I can assure you that without any shadow of a doubt you will be bumper to bumper in Cade’s Cove during peak season. We were 2 adults and 2 children with 1 granola bar remaining when we entered the loop. By the end it was like a deleted scene from the hunger games. My husband still winces when he sees a black bear or a nature valley bar. 😂😂😂
I thought the funniest part was Caleb quickly saying to Trish " not with that attitude", until the whole water bladder thing. I still laugh when I think about it. I live here in WNC btw.
You know how people are always telling you, "you missed this or that!"? Well, you REALLY did it this time...you missed picking me up in Waynesville as you passed by to Elkmont! I'm so hurt... still standing here waiting, LOL! Seriously, I'm glad you love it here in the Smokies. Many of us take where we grew up and live for granted, but tonight's video reminded me how lucky I am to call this place home. Thanks for another fun time!
Thank you for going to The Smokies and letting me tag along. My ancestors walked those hills hundreds of years ago. I haven't been able to travel due to back issues so this video was a blessing this gorgeous Sunday. Hope Ya'll have had a wonderful time on the next leg of your trip.
nothing better than watching your Sunday evening vlog from our own campsite. Sitting here enjoying a beautiful evening in Cape Cod and it was made even better by you guys. Safe travels as always.
We aren’t super experienced RVrs yet. The more we go the less “family meetings” are needed. Nice to see you guys still need them on occasion. We must be ok!
Hey KYD, just letting you know you guys changed our entire lives. We bought an RV over a year ago and took it across the country. Had a lot of ups and downs but it was an amazing experience. Now we are finishing up with RV Life and looking at a buying a new house. Thank you for your how-to videos. Thank you for the nostalgic feel of your vlogs. Maybe one day our paths will cross, but it was a real cool journey while it lasted.
I was a t Clingmans Dome a few years ago. As I made my up the hike, people kept telling me to turn around, go back, it's to hard, etc. So happy that I did not listen.
The Smokies is so awesome and loved hearing the water. Awe seeing Charlie was great as could give him a big hug. Gee Caleb is getting tall and still a handsome fella but did worry when he was hopping the rocks. What great memories. Stay safe and Love y'all.
Smokey Mountains is my old stomping grounds. I used to take the kids there camping and hiking often as we just lived a short distance away. One of my favorite National Parks. Great job getting your airstream leveled. Mary💕Fred
Sitting in my chair at Creekside RV Park in Pigeon Forge, you stayed in with the momentum while watching this video. It’s great because I have a day with nothing planned and this gave me great ideas! Pictures and videos don’t do the mountains justice on how beautiful they are! Thanks for sharing! The last trip you had here is what made me want to come. And now here we are having the BEST time seeing all the views!
I really enjoyed this video. Back to what most of us do when we camp. Felt like this was a "back to roots"... Camping, site seeing, quiet enjoyment. Thank you!
You really need a DC to DC charger. We installed a Renogy 60 amp and it makes life easy regarding charging batteries on travel days while boondocking. Just hook up and take off. Our 3 100 amp Battle Born batteries get almost fully charged up even on 3-4 hour trips.
Love it when you all come to the Smokies!! Thank you for the footage of our mountain streams(the sound is the best!). I love watching Caleb rock hopping! So much of my teen years spent in those streams doing the same thing. Thank you for showcasing our mountain home💙
I so enjoyed this episode! You did a wonderful job showcasing the beauty of Great Smoky Mountains. The map you showed at the beginning encompasses my family’s history going back at least five or six generations. I was born in the Smokies, and spent a lot of years exploring that area. Texas is home now for many years, but, boy, the memories of those Smoky Mountains are so strong. Good Vibrations
We love our A.R.E “Z” Cap on our Tacoma. We have the frameless blackout windows with LED interior strip lights and integrated locking with the truck. It also matches the color of my red truck. We tow a T@B 400 so space is a premium in our RV. Both our bikes, generator, lawn chairs, canopies, coolers, grill, etc is all in the truck bed, out of the weather, organized, and locked up. Even the Kayaks go on the roof rack when we take them. So quick and easy to pack up, or set up.
