For this visit to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park we entered from the Oconaluftee Visitors Center on the North Carolina side of the Park and headed North on Newfound Gap Road. We made several stops along the way to our final destination at Clingmans Dome in the center of the Park. There was a nice hike (1/2 mile but very steep) to climb to the base of the tower at Clingmans Dome. Unfortunately the Dome was closed for repairs so we were not able to climb up to the top for the great views. I did get to take a short walk on the Appalachian Trail that forms the border of Tennessee and North Carolina across the center of the Park. That was exciting and I wish I could have hiked more of it but Richard was waiting for me.

We then backtracked to the Visitors Center and were very pleased to see a large herd of Elk, which have been reintroduced into the area, by the road. I spent some time watching them and snapping pictures. The males have a very loud mating call as we discovered.

Before we left the visitors center we explored the Mountain Farm Museum. There are many buildings on the property including a cabin, barn, corn crib and even a pig pen with some very stinky pigs.

When we got home dinner was ready in our new Instapot.  Love it!