Escapadita
GREAT
SMOKY
MOUNTAINS
A
merica’s most visited
national park is a
forest-covered, ancient
mountain range
straddling the border
between North Carolina and Tennessee.
The Great Smoky Mountains is home
to incredibly diverse plant life, creating
a lush backdrop inhabited by elk, black
bear, wild turkey, fireflies and much more.
We avoided the crowded northern
entrances and stayed in Bryson City,
North Carolina. From there, we were
able to easily access the 71 miles of the
Appalachian Trail that run through the
park. A visit to Mingo Falls allowed for
breathtaking views and relaxing sounds
under a 120-foot waterfall, one of the
tallest in the region.
Within the park you will also find historic
remnants of Southern Appalachian
mountain culture and log buildings
including Mingus Mill. Built in 1886, this
grist mill uses a water turbine and still
operates to this day!
After so many adventures, we spent a day
relaxing by the stream and enjoying another
very popular regional past time. Bryson City
is home to the Annual Fly Fishing Festival,
and experienced guides are ready to help.
We caught and released many beautiful fish
that day including rainbow, brown and native
brook trout.
Outside the park, we visited a true natural
wonder, Ruby Falls. America’s tallest
underground waterfall is found 1,120 feet
underground where the water falls 145 feet
from the cavern ceiling and seeps out the
crevices below. As Johnny Cash said, you
really should See Ruby Fall!
The Smokies are a perfect combination of
peaceful and idyllic natural areas combined
with activities and adventures making it a
perfect ESCAPADITA.
Co-publishers Esteban and
Danitza Villanueva Flyfishing
NOVEMBER 2018 | GBSAN.COM 97