Thursday, July 19--Secret falls and hikes!

We decided to go back into the mountains on Thursday because they are so beautiful! The pic on the right is the slope we climbed down without a foot path--we had to "crab walk" down and hang on to tree trunks to do it! But it was sooo worth it because then we made it to what Matt dubbed "Secret Falls." this was because no one else traversed the slope and we had these beautiful falls all to ourselves!

After "secret falls" we headed to Newfound Gap--the crossing line between TN and NC. The AT crosses here so we had to capture a pic of the sign for grandpa Chuck!

 Overlooking Newfound Gap!

 We headed into NC to go to Mingo Falls-the highest waterfall in South Appalachia! 180 feet! We had travel into the Cherokee Indian Reservation--apparently FDR got real gracious and decided to "give' some of their land back through the IRA--ok, enough history---so we climbed the steep 80+steps to see these great falls! and then waded through them!

 Next, we headed to Clingman's Dome which is the highest point in the Smokies at 6700 feet! We had our lunch right off the cliff!

 Then we walked up to the lookout tower which was 1/2 mile up! This doesn't sound so bad until you realize the 1/2 mile is steep--like constantly stressing your calves steep and nearly having to use your hands steep--but we made it! I think Riggen only cried twice! (which is why he wouldn't look up in the pic even though I'm warning him! ) :)

 Then, we headed back down the mountain to Grotto Falls! It was 1.5 mile hike which we started around 7pm. They had a warning about bears on our way. It was a great hike through beautiful woods and Riggs did a great job as our "scout!" It was so worth the trek because we saw the grotto and could walk under the falls! Matt decided to take a dip but the water was freezing--which is why he has that--oh-my-god-it's-freezing-look on his face! :)

 This is me cheering under the falls! What a terrific day!!!!  (then back home to hot tub and have home made spaghetti--it was only 10ish when we ate!)