We started our day with a relaxed pace, knowing we only had a short drive ahead to reach the Great Smoky Mountains. Cruising into North Carolina, we set the mood with James Taylor’s “Carolina in My Mind.”

In Bryson City, just at the edge of the Smokies, we swung by the visitor center where a helpful lady pointed us to a nearby campground and a scenic hike featuring three waterfalls.

Arriving on a bustling Sunday afternoon, we lucked out with the last spot in the campground, a steal at $15 thanks to our discount card. Our only gripe? The noisy generator from our neighboring campsite, but fortunately, they shut it down after a while.

We embarked on our hike, tracing the riverbank before tackling a steep ascent to Juney Whank waterfall. Along the way, we crossed paths with an Amish family, all dressed up and touring the area before their mother’s surgery in Atlanta.

The river was alive with tubers, though the idea of lugging a tube uphill and the sight of a guy nursing an ice pack after a tumble made us opt out. We explored the other two waterfalls before I took a chilly dip to beat the heat.

Back at camp, we endured the generator’s racket until our neighbors finally called it a night, offering us some peace.

Tomorrow, we’ll delve deeper into the Smokies before hitting the Blue Ridge Parkway towards Virginia. It feels like living out a John Denver tune.

Did you know? The Great Smoky Mountains house around 1,500 bears, averaging two bears per square mile. Maybe we’ll set our alarms early and try our luck spotting one tomorrow morning.