family fun North Carolina – Smalls and Talls Outdoors

Pickens Nose

This is a 1.4 mile out and back trail outside of Otto, NC. The drive there is a little tricky as it is gravel roads for 5.5 miles, mostly 1 lane. The trail is easy with lots of off shoots with great views with a big payoff at the end. I love the rhododendron tunnels.

Clingman’s Dome

Clingman’s Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park at 6,643 feet. The hike is 1.2 miles out and back marked at moderate. The views definitely make this hike a must do. We happened to have perfect weather this trip. Smalls and Talls have been there a few times before andContinue reading “Clingman’s Dome”

Max Patch

Max Patch is just a short trek up from the parking lot in the Pisgah National Forest. The mountain is a well known spot on the Appalachian Trail. The bald mountain is 4,600 ft with 360 degree views. We went just for the afternoon but definitely want to do sunset and sunrise from here whenContinue reading “Max Patch”

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”