Living Outside The Lines: Great Smoky Mountains

Mr. Bear climbed down from the overhang, pounced on the ground beside the car, looked our way and lumbered across the road in front of us. Talk about close encounters of the bear kind!!

Becky J Miller | Exclusive to Corridor News

Majestically spanning over 800 miles of western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee is Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Established in 1934 with over 11 million visits annually, it is easily the most visited national park in the United States. Having just returned from a trip there, the destination’s popularity is understandable; the views are absolutely breathtaking.

Geography is somewhat challenging for me. When my husband mentioned he had business in Gatlinburg, Tennessee and asked if I wanted to join him, I jumped at the chance. My thoughts were; “Deep South and trees!” Despite growing up in South Carolina, just a few hours away from Tennessee, and even camping in the Smokies during my childhood, I made no connection between Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains. I just knew I wanted to GO!

After two very long days of driving, we finally arrived in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. To say I was appalled would be an understatement. The drive from Texas through Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia to Tennessee was nourishment for my soul, but the commercialism of Pigeon Forge was overwhelming. Less than seven miles away, Gatlinburg was only slightly better.

I was anticipating a nice quiet get away, but dear Jesus; there were people e.v.e.r.y.w.h.e.r.e. There was little to do but check into our hotel and try and make the best of the situation. After eight hours of driving, at least walking the downtown strip counted as exercise. My Apple watch was happy and finally quit fussing at me to close my exercise, stand and calorie rings for the day.

Life generally looks better after a good night’s sleep, and Monday was no exception. Barely a stone’s throw from our hotel was the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Cherokee Orchard Road, and a dense, challenging, six-mile hike. Despite packing my trusty Columbia hiking boots I was a bit nervous about this trip. Nursing a two-week old running injury that I’d aggravated during another race two days prior, not only was my foot hurting, we were in bear country, and I don’t mean my daughter’s Baylor Bear alma mater!

It is estimated that approximately 1500 black bears inhabit Great Smoky Mountain National Park, that’s two bears per square mile. There are warning signs posted everywhere reminding park goers that it is illegal to get within 50 yards of wildlife. I couldn’t help but wonder if the bears were bound by the same regulations regarding humans?? The curious childlike part of me really wanted to spot a bear in its natural habitat, but the reasonable woman in me was somewhat apprehensive.

We forded streams, navigated narrow, rocky trails, feasted our eyes on unimaginable beauty, served as mosquito snacks, snapped some phenomenal photos, sweated profusely, and completed our hike without becoming bear food. #YayUs Plus my injured foot held up, but a dose of Ibuprofen was definitely required afterwards.

Tuesday while my husband worked, longtime friends from South Carolina came to my rescue chauffeuring me outside of Gatlinburg to drink in more of the astounding beauty of the Smoky Mountains. It was incredible to reconnect with a high school friend I’d not seen in over 30 years. Time seemed to stand still for us, picking up the relationship exactly where we’d left off.

Cades Cove, an 11 mile, one way loop road through the Smokies is a must see! Visitors to the Cove may spot various types of wildlife from wild turkeys to white-tailed deer, black bears, raccoons and coyote. There are also numerous foot trails to explore, historic buildings to see, and cemeteries to visit.

The visit to Cades Cove occurred on our last full day in Tennessee. I really did not want to go home without spotting a bear. At our second stop someone told us a momma bear and her two cubs were frolicking in the woods at the back of the property. We waited patiently, cameras ready. Finally the cubs emerged from the thick forest. They were relatively easy to see with the naked eye, but not so easy to photograph.

Our Tennessee trip netted not one, but two friend reunions as we spent Cades Cove day with military friends we were stationed with in Italy some 25 years ago. One minute we are laughing and reliving the glory days, the next we are utterly shocked to find a bear within petting distance of the rolled down rear passenger window of our friends’ car. Mr. Bear climbed down from the overhang, pounced on the ground beside the car, looked our way and lumbered across the road in front of us. Talk about close encounters of the bear kind!!

The last night in Tennessee was spent atop Gatlinburg with all four of our longtime friends. We rode a Chondola, basically a four-person ski lift chair, up 600 feet to the summit of Anakeesta Mountain, and a resort type area. There was live music, shops, food and my favorite, the Tree Canopy Walk. Nestled 40 – 60 feet above the forest floor is a series of 16 connected sky bridges suspended in the trees. Although no official records are kept, it is possible I took three trips through the canopy walk. #overachievermuch

My husband is already planning our next trip, but this time there’ll be no hotels and continental breakfast for us, but rather a secluded cabin hidden deep within the Great Smoky Mountains. Maybe our friends Mike, Alesia, Brice and Dawn will grace us with their company once again!

Until Next Time,
Becky J. Miller
“Warrior Princess”

Becky J Miller is a contributor and is exclusive to SM Corridor News. You can read more of Becky’s columns in Lifestyle.