The only waterfalls we actually hiked to was Laurel Falls in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is the easiest waterfalls to hike to since the path is completely paved. Total round trip is 2.4 miles. We took it really slow and enjoyed all the beautiful scenes and our surroundings. While hiking we saw a bear looking for some food. It was just a small bear, maybe about a year old. He found a wasp nest in the brush and wasn't really interested at all the people trying to get photos of him which was a good thing. There really wasn't anywhere for us to go if he decided to come after us. You can see the video of our sighting here and here. I also have a few photos of the little bear.
It was a beautiful morning, here are some scenes from our balcony, a cardinal even showed up.
On the ride to the waterfalls we saw a family of wild turkey and I managed to get a photo of two of the babies.
I couldn't get a photo of this sign without someone sneaking in the shot. I have no idea who this is. I just gave up trying.
Half way up to the waterfalls we saw a bear looking for something good to eat. He found a wasp nest and had a feast on the larva.
We also saw a salamander, looks like someone stepped on his tails. They say it will grow a new one.
We are getting near the waterfalls. I can see it through the woods.
Some people took a shortcut down the side of the mountain. It looked too dangerous for me.
We are at the bridge.
Views of Laurel Falls. This is to the left going down the mountain.
To the right is the waterfall from above us.
Some different views.
DH decides to test the water. The rocks were really slippery.
It's actually pretty deep in some spots. Cold too!
More views looking down the mountain.
There was a little snake on the rocks going down, he got washed over.
Flowers are everywhere along the trail.
I have also posted a video of Laurel Falls.
I hope you enjoyed the hike.
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Comments: 28
I really really want to visit Gatlinburg. We were going to go this year in June but my boss was a jerk and wouldn't give the the days off I wanted. Maybe in October? Next year?
I know I'll pester you about places to see and where to stay when the time comes :)
Beautiful shots, makes me miss getting to go even more :)
No problem, I hope you get to go.
Beautiful pictures Nana. Thanks for taking us along.
I've never seen a bear that close. I would be nervous. I've been to Gatlinburg a couple of times but have never been to these falls. I'll have to put it on my list for my next trip.
Wonderful wildlife & scenery! Looks like it's a popular spot for people to enjoy nature.
You got some pretty shots. The bear photos are better than the video footage I think. Nice essay from your trip!
Thanks, I'll try to get to the other bear video and photos tomorrow from Cade's Cove.
Beautiful photo essays. I love those misty morning shots and the beautiful waterfalls. And I'm still amazed that you were so close to the bear.
Wow! I would have freaked out if I saw a bear while hiking!!! You got great photos! I remember thinking that Laurel Falls was hard to photograph when we went there last spring. It was such a wide waterfall and there were so many people! I didn't hike down the falls either, lol!
I've heard the Smokies called "The Salamander Capital" but I've never seen one! Nice to see they DO exist there!
The view was so fantastic from where you stayed! I already miss the Smokies and I've only been home for 2 days..... Great photo essay Nana!
It was hard to get decent photos without people in the shots, especially the video. I had to edit it because of all the people. Took me an hour and a half to figure out how to take out certain sections.
DH went into a few creek beds to try and find some salamanders and came up empty.
We miss it too. We've looked at the videos and photos over and over. DH has been there about 15 times, this was my second trip.
Along with the Grand Canyon, this is a place every nature lover should visit IMHO.
Loved this! Really, a gorgeous place!
You got some great photos! Love the bear and waterfall photos. Hubby and I are trying to determine when we can go. I'm trying to figure out how to schedule time around everyone's schedules so we can go to the Smokies, the gulf coast and for me to make a trip to see Marianne and hopefully meet you.
Would love to see all of this but the snake lol
Wonderful pictures!
How cool to have seen the bear!
I am on alert with my trip to Yellow Stone & Grand Teton National Parks - I leave tomorrow. We have to be careful of bears as well~
I'm appreciating your articles on your trip!
It really is beautiful, and I guess it was worth a bit of a bear scare. We have driven through that area, but we didn't stop. We obviously should have.
That was a close encounter with the bear ,great captures ! Another super photo essay of the Smokies , Nana.
Wow! This was wonderful. Thanks.
I knew I saw these images, then I remember I saw the video. Love those falls. Interesting how they were formed. And what about that BEAR?
What a nice treat, Nana! Thank you for sharing you photos and your experiences. I'm with Lisa — the bear would have spooked me for sure! We've stayed in Laurel Falls overnight, but never had time to really go out and explore the area. Maybe next time we're passing through. :)
Absolutely Beautiful Nana!! I would love to go there sometime!!!
WOnderful photo essay, Nana! I loved the wildlife you were able to capture...
wonderful, WONDERFUL photo essay, g!
Just gorgeous, Nana. I am putting the smokies on my list - every essay I see makes me want to go more.
Beautiful shots and I'd have been scared of the bear.
I can't wait to go back! Beautiful essay!
Thanks for the redbox comments.