Before I even started the video, I saw the title and I immediately said, “Oh no, not Elkmont!!” 😳😳 This park is my playground coming from Asheville. And having stayed in Elkmont numerous times, everyone I’ve seen with bigger rigs has a difficult time fitting in their sites AND leveling. Yeah, not one the better campgrounds in the park, but it’s convenient to Gatlinburg and Clingman’s Dome. Glad you were able to level! I’ve seen campers with so many blocks, you think they milled their own lumber from the forest there!!🤦🏻♂️😊
In Cade’s Cove there is a seasonal road only that you can take down. We did the loop and looped back around again to take it. Well worth it for views and wildlife. We saw a wolf pulling back and feeding just off the road on a trail. One way only down and never saw another vehicle. Love the Smokies!
The river at they end was beautiful Calab jumping thru the river over the rocks was great. Thanks for sharing and as always stay safe, safe travels, and God bless love ya Nancy
OMG, this site is why I follow your family. I am 70 years old and my wife will not like dry camping to follow your dream with you! (LOL) Thank you for sharing the real travel you do!
We’ve had multiple towables, and a couple of motorized RV’s over the past 30 years. Our current rig is a travel trailer and longbed F250 with a topper is our favorite. The topper is invaluable for keeping our gear out of the elements.
So, loved this! Love all the visual “take us with you” camera work; too many you tubers with stationary camera work talking, gets old for those of us wanting the vicarious adventure! We did a few nights in April in the Smokies this spring also, on our way from FL to MI. Oh the honesty of the leveling trials and triumphs! We are long time RVers and pros of many style rigs over 30 years, and downsized last summer to a 29 ft. fiver from a 36 ft fiver, and we are STILL level challenged at times… 😅
I took my kids for 12 years in a row to Elkmont and stayed 2 weeks in April each year. In the early years we always had our pick of sites and some times have even been alone!!( spooky- single mom). Gatlinburg hosts an annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage with 100+ classes which is awesome. Many happy memories.
The wife and I spent our honeymoon tent camping at Elktont over 30 years ago and have returned to the Smokies many times since. We were able to see and stand under a rare American Chestnut tree during a ranger guided hike during one if our visits...very cool..
Oh my gosh, so beautiful. That was really a fun video guys. I will say, being a great grandma I did have a bit of a breathless moment when Caleb started jumping the boulders in that fast flowing water. But it was great fun. Ill bet that was really cold water.
We’re new here. 👋. We enjoyed this video, your RV is incredible. The smokies looks like an incredible area, we enjoyed exploring with you. Your dog is so adorable. How perfect to have that fire and to relax around the fire!! Loved it 🍻
Growing up my family would go up to my aunt’s cabin near Bryson City, NC. We would go to Clingmans Dome every summer. We would also visit Cherokee, NC and Gatlinburg, Tn. Thanks for bringing back my childhood memories.
You picked a great time to come to the Smoky Mountains. Shoulder seasons are great! Sorry you missed biking Cades Cove, but glad you had a good drive through it. Biking it on the No Car Wednesdays is amazing, especially late afternoon. Some tidbits about Clingman's Dome: we used to get the kids up before sunrise and drive up there to go up on the Dome to watch the sunrise. Not sure they really liked it then, but it's memories they treasure now as adults. Also, the 5th grade field trip in the Park is at Clingman's Dome and the weather station below it. As a retired Sevier County teacher, I have great memories of the various field trips into the mountains with a different focus for each school year. Also, one of the best back-packing trips on the AT starts just off the Dome trail and goes across the ridge of the Smokies to come out in Cades Cove, about 26 miles across the top. I did that by myself at 22 and it's my best hiking memory of all time, especially now at almost 62. Glad you enjoyed the trip and truly showed the beauty and laid back atmosphere of the Smoky Mountains.
I constantly keep the Level Mate Pro app open while backing up to find the level areas when parking. If I wait until I park, get out, get in, get out, get in. Takes forever.
We did Cades Cove last year. We were camping in Pigeon Forge and not in the Park, but had a WONDERFUL time! Love the area. We even knocked out some of the "touristy" attraction, Dollywood, Pirate's Voyage Dinner Theater, and several other things in Gatlinburg!
