During our vacation to The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, we spent one day driving to Clingmans Dome. After leaving our cabin near Pigeon Forge, we did some auto-touring along US Highway 441. This road basically cuts the park in half and has so many beautiful overlooks and vistas.

I loved all of the mountain tunnels.

We took our time, stopping at each pull-off and taking in the view. It felt like you could see forever.

We made it to the Newfound Gap which also happens to be the Tennessee/North Carolina state line! The Newfound Gap is a mountain pass and construction of the road was completed in 1932. The view from this area is also very good!

Our final destination along US Highway 441 was Clingmans Dome. Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Smoky Mountains with an elevation of over 6,600 feet above sea level. As a comparison, St. Louis is only 580 feet above sea level…!

The short, but very steep half mile trail leads to the best view in the park. Built in 1959, the observation tower offers a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding area!

This was probably the highlight of the trip. I have never really been to any mountains and this area took my breath away. I loved it! Be sure to visit this area as the drive to it is just as stunning.

Before returning to the cabin for the day, we made one last stop at Emerts Cove Covered Bridge which is just east of Gatlinburg. The bridge is named after Frederick Emert, one of the first settlers to this area in 1790.

The bridge spans the Middle Prong of the Little Pigeon River.

This was out final day in The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. I had dreamed about visiting this area one day and I am so happy I finally could. Many thanks to my traveling companion for an amazing and memorable trip <3! After a week in the Smokies, my heart was happy and I cannot wait to return. Good bye for now…