Visit Smoky Mountains National Park

“Arch Rock was a fascinating place with an opening for one person to traverse at a time. The dark, narrow staircase made out of stone slabs added to the overall ambiance: it was indeed a mysterious and wondrous place. We took careful steps inside the cave, looking around as we climbed.”

“Air was fresh with a slight hint of early Spring coming. At first glance, plants were still abundant and plenty green. Upon closer inspection, many of the shrubs haven’t bloomed. After all, it was still early February. We still loved the hike hearing the sound of water flowing nearby… The trail slowly ascended with every step, with each step getting us closer and closer to the midway point of the trail, Arch Rock. We took in the wonders of the Great Smoky Mountains: the ever present sound of stream running, birds chirping, insects buzzing, and the rhythmic sound of our marching footsteps.”

“Our first stop on the way to our campsite was the Newfound Gap which boarders Tennessee and North Carolina. We arrived right at peak sunset, I immediately realized why they called it the Great Smoky Mountains now… the rolling mountains went on as far as we could see, and the cool air settling over them looked like the whole valley was covered in a layer of blue smoke.”