Being a Tennesseean and visiting this park so many times, I’m so happy it’s one of your favorites and you enjoy it. We often rented cabins and would do all those same hikes, plus the tours traps, pancakes, and ride the tram. Love seeing you all. Faithful follower for several years, Sonya from Mount Juliet near Nashville.
We just had the luxury of going through the old Daydream bus at the RV/MH Hall of Fame and Museum in Elkhart, IN. What a neat bus! That museum is wonderful!
M & T, your videos are unrivaled. I grew up in NC, lived in upstate NY, South Texas & now Alabama and your scenic vistas, commentary & soundtrack make me appreciate again how beautiful the Old North State can be. I do not need TV if I have you & LoLoHo. You inspire us to get off the sofa & hookup the Flying Cloud. Thanks & Godspeed! PS Caleb’s comic relief is priceless. Methinks a pay raise is in his near future.
So many memories from Elkmont. Bath houses, COLD creek water, and trout fishing. Cades Cove, Clingman's Dome. Great place to camp if you can do without sewer or have a huge BW tank.
How did you like Clingman's Dome!! Did that several years ago, the wife's Uncle took us there. You all are bring back memories from lots of trips to the Smokies!!
We just got back from the GSM. It was so cool to see you enjoying the NP. I rode my bike from the Sugarland VC all the way to the top of the observation tower on Clingman's Dome--yup I rode up the paved pathway and the concrete walkway spiral to the top. A 21 mile climb in a bit over 2 hours let me see the park and remember so much more than by car. It is a remarkable park. Thanks for sharing it with us all.
When I'm dry camping, I like to bring a 5 gallon bucket and a small sump pump. The pump is threaded for a garden hose. Just pump your water in as you keep adding to the 5 gallon bucket. It helps eliminate the 5 gallon pour-in technique. Just my two cents.
Heading to the area this week. If I wasn't excited before this trip, I am now. Thank you for the backing in the video. We aren't camping this time but I have asperations of Elkmont in my future. Thank you. Happy Camping.
I am so happy you guys talked about google maps! I just did my 1st long trip (13+hrs) with my very 1st camper (25 ft long and 10.6 ft tall). Google took me off the highway and down some 2 lane back roads and I ended up at a low bridge and suuuuper curvy roads. There was some significant self motivating pep talks I had to do with myself. OH... and filling up at gas stations... I rubbed my first gas station guard poll on my camper. No damage, just added some yellow paint. lol I tried using Garmin but it wouldn't let me select an alternate route but Google Maps won't let me add filters like "no low bridges" or "keep to main roads." I am on the hunt for a travel map that lets me be specific about the routes I want to travel. You guys have been my go-to on safety. I really appreciate the content you put out. Maybe I'll see y'all next year as I gallivant around the country. :)
We live an hour from SMNP and you all have seen/done more than we ever have - the crowds soured us on going there. So very glad you enjoyed it!. As always, thank you for the wonderful film and editing! Have fun, be safe, from your friends in S.E.Tennessee….
Hi KYD, A previous video showed Mark and your friend? discussing the advantages of a truck cap but were being poo pood by your better halves saying that it was an old man look. Well welcome to my world!! Recently retired my 2010 F150 crew with undersized 4.6l V8 5. 5 bed. It did have a nice f/g cap which allowed me to put a shelf at rail height 1/2 way x bed depth. We tow a 2019 GD Imagine 2500RL.I had a spot for everything and weather tight and lockable! Things were good. Well, the Imagine towed great on flats of Eastern Shore of Md. However, the old Ford engine and tranny wore out on any hilly routes. Alas, my new 2022 F250 SD crew Lariat arrived. Yeah!!! We are heading to the hills and beyond. Now, when my wife and I mentioned caps or bed covers the dreaded words " old man look" were exclaimed by my wife. She ok with a Tonneau cover but thinks truck would look better w/o the OM cap!! Since she is the family CFO and got me into a new truck I am walking very lightly on this cap issue. Then I saw your episode with your buddy's comments on caps. I showed it to my wife and , yep, left the "I told you so" door wide open. This Smokey Mtn episode I heard you slip an ARE cap comment in. Mark, Im rooting for you! Ill be looking for pointers to make my case. Im not sure if aerodynamics has any validity but it sounds like a cap will reduce wind drag by your trailer. Yeah thats it, i need it to cut wind drag!!!! More so on my Imagine box vs your Airstream. But maybe a point in the pro column? Thanks for your vids and looking for any cap pointers. Good luck! OBTW, M & M caps in York , Pa is a good source for new and used caps. 👍
Marc, you should add a dc to dc charger for the camper and upgrade the truck alternator. One of the best things I did after doubling battery capacity was add the 60 amp dc to dc charger. Chargers with solar and truck while driving down the road because you are right, with my 2500 watt generator it takes 8 hours of run time to charge my batteries.
