I went to check out the Smoky Mountains for the first time since I was a toddler on my drive back to Cali! It really did lead up to its name. Now all I want to do is come back here in the fall to see the ocean of orange colors all lined up in front of you. When you’re standing on the mountain top overlooking the clouds, this is one of those places that really makes you appreciate how beauty attracts beauty. Especially in terms of people and relationships. To be able to have the chance to find that one beautiful soul. The one where you see them, and then your soul kind of goes, “Oh, there you are. I’ve been looking for you.”

The Great Smoky Mountains is right along the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, which honestly was news to me when I showed up. They are a division of the Appalachian Mountains, and the Appalachian Trail crosses straight through the center of the park on its way from Maine down to Georgia. What’s pretty cool about this park is that it is home to some of the highest mountains in Eastern North America.

Clingmans Dome Tower

This tower is located on top of Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains. When it’s not cloudy out, the view is absolutely stunning. I would love to come here at night and try some astrophotography!

Laurel Falls

If you like trash and crowds of people, then this trail is just for you. And that’s all I have to say about that. =]

Cades Cove

This park is filled with hidden gems and elk everywhere. I’ve never seen so many elk in my life. There were herds of them all around. It’s crazy too how okay they are with people always being around. I guess that’s what happens when you live at the most visited National Park in America.

This park was beautiful and I’m so glad I got the chance to go again! It was so nice seeing something so lush and green and you get to constantly hear the babbling water no matter where you go. Expecially when you’re used to the rocks and desert of SoCal.