Abrams Falls Trail

Abrams Falls Trail
March 28, 2015
8.8 Miles Total
3.8 New Miles
382.09 Total Smoky Miles to Date (Since November 2013)
69.9 Total Miles in 2015

This hike could not have been more perfect!

The sun was shining, blue skies, 35 degrees and we had the mountains to ourselves once we got past the touristy section of the trail.

The first 2.5 miles to the trail are downhill, not too steep......it seemed at the time.  

At 2.5 miles you reach the waterfall.

It is a beautiful waterfall and you can walk right over to it on some rocks.

After a short break we turned around and headed back to the trail to see what the rest of the trail would have for us.  

We had no idea that we were in for the most peaceful, beautiful, almost surreal hike we have been on yet.

The trail was like something out of a movie, so perfect.

There were a few short rocky sections but luckily they didn't last long.

We saw our first wildflower of the season.  Pink (my favorite color).

We also came across this very interesting mushroom.

We reached the turn around spot and I didn't really want to turn around, I could have stayed out in this section of the mountains for days.  It was so peaceful and relaxing.

The hike had a few challenges along the way, like this big tree that we had to climb over.

And it can be pretty steep climbing back out.  We didn't realize how steep the decline was on the way in but we sure realized it on the way back out.  But it was completely and totally worth it!

Another enchanting Saturday in the Smoky Mountains.  The beauty of these mountains never cease to amaze me.

On to the next adventure!

Kephart Prong and Grassy Branch Trails

Kephart Prong and Grassy Branch Trails
March 14, 2015
9 Miles Total
9 New Miles
373.29 Total Smoky Miles to Date (Since November 2013)
61.10 Total Miles in 2015

Kephart Prong Trail is an easy beautiful hike along the creek.  Very rocky but not much elevation gain.  Lots of history, artifacts and many small waterfalls.

Five creek crossings but all have foot bridges or foot logs so not a problem other than being slick on this rainy day.

Kephart shelter was a nice place to rest and dry off for a minute.  Would be a great place to camp!

After a short rest and changing shirts (I was soaked) we set out on Grassy Branch Trail.  It sounds like an innocent enough trail but it will kick your butt!  2000 foot incline in 2.5 miles.  It was muddy, rainy and had quite a few difficult rock hop creek crossings.  

The moss covered rocks covering the sides of the mountain were the highlight of Grassy Branch.

All in all another wonderful day in the Smokey Mountains!!!!

Hen Wallow Falls

Hen Wallow Falls (My favorite waterfall in the Smokies)
March 7, 2015
4.2 Miles Total
0 New Miles
364.29 Total Smoky Miles to Date (Since November 2013)
52.10 Total Miles in 2015

Beautiful day, beautiful hike, beautiful waterfall.....what more could you ask for???????

The trail to Hen Wallow Falls is a steady incline the whole way but not noticeable.  The only real challenge on the trail was the decline down to the falls and the ice and snow along the trail.  But totally worth it for the reward of the falls.

The sun was shining, the sky was clear and it warmed up nicely.  We even got a little bit of a sun tan!

By the time we got back down to the bottom the snow had all melted away.

After two weeks of resting my foot, I couldn't wait to get back to my love.  I am pretty sure I have never been so happy in my life as when I was standing in front of Hen Wallow Falls.  There is just something about that waterfall.  Add in the clear blue skies, the sun shining, the icicles hanging around the falls.  Just what my heart needed.  Can't wait until my next adventure!!!!