you drive the historic loop! Where We Stayed You can enter…

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