Day 3 - Smoky Mountains & Anakeesta - Oct 24

October 24 - Tuesday

Nels got us off on the right foot with some yummy breakfast burritos.  We packed some sandwiches and headed to The Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  It was about a half hour drive, but then we waited bumper to bumper to get into the park for about 15-20 minutes.  It was a beautiful day and we made the most of it while we waited.  We put some fun music on and opened the sun roof.  Beautiful fall leaves.

Our first stop was Sugarlands Visitor Center.  We got maps, info and used the restroom.  

Then we took a short hike to Cataract Falls.  It was about 3/4 of mile round trip.  Perfect for our crew.  :)

We found this cool, happy stump.

And here's the waterfall behind us.

The kids really wanted to go to Anakeesta next instead of another hike.  So we headed to Anakeesta.  G&G Nyborg ended up going back to the cabin for the day.

Beautiful views.  

It took a little bit of work to find Anakeesta and park.  And then we waited for almost a half hour to ride the ski lift up to the top.

I took some pictures during our wait...

It was well worth the wait.  We loved our time at Anakeesta.  Our kids were the perfect ages to enjoy all it had to offer.

The village on top of the mountain was so charming.  I could have spent a lot more time there.  We got there about 3 pm and stayed until 8 pm.  I just loved the fall decor.

We needed a pick me up after arriving, so we got some Blue Bell ice cream.

Then we went on one of two mountain coasters.  Rail Runner was our first ride.  

Nels rode with Sofie.

I told Noah he didn't have to go.  But he really wanted to do it even though he was terrified.  He cried, but in the end I think he liked it.  I went really, really slow.  :)

Then we went on the second coaster called Hellbender.  And it was awesome!  So much better than Rail Runner.  Noah didn't go on it.  So I got to go with Sofie and she liked when we went fast.  It was a lot of fun.  

Then we explored the other areas.  Including the Treetop adventure, playgrounds, lookouts and a treetop walk with rope bridges.  

I just loved the views and the atmosphere here.

One of the playgrounds.

Beautiful fall leaves.

We climbed the lookout tower at sunset.

The treetop skywalk was so fun to do at night with all of the lights.

The ice cream place called "Pearl's Pie in the Sky."

Then the ski lift back to the parking lot.  Great experience.  I would definitely recommend it and I would want to do it again!