When Heather mentioned that the Appalachian Trail crossed through Smoky Mountain National Park, I was like I can hike part of the Appalachian Trail and knock that off the bucket list. Then I realized the bucket list said "hike the Appalachian Mountains". Google confirmed "the Great Smoky Mountains are a subrange of the Appalachian Mountains" -- saved by a technicality.
The Appalachian Trail is a 2,197.9 mile long hiking trail stretching from Georgia to Maine. We actually read book for book club about Grandma Gateway and her journey along the trail. Some people through hike the entire trail in one long journey. Others break into segments kind of like the Ice Age Trail. I had no real desire, just pipe dreams, of doing the whole thing.
Once we saw the elk and had lunch, we headed back towards Gatlinburg on the Newfound Gap Road. We stopped at Newfound Gap Overlook which is where the Appalachian Trail crosses through Great Smoky Mountain National Park so I could hike the Appalachian Trail. We still had our flip flops on. I probably should have changed into sneakers.
I started up the trail towards Sweat Heifer Creek Trail which was 1.7 miles away. I had no desire to walk 3+ miles round trip especially with the hubby waiting for me. There's no way he could hike 3+ miles. So I walked to the top of the first incline which was about 10-25 yards. The hubby wanted me to turn around sooner but I was like I'm going to the that branch sticking out.
I can now say I "hiked" the Appalachian Trail and the Appalachian Mountains. Maybe one day I will hike an actual segment of the Appalachian Trail. For now my short hike in flip flops while have to suffice. Some time technicalities is all we need to have an adventure.
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