The Smoky Mountains are our all-time favorite! Speaking of Clingmans Dome being steep, it affected my knees going up one time, so Danny had to carry me down on his back. We love Cades Cove, the cabins the wildlife, and the history! Lynn & Danny
We got one of those ARE caps for our truck so we could store our ebikes in a secure, dry place. It was definitely a game changer. It has the ambulance style doors so no more reaching over the tailgate. We carry a small ramp cause ebikes are kinda heavy but there is still plenty of room to carry stuff. I’m still searching for the right bike rack to secure our bikes. I made one out of wood for now. The cap is not the prettiest thing to put on your truck though and we can’t fit into some spots like a parking ramp or car wash.
Enjoy traveling through you. We have been slowing our camping and just cancelled a number of upcoming trips, Dr has grounded me. I am preparing to put our Jayco Jayflight up for sales as a result. We had a good run we have Rv’d since 1996 and tent camped before that.
We use the Garmin 890 for 95% of our route planning, but we always use Google maps for the last 2 miles to the destination, just to confirm the Garmin matches the Google Maps route to the destination. For Mtn Bikes we learned that we had to use a good quality cover with a bungie cargo net to keep it from flopping around. That mitigates water and dirt ruining the bikes. You also have to use the bikes as much as possible to keep them in good shape, oiling the chain, etc. The cover needs to be replaced about once a year.
Lived there for 20 years I miss it so much! Thanks for the memories I’ve been to everywhere you went. I rode my horse all through Pisgah national and the Smokies. A year ago my husband moved me to Florence South Carolina ie: hell , hey but At least I have a pool
Loved this video ❤️ we visited the smokies in mid-late April and LOVED it. Was much quieter than summer. So so beautiful - temps were amazing. Our littles loved laurel falls. Can’t wait to come back.
You were within walking distance of one my my favorite hiking trails and you missed it (or didn't show it on the video). At the entrance to the Elkmont campground go left instead of right. There is one of the old original settlements about a mile up the road founded when the Elk Club from Knoxville bought 40 acres from a logging company in the late 1800s. Volunteers have rebuilt many of the cabins and you can tour several of them at your own will. The road you were driving on was a railroad and the train used to bring the cabin owners from Knoxville and dropped them off at their doorstep. The original railroad went farther on uo the mountain 8 or 10 miles and that has become one of the best hiking trails in the park. Old railroad bridge, waterfalls, and some of the best river views and trout fishing you'll find anywhere. BTW, what is now Elkmont campground used to be where they brought the logs down from the mountain and sawed them. Prior to that they would dam the river, fill the flooded river with logs then dynamite the damn. The loggers would drive (ride) the logs down the flash-flooded river all the way to Townsend, TN., until too many loggers were killed doing that. Then they added the sawmill, where the campground is now, and added the railroad to haul away the lumber. Tons of history on that mountain where you were. I could go on and on about the really awesome trails and the history there.
Wow!! We were there at the same time. We were able to do the 11 miles on bikes at Cades Cove opening day May 4th. What an incredible experience. The Smoky Mountains has become our favorite. Safe travels, Stan and Rhonda. P.S. I’m sure our paths will cross someday. Especially when we have common friends like Kendog and Sheryl
Didn’t realize this until now, but we were driving behind y’all in the Smokies! My wife and I have been wanting to take the plunge in starting the rv life, but current job doesn’t allow it yet. However, we’re using your videos to help prepare us for when the day arrives.
