We got up early again this morning and hit the road for our longest hike of the trip of around 9 miles round trip. One of the campground hosts had recommended this hike to us all week, so we took out with some lunch, extra water and food on a cool crisp sunny morning. We parked at the Polls Gap Trailhead on Balsam Mountain Road and were the only car there - nice quiet and peaceful hike.
Old fence shown in this picture was built by the CCC in the 1920-30's and it marks the boundary of the park. The trail follows it for a good portion of the trip.
While walking along the trail, we eased up on this flock of 8 turkeys. They scratched their way up the hill and onto the trail....totally tame. We got some video of them and many pics from close range. Even with Amy Grace blabbering at them, they would not spook. So we finally had to help move them off the trail so we could move along. 
Sometimes the Smokies will give you amazing views in the clouds that look like this
Getting closer to the bald, we followed this fence line along the Catalochee Ranch up the last fairly steep stretch to the Bald.
Sometimes the Smokies will give you amazing views in the clouds that look like this
Getting closer to the bald, we followed this fence line along the Catalochee Ranch up the last fairly steep stretch to the Bald.
Entering into the Hemphill Bald area was this stone table with plaque in it. We ate lunch (sardines, saltines,and smoked oysters) and rested a while enjoying the sunny day and views before making the easier trek back. 
Butterfly at Hemphill Bald
Heading back to the trailhead:
After finishing the hike, on the way back to camp, we stopped by a couple of the overlooks off Balsam Mountain Road. The Lake Junaluska Overlook looks over the same area in which we hiked to and saw from Hemphill Bald.
The Mile High Overlook looks back towards the our campground.
Upon our return, we were quite tired and sore...9 miles, 1500 feet or so cumulative elevation gain, lunch, and breaks all in about a mile and a half per hour pace. We sat outside and recouped with a great sunset and fire.
Friday, October 2 - Oconaluftee and Cherokee
We woke up to rainy and dreary conditions and chaffed legs. So, we decided to take it easy today and prepare for a return home Saturday morning in order to get back before another storm front might come through on Sunday. We went to the visitor center and Oconaluftee and shopped around the GSMA Store buying some jellies, chow-chow, books, maps, and DVDs. We stopped in Cherokee for our first out-to-eat meal of the trip at Paul's (a local Indian owned cafe). After a drive through Smokemont Campground to investigate it, we traveled back up the Blue Ridge Parkway to the campground where we relaxed and sat under the awning watching national park DVDs. For dinner we had a smorgasbord of leftovers and prepped some for the return trip the next morning :(
Butterfly at Hemphill Bald
Heading back to the trailhead:
After finishing the hike, on the way back to camp, we stopped by a couple of the overlooks off Balsam Mountain Road. The Lake Junaluska Overlook looks over the same area in which we hiked to and saw from Hemphill Bald.
The Mile High Overlook looks back towards the our campground.
Upon our return, we were quite tired and sore...9 miles, 1500 feet or so cumulative elevation gain, lunch, and breaks all in about a mile and a half per hour pace. We sat outside and recouped with a great sunset and fire.
Friday, October 2 - Oconaluftee and CherokeeWe woke up to rainy and dreary conditions and chaffed legs. So, we decided to take it easy today and prepare for a return home Saturday morning in order to get back before another storm front might come through on Sunday. We went to the visitor center and Oconaluftee and shopped around the GSMA Store buying some jellies, chow-chow, books, maps, and DVDs. We stopped in Cherokee for our first out-to-eat meal of the trip at Paul's (a local Indian owned cafe). After a drive through Smokemont Campground to investigate it, we traveled back up the Blue Ridge Parkway to the campground where we relaxed and sat under the awning watching national park DVDs. For dinner we had a smorgasbord of leftovers and prepped some for the return trip the next morning :(
Saturday, October 3 - Heading Home (WAR EAGLE)
We were fairly efficient packing up and the storm had moved on out, so it was a smooth trip home. Though the weather was beautiful all day, when we got home, we were real glad we came on back as Sunday a nasty rain came in. Plus, we got to enjoy Saturday night watching Auburn whip Tennessee on the deck!
We were fairly efficient packing up and the storm had moved on out, so it was a smooth trip home. Though the weather was beautiful all day, when we got home, we were real glad we came on back as Sunday a nasty rain came in. Plus, we got to enjoy Saturday night watching Auburn whip Tennessee on the deck!
Packing up and leaving Mile High Campground:
No comments:
Post a Comment