On February 25, 2019, on one of the very FEW sunny and non-rainy winter days in Tennessee this year, George and I finally drove to the Smoky Mountains to check out the 'missing link' of the Foothills Parkway (between Townsend and Wears Valley, TN). Most of us 'locals' have read about and watched this 16 mile stretch of highway being built --since 1966. FINALLY, it's opened --and we had an awesome day. Even though it was a cold day on that mountain, we loved it since it was sunny and clear as a bell...
This stretch of road offers some incredible views of the Smoky Mountains. There are NINE bridges along that road.. We stopped at all of the overlooks and of course, took a ton of pictures.
Sit back and take a RIDE with US!!!!!
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| From an overlook, we looked down to the road we were on before turning onto the parkway, looking toward Townsend. That is a great view of the Little Pigeon River below. |
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| Great views of the Smokies!!! |
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| WOW---we are headed up-up-up there!!!! |
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| We also managed to take a short hike --from one of the overlooks. |
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| Big Bird (couldn't tell what it was) |
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| I enjoyed zooming down at some of the mountain cabins and homes below. |
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| Beautiful pine trees/beautiful mountains |
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| WOW---look at how these bridges have been built!!! |
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| At the 'top' overlook with views all around us! |
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| Looking toward Wears Valley --and all of the cabins in that area |
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| Looking right back toward my favorite area of the Smokies, beautiful Townsend, Tennessee; They call this area the 'sleepy side' of the Smokies since it is less crowded (when compared to Pigeon Forge, Sevierville and Gatlinburg). |
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| Another view from the overlook on 'top'; What a neat place to bring a picnic lunch and just sit and enjoy the views. |
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| Look at this teeny tiny home in the mountains!!!!! ha ha (Loved using the zoom lens on my Canon while up there) |
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| Guess what???? We even stopped on the way back down the mountain to check out this little cascade!!!!! |
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| More and more beautiful pictures of the gorgeous Smoky Mountains National Park |
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| This old woman LOVED being on this new stretch of highway on such a gorgeous day! |
If you get to the Smokies, be sure and check out this road... It will be a 16 mile JOY for you!!!! You can get on it either from Wears Valley --or from Townsend.... ENJOY!!!!
Hope you have an awesome day and week ahead!!!!
Hugs,