Thank you for panting while hiking Clingman's. It made this out of shape lady feel better about my struggles getting up the path a few years ago. In late July -early August the flowers were really beautiful too & lots of pollinators to look at. It was crowded but people were so nice to each other & encouraging each other along.
Glad at the top of The Dome the clouds gave you a break after the hike up, we’ve gone about 4 x and twice sit was cloudy 🧐 but you’re in the clouds and that’s nice as well. Watched a little further in the video and you’re heading to Cinci for Kings Island which is near our home. Good travels!
The Smokies are my backyard and I LOVE it here. (Doesn't mean I'm not counting the days until I can fulltime though). Thank you for reminding me again how lucky I was when I transplanted here almost 30 years ago. You make me see these beautiful mountains through fresh eyes again.
I loved this video. I now live in Maryville so I go quite frequently to Cades Cove and drive the loop. I have mobility issues so can’t hike or bike but enjoy watching your channel to enjoy through y’all. Looked like y’all had a good time. God bless.
Got a suggestion. You guys should start a “plus one” series. Book 2 site side by side and then select (somehow,) people to join you! You guys are awesome! My wife and kids could be episode number one! Just need you to stay somewhere close to the bourbon trail! Or the smokies! They may be in a tent, may be in a million dollar RV. You don’t know until you get there!
HIghly recommend Virginia Creeper Trail next time you are in the area!!! Super fun, gorgeous views, lots of bridge crossings - grab a beer at the brewery when you finish :)
One of the first things I invested in was a truck cap for my truck, not only for my ebike but extra storage! Have a blast at Kings Island! The Banshee is a MUST ride!!
We're leaving the camper behind in late September and have rented a cabin with our daughters, sons-in-law and nearly 3-year old grandson for our 40th anniversary. We can't wait to show the kids the Smokies, we've been before. I hate to wish away summer, but can't wait for this trip, after watching, I'm counting the days! We're hoping for a clear day at Clingman's, we've never had one! We' travel from Western PA (near Falling Water). Highly recommend a truck cap, you'll wonder why you didn't have one all along, and, yes, I thought it made it look like a "grandad truck", but, the convenience far outweighs the looks!
It looks like you guys got pretty lucky in your admission to Cade’s cove. We live 4.5 hours from there and between vacations, motorcycling and keeping, I’ve made it in there 1 out of 5 tries. Twice, traffic was stopped at the main highway turn off. Once it was closed. Once we made it about 3/4 of a mile, wearing full motorcycle gear, ‘walking’ the motorcycle with traffic. It was 95 degrees that day. The one time we made it was a bit chilly and late fall. We were able to hit Parsons’s Branch then The Dragon in our Jeep. That was interesting! I’ve never been able to make it out to Utah to compare, but you’re right about the Great Smoky Mountain park being kinda special.
Went there with my parents when I was 9. They are gone now, but I have the memory. Love seeing the Dome knowing my parents were once on it with me. I remember asking about being in the smoke, but it was clouds. Thank you for sharing.
Water transfer, we purchased a spare water pump that is in our rig and hose barb fittings that fit the pump. I cut one of our spare water hose in half an put on the hose barbs. I wired the pump with 25 feet of wire and connectors for the rig power/batteries. I use this pump to transfer from the water jugs, and two bladders we have. Makes moving 50 gallons of water easy, and we have a spare water pump for the rig.
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Trish: I don't know if we'll be able to do this. Caleb: not with that attitude. Me: lol
😄
I broke out laughing when he said that. :D
I laughed so hard my little girl got off her computer and made me show her! 🤩
Lmao as well!
The best reply ever!❤️
I can assure you that without any shadow of a doubt you will be bumper to bumper in Cade’s Cove during peak season. We were 2 adults and 2 children with 1 granola bar remaining when we entered the loop. By the end it was like a deleted scene from the hunger games. My husband still winces when he sees a black bear or a nature valley bar. 😂😂😂
Funniest comment ever. We got stuck in the loop one summer and lots of bear activity for close to 6 hrs It was insane
😆 🤣 😂
You captured an ideal moment. Sitting next one another, campfire going, something in the cup and dog at your side, in a picturesque location. Perfect!
