Fall Break Gatlinburg (Pt 1 - Klingman's Dome)

Once again this year, we spent Fall Break in Gatlinburg with our friends the Padgetts and also this year our good friends Jerry and Nancy joined us. One of the first things we did was hike up a short, but steep trail to Klingman's Dome, the highest spot in the Smoky Mountains. At the top of the trail, there is a cool stone observation tower providing some beautiful views of the surrounding park.

We also did a 4 or 5 mile "rugged" hike to a stone-filled meadow overlooking more of the park. Unfortunately on that trail, Jacob decided he was mostly done hiking, and I got to lug a 30 pound wiggling front-mounted weight along the trail.

Derek rests along the trail


The Sikorski boys, Jacob-3, Derek-7, Aaron-10

Jacob enjoying exploring the stumps and other assorted stuff along the trails

The boys and Emily stop for a breather along the trail

Observation deck at the top of Klingman's Dome