Driving from Shenandoah National Park in Virgina, we head west about 3 hours to Claytor Lake State Park. Claytor Lake is located in Dublin VA, and the main feature is, you guessed it, a lake! Virginia is truly for lovers! Can you tell?
Claytor Lake State Park
At Claytor Lake State Park there are really two things to do. Swim in the lake and go hiking. On our two night stay there, we did both! We also completed the Claytor Lake Jr. Ranger Program and got a fancy badge!
Hiking at Claytor Lake State Park
Dad took the boys out on a hike through the park while the Mom’s rested. Leaving from campground we took the Claytor Lake trail (about 1.6 miles) and stopped at the Lake View Overlook.
Claytor Lake Swimming Area
When rain is the the forecast, you keep your plans, you just get a little wet!
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Driving from Claytor Lake, we enter Pigeon Forge Tennessee! Home to Dollywood, the largest gas station in the World (yes, it’s a Buc’ees) and many other attractions. Pigeon Forge neighbors Gatlinburg, Tennessee the gateway to the Smokey’s.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an easy day trip from Jellystone Pigeon Forge. Entering the park, we head straight to the Sugarlands Visitor Center. Don’t forget to grab your Junior Ranger books (purchased at the gift shop). This all took place on Lincoln’s birthday (happy birthday, Lincoln!).
Cataract Falls Hike (Easy)
Behind the Visitor Center you can take a short hike to Cataract Falls off the Fighting Creek Nature Trail. A great choice for kids, a 0.7 mile forested trail takes you to the 40-foot Cataract Falls.
About 25 minute drive from the Sugarlands Visitor center is the Elkmont Campground. It is on nearby Little River Trail where you can walk to Spence Cabin, situated in the Elkmont Historical District and nearby Wonderland Hotel.
Enjoying a pleasant view of the Little River from the porch overlook at Spench Cabin.
Lincoln’s review of Great Smoky Mountains National Park is 3 out of 5 according to his Junior Ranger activity book. A full 5 stars is only awarded to National Parks with no mud or rain. Upon reviewing this, the Park Ranger on duty thought it funny and took a picture of the page to share it with her friends.
As it was not part of our original plan, our visit to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park is so short it leaves us wanting so much more. This will definitely be part of a future trip, perhaps to a full 5 star experience. Good bye for now, and onto Mammoth Cave National Park!