I thought the funniest part was Caleb quickly saying to Trish " not with that attitude", until the whole water bladder thing. I still laugh when I think about it. I live here in WNC btw.
Caleb very quick
You know how people are always telling you, "you missed this or that!"? Well, you REALLY did it this time...you missed picking me up in Waynesville as you passed by to Elkmont! I'm so hurt... still standing here waiting, LOL!
Seriously, I'm glad you love it here in the Smokies. Many of us take where we grew up and live for granted, but tonight's video reminded me how lucky I am to call this place home. Thanks for another fun time!
Thank you for going to The Smokies and letting me tag along. My ancestors walked those hills hundreds of years ago. I haven't been able to travel due to back issues so this video was a blessing this gorgeous Sunday. Hope Ya'll have had a wonderful time on the next leg of your trip.
My family, the Kirkpatricks and the O’Hares are from there, as well.
It was so nice seeing the Smokes again through KYD eyes!
Mine as well and still do! Parents on back, a few cousins still there! Hot Springs NC near
Max Patch!
nothing better than watching your Sunday evening vlog from our own campsite. Sitting here enjoying a beautiful evening in Cape Cod and it was made even better by you guys. Safe travels as always.
We aren’t super experienced RVrs yet. The more we go the less “family meetings” are needed. Nice to see you guys still need them on occasion. We must be ok!
I’m in awe of Caleb’s sure-footedness jumping from one rock to another without any hesitation. Power to youth!
He's a doll, love all his antics, too!
Hey KYD, just letting you know you guys changed our entire lives. We bought an RV over a year ago and took it across the country. Had a lot of ups and downs but it was an amazing experience. Now we are finishing up with RV Life and looking at a buying a new house. Thank you for your how-to videos. Thank you for the nostalgic feel of your vlogs. Maybe one day our paths will cross, but it was a real cool journey while it lasted.
I was a t Clingmans Dome a few years ago. As I made my up the hike, people kept telling me to turn around, go back, it's to hard, etc. So happy that I did not listen.
The Smokies is so awesome and loved hearing the water. Awe seeing Charlie was great as could give him a big hug. Gee Caleb is getting tall and still a handsome fella but did worry when he was hopping the rocks. What great memories. Stay safe and Love y'all.
That's my back yard !!!! I'm up there at least once a month. Its a blessing to live so close to a National Park.
Can't believe how calm you all are about all that leveling. My hubby would have turned the air blue.
Still my fav channel for rv stuff with relaxing music in the background. Thank you for another great video.
Smokey Mountains is my old stomping grounds. I used to take the kids there camping and hiking often as we just lived a short distance away. One of my favorite National Parks. Great job getting your airstream leveled. Mary💕Fred
Sitting in my chair at Creekside RV Park in Pigeon Forge, you stayed in with the momentum while watching this video. It’s great because I have a day with nothing planned and this gave me great ideas! Pictures and videos don’t do the mountains justice on how beautiful they are! Thanks for sharing! The last trip you had here is what made me want to come. And now here we are having the BEST time seeing all the views!
I really enjoyed this video. Back to what most of us do when we camp. Felt like this was a "back to roots"... Camping, site seeing, quiet enjoyment. Thank you!
What a peaceful episode, lots of laughs and smiles as usual!
You really need a DC to DC charger. We installed a Renogy 60 amp and it makes life easy regarding charging batteries on travel days while boondocking. Just hook up and take off. Our 3 100 amp Battle Born batteries get almost fully charged up even on 3-4 hour trips.
Love it when you all come to the Smokies!! Thank you for the footage of our mountain streams(the sound is the best!). I love watching Caleb rock hopping! So much of my teen years spent in those streams doing the same thing. Thank you for showcasing our mountain home💙
This part of our great nation is so beautiful. Thank you for taking us along KYD Krew
I so enjoyed this episode!
