We are now in Townsend, Tennessee, some two miles from the entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

It is the most visited national park in the US, with over 11 million visitors enjoying the sights every year. And, much to the credit of whomever took the initiative, the park is totally free to enter. Likely why the visitor numbers are so large, especially for young families, who, with bringing their own picnic, it makes a lovely, inexpensive holiday.

As with so many of the American National Parks, this one is no different in it being humongous, covering over 800 square miles in both the states of Tennessee and North Carolina.

I have only spent a very rainy day here thus far, and I am not stunned by the sights but my breath was taken away by the sheer scale of the park. And, not to beat the traditionalist drum, but the park has no cell/mobile phone coverage at all. Imagine an old-fashioned scene where everyone is not walking around, heads down, welded to their phones, but instead is out and about enjoying nature.

And, that’s why you come here, to enjoy nature. There are miles and miles of walking cum hiking trails, depending on your level of fitness and competency.  Most of the trails have been made accessible for the masses but at every trail head there is a good description of the time and fitness level required to fully enjoy the experience.

Even on a rubbish weather day, the views are spectacular.