Sometimes there are trails you want to hike, but they aren't quite long enough for a day's adventure. That's when Julie pieces together a few shorter hikes in the same area, and off we go. On such a day in April, we headed into the Great Smoky Mountains to begin near the Oconoluftee Visitor's Center.
The trail begins near the Farm Museum.
It's a well maintained, easy walking three mile loop that would be perfect for anyone wanting to get out of their car and into the woods. As the name indicates, much of the time, you're walking along the river bank.
We met some fisherman who had a successful morning.
(Photo courtesy of Julie Eargle)
The timing was perfect for enjoying the spring wildflowers.
Trillium sightings give me a little thrill. I love them.
We drove on the Blue Ridge Parkway to arrive at our second trail head for Waterrock Knob. We decided to lunch here before climbing to the summit. Not a bad lunch view at all.
The views from the top were awesome.
The Blue Ridge Parkway from the Knob.
(Photo courtesy of Julie Eargle)
The third trail was a maintenance trail near Black Balsam. It was a short mile and a half, but once again, those views! I love where I live.
Three short trails = one perfect hiking day.
(Photo courtesy of Julie Eargle)
*Take the time goal #16 - Participate in as many Friday hikes as possible.
