Today started with a well known hike in GSMNP…Clingman’s Dome. This is where the highest point in the state of Tennessee is located. The hike starts out with a drive that leads you to the parking lot. Then, there is a paved path that leads to the spiral concrete path which leads to a 365 degree incredible view of the Great Smoky Mountains.
After the hike, we took a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway to our next stop: Clyde, North Carolina. We were heading there to stay nearby the Biltmore Estate since we planned a visit there.
While driving, the kids passed out. We’ve been hitting the trails pretty hard and packing things in.
We stopped to have lunch at an amazing brewery….Bearwaters. it was an awesome place that had a beautiful deck alongside a creek out back.
Finally, we arrived at Buffalo Creek Vacations. It was a beautiful piece of property with lots of animals and adorable buildings. The caboose we stayed in was immaculate!
After we settled in at the caboose, Mike was determined to take us to an abandoned amusement park that is on Buck Mountain in Maggie Valley, North Carolina. It’s called Ghost Town in the Sky Mountain Park. The park was in operation from 1961-1986. Access to the park was via skylight at 4,650 feet.
After many attempts and drives up and down winding mountain roads, we finally found the parking lot. We drove up Rich Cove Road past several NO TRESPASSING signs only to be greeted by a big gate which caused us to have to turn back. It was a neat thing to see in spite of the fact that it is no longer up and running. It’s a shame that such a cool concept could not make it financially.
After searching for Ghost Town, we decided to chill at the caboose since once again, we put in a long, adventurous day.
Klimes Trip to Smokies 2022 