Great Smoky Mountains
Given the laziness of Spring break, we chose easiest hike to Laurel falls - even though a lot of trails here a part of 'The Appalachian Trail' which is a United States National Scenic Trail that runs over 2100 miles through 14 states in the eastern United States.
But before anything, some heavy traditional American brunch.
Being 4 hrs away from Atlanta, and the one day trip, albeit the road-trip was more fun than the desination - passing through different surroundings like the flat plains ...
.... a scenic drive next to the stream ...
.... beautiful tree canopies ...
... and ofcourse the "smoke" on "mountains"
Random classy hilltop shots.
The route also included a lot of driving along this scenic stream ...
... and stops for pictures :P
When the car looked so classy with just the perfect amount of drizzle.
'nuff chitchat. Start the hike!
There are over 800 miles of trail in the national park, but less than 3 miles are paved. Laurel Falls Trail is the longest of four paved trails in the park. The trail was originally built to allow fire crews access to the Cove Mountain area in the event of a fire
The name "Smoky" comes from the natural fog that often hangs over the mountains and ...
... gives it a vampire-movie look!
Canopies + Foilage + Fog = Perfect setting for a horror feature film.
The final destination: Laurel Falls - this is what we were here for!!
Seizing the moment! Courtesy @AiswaryaBhagavatula
Downtown Gatlinburg: a resort town which acts as a gateway to the National Park was a pleasant surprise, as being so close to the park ...
... it hasn't chosen to keep its 'natural' feel and filled with bars, clubs and amusement rides.
Ole Smoky Whisky Moonshine tasting was an experience of its own with 13 types of whisky to offer.
Cheeeers!
Ranging from 64% Spirits to everyone's favorite Coffee based flavors.
Intoxicated, Rocking and Rolling...
Gatlinburg Space Needle, serves as a great observation deck!
With non-trip specials: @AkhileshSiddhanti, @RishiBubna, @SushrutKulkarni
Post Trip Whiskey tasting at home with screening of 'Contagion', setting the perfect theme for ...
... COVID-19 corona virus which has ravaged the world. Let's see if I am alive to read this post after a year.
Memories shared with @ParthTamane, @AnshulVora, @AnanyaOjha, @AiswaryaBhagavatula, @SanketAgrawal, @KathanKashiparekh, @DevarshVyas, @RajatBhavnani @KrishnaYalamarthy