Crews In The Wild

In April 2024, this was the first April birthday trip tradition I started by hiking and camping on my birthday. I visited Congaree and Great Smoky Mountains. These were 11th and 12th national parks. I also drove all the way to Congaree from Miami after working three 12 hour night shifts. This was my first time doing this so I was chugging a lot of caffeine. When I got to Congaree National Park, I set up camp and relaxed because of the long drive. I stayed at Longleaf Campground. It is $25 a night to camp here.

Day 1 I did the Boardwalk Loop Trail. This trail is 2.3 miles long. This trail takes you over the forest floor and the old growth forest. Also when visiting Congaree, bring a lot of bug spray. The mosquitoes here are vicious. I looked like I had chicken pox after I left here. They will eat you like it’s their last meal.

After I drove to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and set up camp in Cades Cove. The campsite was $30 a night. This campground has flushable toilets and is close to a convenience store.

Day 2 I started hiking in Great Smoky Mountains. I hiked to Clingmans Dome. It’s half a mile up to the top of Clingmans Dome. Clingmans Dome offers beautiful panoramic views.

Afterwards, I hiked Andrews Bald Trail. This trail is 3.6 miles round trip. The trail has beautiful views of the Great Smoky Mountains. The reason for the name “bald” is because the mountaintops are not covered with trees, but they are covered with grass, rhododendron, and mountain laurel.

I ended the day driving around the Cades Cove loop. This is considered bear country in the Great Smoky Mountains. This loop is 11 miles one way. There are multiple places to pull off and see homesteads and historic churches.

Day 3 I hiked the Porters Creek Trail. This trail is 7.4 miles round trip. The trail ends at Fern Branch Falls.

Afterwards, I hiked to Grotto Falls via Trillium Gap Trail. This trail is 4 miles round trip. One of the great things about this trail during April is the wildflowers start blooming. It’s a great time to see different kinds of wildflowers.

Day 4 I hiked the Rich Mountain, Indian Grave Gap, Crooked Arm Trail. This trail is 8.7 miles long. This trail is close to Cades Cove and gives you an opportunity to explore the area without the crowds. I did end up seeing two black bear cubs climbing a tree on the last 0.5 mile of the trail.

Thanks for coming along with me on another national park trip. See y’all on the next adventure.

Yours truly,

Crews In The Wild