Smallsandtallsoutdoors

Great Smoky Mountain Railroad

We chose to take a ride on the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad Nantahala Gorge Excursion to catch the leaves changing. The trip is 4.5 hours round trip starting from the Bryson City Depot and travels 44 miles to the Nantahala Outdoor Center with a layover and then back. With the kids’ schedules, we went earlyContinue reading “Great Smoky Mountain Railroad”

Car Camping with kids at Cloudland Canyon State Park

Once our kids all met, we decided to give it a try on a short camping trip with everyone at Cloudland Canyon State Park. We took the kids during their winter break in February. It was a bit cold. Talls got long underwear for all the kids and we made sure to layer. Smalls andContinue reading “Car Camping with kids at Cloudland Canyon State Park”

Smittybilt Overland Gen 2 XL Rooftop Tent

After getting the truck, the next step was the rack and rooftop tent. After a lot of research, we chose the Smittybilt Overland GEN2 XL Tent and annex. We felt that it provided the most space and durability for the price. We added the annex thinking that it would be a good place for usContinue reading “Smittybilt Overland Gen 2 XL Rooftop Tent”

Kammock Mantis

Mediums got the Mantis all-in-one hammock tent for his 11th birthday. I lucked up and found it at REI in the scratch and dent section for $100 off. On the tag it said that it was used once and returned because it hurt the man’s back. Score 1 for mom. The mantis includes the hammockContinue reading “Kammock Mantis”

Coleman Montana 8 person Tent

I bought this tent when I was a single mother of 2 for car camping. Its fairly easy to set-up even without help. I love it because it is over 6 ft tall in the middle so everyone can stand up straight when inside. It has a swing open door that makes it easy toContinue reading “Coleman Montana 8 person Tent”

Mr. Heater Little Buddy

This little propane indoor safe, space heater has been wonderful for us. We have used it in the rooftop tent a few times and after 5 min or less, we have to turn it off. It has a built in low oxygen sensor and accidental tip over switch for safety. We have used it toContinue reading “Mr. Heater Little Buddy”

Cloudland Canyon State Park

Yurt Living Cloudland Canyon State Park is definitely one of my all time favorite state parks in Georgia! There is tons of hiking, beautiful views and waterfalls. It is close to Chattanooga and Lula Lake Land Trust. I have been several times, but this was the first time staying in a yurt–anywhere. We loved it!Continue reading “Cloudland Canyon State Park”

Len Foote Hike Inn from Amicalola Falls State Park

I first learned of Len Foote from a hiking forum and I felt like it was a safe alternative for hiking and “camping” alone. It books months in advance so I made my reservation and excitedly awaited my trip. In the coming months, I met Smalls and we started talking. Trying to find alone timeContinue reading “Len Foote Hike Inn from Amicalola Falls State Park”

Lula Lake Land Trust

Lula Lake Land Trust was established in 1994 through the will of Robert Davenport. Mr. Davenport began acquiring pieces of the land in 1958 and by the time of his death in 1994, he had acquired over 1,200 acres surrounding Lula Lake. Much of the land that Davenport acquired had been damaged through mining, timberContinue reading “Lula Lake Land Trust”

Tellico Gap to the NOC

Labor Day weekend, we had a kid free weekend and after a lot of research, Smalls chose for us to do Tellico Gap to the NOC on the AT. It is 8.3 miles point to point difficult trail. The first half is a climb with incredible views and the second half descends into the NOC.Continue reading “Tellico Gap to the NOC”