Hike on the Trillium Gap Trail to Grotto Falls! 4-12-14

Fun hike to Grotto Falls,  Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg, Tn.

     Got a late start Saturday morning, waiting on my Daughter, Son-in-Law and two of my Grandchildren. We didn't get to the trail until 11:40 a.m. We got on the trail off of Roaring Fork Motor Trail. http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/roaringfork.htm We got on the trail below the Grotto Falls Parking area, so we added an extra 1 or so miles to the hike. It started out UPHILL if you know what I mean. No gradually getting into the hike, lol! 

     After catching our breath and hiking uphill for about 30 minutes, it kind of got easier as we went along. There were numerous tree's down across the trail, that's what makes it fun, don't you think? The first mile or so followed the Roaring Fork Rd. till you get to the Grotto Falls parking area. Nice scenic views as we hiked along.

      As for the weather, it was a fantastic day. We pretty much had most of the trail to ourselves until we got close to the Falls, then we started running into several groups of people. The Falls were not spectacular, but the trail goes behind them, then starts winding up again, heading to Mt. LeConte Lodge, this is the trail the llama's use to bring the supplies to the Lodge. There are no roads to the lodge, that is why the llama's. 

     Of course, because of the late start, we could not go to the lodge this trip, so we turned around and headed back, I think the Kids were about done in anyhow, lol, they slept good that night! (Okay, so did I.) On our way back, we ran into a brave deer on the trail, he just moseyed along in front of us, then retreated into the woods, only after a few pics and a video. 

     We arrived back at the car around 3:45 or so, because we spent some time at the Falls and had a snack- lunch and the kids played in the water for a while, otherwise it would of only been about a 3 hour hike! It was a good hike and I would Definitely do it again! 

Here is a video of our trailblazing, lol, hope it inspires you to go take a hike! Watch on full screen, and click on the gear icon, then click on HD resolution for a good picture! Thanks again!

Again, thanks for visiting my page and watching my video, I love to share for those who cannot go, and to inspire those who can get out and go!