In search of fall colors...

One of the things I miss most about living in the South during Fall is the lack of fall colors. I suggested a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains. When I was younger, my family would travel to the Smoky Mountains, and I remember the amazing colors that covered the mountains. Ryan said he had never been to the area before, so we started planning. We decided to start our trip on the southern side of the Smoky Mountains, in North Carolina. We found a beautiful house rental on Lake Chatuge. It was the perfect location to begin our trip, relaxing, not crowded, and plenty of opportunities to get out an explore the great outdoors. One day we hiked to High Shoals Falls which was actually in Northern Georgia, and the next day we travelled back to the Northern Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains and hiked to Brasstown Bald. On the way back from the hike we detoured to an offroad trail, perfect for BEAR to show me just how much he can do. It's impressive what the Jeep is capable of.

Perfect morning view from our lake house rental while enjoying a cup of coffee. 

Family photo at the first waterfall of our hike.
It's a miracle all three of us were looking at the camera,
especially since we were using the camera timer. 

Second waterfall on the hike.
Beautiful hike, with only a few other hikers on the trail. 

Driving through a stream. 

Family photo at Brasstown Bald. 

Beautiful views. 

We are lucky to have a lot of family photos from this trip. Everyone was so kind to offer to take our picture, I don't think I had to ask once. 

Henry spotted his first black bear. 

The trees were beautiful! 

Father and son photo shoot on our last morning in North Carolina. 

We said goodbye to the lake house, packed up BEAR, and were off for our next adventure in the area. The plan was for us to stay in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. It was an adventure.

If you want to see the other pictures from our stay, click on the link: North Carolina Photo Album.