Fall Break in Gatlinburg

One of our favorite times to travel is during the kids fall break when not many other schools are off. This year we headed to the NC side of the Great Smoky Mountain N.P. Not far from the entrance was this elk!

As we entered the park, there was an entire herd grazing in the valley.

We made our way up to the very top of the mountain to Clingmans Dome.

And hiked Andrews Bald 3.6m for the 1st time.

The weather was perfect. A unique feature of the trail were these "balance beams".

Family picture at the bald.

On our way back to the car the views were just as spectacular.

Downtown Gatlinburg decked out in full fall decor. 1st stop, the fudge shop.

2nd stop, the new & improved Skylift & Skybridge!

On our way to check into our cabin we saw a bear! Ate dinner then headed back downtown to ride the chairlift again since the tickets were unlimited rides all day. The Skybridge at night.

A view of Gatlinburg on the way back down.

Halloween cookie decorating back at the cabin.

Friday we woke up and drove to Townsend, a side of the Smoky Mountains we've never explored. We thought it was time the kids had their 1st ride on a horse!!

So we took a 30 min trail ride. Everyone did great and were completely silent the entire time.

Loved this place! We didn't even ask them to take our picture. And the horses were well behaved. The kids enjoyed it and said they'd like to ride again sometime.

Next stop, Tuckaleechee Caverns just a few minutes from the stables.

This place was so neat and had a very cool history. A unique part was the river that ran throughout.

Stalagmite or Stalactite??

Our guide was really laid back and there were several structures you could touch.

But the very best part was the WATERFALL!

Afterwards we went to the Burger Master Drive In for lunch. They had the best fries ever!

Before heading back to the cabin we stopped by the Tremont area of the Smoky Mountains to do a short hike.

It was raining but still warm.

The trail was in full fall color.

But the payoff was this gorgeous waterfall at the end decorated by nature's rainbow.

I don't remember seeing any waterfalls in the fall but I think it's my 2nd favorite. Beat only by frozen.

Saturday we got downtown early to visit the Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum. We've been twice before but went again because the museum was remodeled with all new exhibits!

Loved this dress made totally out of toilet paper.

No vacation is complete without a round or 2 of mini putt.

We also checked our some stores in the craft district.

The kids loved spending time at the cabin. It had video games, pool and cable TV. We made the kids leave their personal devices at home to connect with each other more.

3 Bears General Store to feed the bears.

I think this one had enough to eat.

Watching the fudge makers. Everyone ate way too much on this trip.

Our family LOVES bears!

Goats on the Roof alpine coaster. Jackson and I rode together and so did Josh and Benny.

It was our 1st time on an alpine coaster. Thrilling but not too scary. My kinda fun!!

One and only time in the cabin's hottub. I preferred the indoor jacuzzi tub.

From the Roaring Fork Nature Trail area we saw several bears while driving down the rode. They were making some pretty big traffic jams.

Evening hike to Laurel Falls. An easy hike we've done 2 times before when the kids were younger.

Nice family picture on the way back down.

Our last morning, headed home. We saw so many turkeys!

One last hike on the Porter Creek Trail.

We'd been here once before but the fall colors were a treat. We love you Gatlinburg!!