You did a wonderful job showcasing the beauty of Great Smoky Mountains.
The map you showed at the beginning encompasses my family’s history going back at least five or six generations.
I was born in the Smokies, and spent a lot of years exploring that area.
Texas is home now for many years, but, boy, the memories of those Smoky Mountains are so strong.
Good Vibrations
We love our A.R.E “Z” Cap on our Tacoma. We have the frameless blackout windows with LED interior strip lights and integrated locking with the truck. It also matches the color of my red truck. We tow a T@B 400 so space is a premium in our RV. Both our bikes, generator, lawn chairs, canopies, coolers, grill, etc is all in the truck bed, out of the weather, organized, and locked up. Even the Kayaks go on the roof rack when we take them. So quick and easy to pack up, or set up.
Beautiful photography/editing and well paced presentation!
You are at a new “high” - keep up the good work!
Before I even started the video, I saw the title and I immediately said, “Oh no, not Elkmont!!” 😳😳
This park is my playground coming from Asheville. And having stayed in Elkmont numerous times, everyone I’ve seen with bigger rigs has a difficult time fitting in their sites AND leveling. Yeah, not one the better campgrounds in the park, but it’s convenient to Gatlinburg and Clingman’s Dome. Glad you were able to level!
I’ve seen campers with so many blocks, you think they milled their own lumber from the forest there!!🤦🏻♂️😊
In Cade’s Cove there is a seasonal road only that you can take down. We did the loop and looped back around again to take it. Well worth it for views and wildlife. We saw a wolf pulling back and feeding just off the road on a trail. One way only down and never saw another vehicle. Love the Smokies!
The river at they end was beautiful Calab jumping thru the river over the rocks was great. Thanks for sharing and as always stay safe, safe travels, and God bless love ya Nancy
"You moved the rock"... "But I'm level!" 🤣😂 Love it!
One of my favorite places so far! The roads are a little difficult to navigate while towing but the views, scenery, and hikes are amazing!
OMG, this site is why I follow your family. I am 70 years old and my wife will not like dry camping to follow your dream with you! (LOL) Thank you for sharing the real travel you do!
We’ve had multiple towables, and a couple of motorized RV’s over the past 30 years. Our current rig is a travel trailer and longbed F250 with a topper is our favorite. The topper is invaluable for keeping our gear out of the elements.
So, loved this! Love all the visual “take us with you” camera work; too many you tubers with stationary camera work talking, gets old for those of us wanting the vicarious adventure! We did a few nights in April in the Smokies this spring also, on our way from FL to MI. Oh the honesty of the leveling trials and triumphs! We are long time RVers and pros of many style rigs over 30 years, and downsized last summer to a 29 ft. fiver from a 36 ft fiver, and we are STILL level challenged at times… 😅
I took my kids for 12 years in a row to Elkmont and stayed 2 weeks in April each year. In the early years we always had our pick of sites and some times have even been alone!!( spooky- single mom). Gatlinburg hosts an annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage with 100+ classes which is awesome. Many happy memories.
The wife and I spent our honeymoon tent camping at Elktont over 30 years ago and have returned to the Smokies many times since. We were able to see and stand under a rare American Chestnut tree during a ranger guided hike during one if our visits...very cool..
My husband’s family camped at Smokemont all the time when he was young. He has many fond memories.
Clingmans Dome is a great place to watch the sunset. The view is spectacular even from the parking lot.
Oh my gosh, so beautiful. That was really a fun video guys. I will say, being a great grandma I did have a bit of a breathless moment when Caleb started jumping the boulders in that fast flowing water. But it was great fun. Ill bet that was really cold water.
We’re new here. 👋. We enjoyed this video, your RV is incredible. The smokies looks like an incredible area, we enjoyed exploring with you. Your dog is so adorable. How perfect to have that fire and to relax around the fire!! Loved it 🍻
Growing up my family would go up to my aunt’s cabin near Bryson City, NC. We would go to Clingmans Dome every summer. We would also visit Cherokee, NC and Gatlinburg, Tn. Thanks for bringing back my childhood memories.
The “not with that attitude” line was hilarious! Jerry canning water - yeehaw. We just did 6 straight weeks of that.
