Elk in the Snow

Monday was out last full day in Franklin.  It snowed a bit overnight, but not too much in Franklin.  We headed north to Cherokee and parked at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center at Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  Dogs are prohibited on most trails, but allowed on the Oconaluftee River Trail, which is hike 2 for #mst40hike for Alex.

We were fortunate that Cherokee had gotten more snow and there was a large herd of elk in the field.

After some pictures of the elk, we started off on the trail.  The river was very chilly looking in the light snow and ice.

We hiked past the Mountain Farm Museum, which was very scenic in the snow.

Dogs aren't allowed on the farm property, but we had a nice view walking by.

Past the outdoor museum, the trail continued to follow the river and there were a few small cascades.

The MST hike ended at the parkway, but we continued to the end at the park boundary.  On the hike back, we saw some of the elk herd just off the trail.

Alex seemed to be taking a keen interest in the elk, but we kept him and us at a safe distance.

Past the herd, we hiked along the closed Blue Ridge Parkway a short ways.  It was pretty in the snow.

A large flock of dark-eyed juncos were flying around the roadway.

We hiked as far as View Oconaluftee River overlook.  The river wasn't viewable from here, but the snowy mountains were nice.

Then we hiked back to the car.  US-441 was closed beyond Smokemont, but we made a quick stop just up the road before leaving the park.  A short trail led to Mingus Mill, which was beautiful in the snow.

Dogs aren't allowed, so we took turns going out to see the mill.

From here, we left the park and drove through Cherokee to the trailhead for Mingo Falls.

The wooden platform at the end of the trail was icy and rather slippery, but the waterfall was beautiful in high water.

After a few pictures, we headed back.

While in the Cherokee area, we drove down US-19 to the trailhead for Soco Falls.  The view from the overlook wasn't great so we scrambled down to the base.

It was really pretty in the snow.

After a few pictures, we headed back.

On the way back to Franklin, we made a detour through Highlands to see more snow at the higher elevation.  We drove through Cullasaja Gorge heading back and made a quick stop at Dry Falls.

It was scenic in the snow and high water level.  We walked behind and around the falls to get some views.

Then we drove back to Franklin.

For our last night in Franklin, we visited Currahee Brewing one last time.  Alex got one more chance to see Lola.  Then we headed back to Gooder Grove to pack up in the morning.