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Tennessee/North Carolina Border

After coming to my senses and realizing the idea of hiking the Appalachian Trail is tomfoolery, I decide to drive to Clingmans Dome instead, the highest peak in the park. Standing at 6,643 feet, I still have a bit of uphill driving to go.

On the way there, I see a break in the forest and beyond it this nice view. The lumpy, bumpy terrain seemingly stretches out into infinity.

After a bit more driving I discover the road ends at a parking lot. I park the van then get ready for some hiking. Today I'll hike two trails, Andrews Bald and Glingmans Dome. Both are short hikes, I'm not looking for much challenge today because my feet are still hurting me from past days of walking abuse back in Washington, D.C.

On the way to the first hiking trail, I pass by a temptation of sorts. The kid in me really wants to climb the rocks, but the adult in me tells me no. Unfortunately, like most of my life's decisions, the adult wins out. This decision is no different.

I take my boring, adult self to the start my first hike, Andrews Bald.