WOW, not sure we could dry camp that long, Great job and amazing video!
You picked a great time to come to the Smoky Mountains. Shoulder seasons are great! Sorry you missed biking Cades Cove, but glad you had a good drive through it. Biking it on the No Car Wednesdays is amazing, especially late afternoon. Some tidbits about Clingman's Dome: we used to get the kids up before sunrise and drive up there to go up on the Dome to watch the sunrise. Not sure they really liked it then, but it's memories they treasure now as adults. Also, the 5th grade field trip in the Park is at Clingman's Dome and the weather station below it. As a retired Sevier County teacher, I have great memories of the various field trips into the mountains with a different focus for each school year. Also, one of the best back-packing trips on the AT starts just off the Dome trail and goes across the ridge of the Smokies to come out in Cades Cove, about 26 miles across the top. I did that by myself at 22 and it's my best hiking memory of all time, especially now at almost 62. Glad you enjoyed the trip and truly showed the beauty and laid back atmosphere of the Smoky Mountains.
I constantly keep the Level Mate Pro app open while backing up to find the level areas when parking. If I wait until I park, get out, get in, get out, get in. Takes forever.
I'm glad that the Smokey's didn't disappoint. We love camping at Lake James in Nebo,NC
You all are my favorite go to rv info channel. Looking to set out in less than a year in a forest river surveyor. Keep up the awesome job🙂
We did Cades Cove last year. We were camping in Pigeon Forge and not in the Park, but had a WONDERFUL time! Love the area. We even knocked out some of the "touristy" attraction, Dollywood, Pirate's Voyage Dinner Theater, and several other things in Gatlinburg!
Being a Tennesseean and visiting this park so many times, I’m so happy it’s one of your favorites and you enjoy it. We often rented cabins and would do all those same hikes, plus the tours traps, pancakes, and ride the tram. Love seeing you all. Faithful follower for several years, Sonya from Mount Juliet near Nashville.
We just had the luxury of going through the old Daydream bus at the RV/MH Hall of Fame and Museum in Elkhart, IN. What a neat bus! That museum is wonderful!
Love the video this week, we just rolled into Townsend,TN today from Wisconsin - beautiful hike to Clingman’s Dome…that short trail was no joke 🤣
We camped a few sights up from you all, Elkmont is our family’s favorite place to camp.🙂
As soon as I saw it I was yelling “climgmans dome” it’s just such an absolute beautiful sight to behold every time.
Absolutely agree, go further ahead when backing in. It makes all the difference!
M & T, your videos are unrivaled. I grew up in NC, lived in upstate NY, South Texas & now Alabama and your scenic vistas, commentary & soundtrack make me appreciate again how beautiful the Old North State can be. I do not need TV if I have you & LoLoHo. You inspire us to get off the sofa & hookup the Flying Cloud. Thanks & Godspeed!
PS Caleb’s comic relief is priceless. Methinks a pay raise is in his near future.
So many memories from Elkmont. Bath houses, COLD creek water, and trout fishing. Cades Cove, Clingman's Dome. Great place to camp if you can do without sewer or have a huge BW tank.
OMG the water is hysterical! The things we do for our camp life!
How did you like Clingman's Dome!! Did that several years ago, the wife's Uncle took us there. You all are bring back memories from lots of trips to the Smokies!!
Loved it! Great short steep hike.
We just got back from the GSM. It was so cool to see you enjoying the NP. I rode my bike from the Sugarland VC all the way to the top of the observation tower on Clingman's Dome--yup I rode up the paved pathway and the concrete walkway spiral to the top. A 21 mile climb in a bit over 2 hours let me see the park and remember so much more than by car. It is a remarkable park. Thanks for sharing it with us all.
Really pretty scenery I wish I could do the things you guys do thank you so much for showing the scenery ☺️
When I'm dry camping, I like to bring a 5 gallon bucket and a small sump pump. The pump is threaded for a garden hose. Just pump your water in as you keep adding to the 5 gallon bucket. It helps eliminate the 5 gallon pour-in technique. Just my two cents.
Heading to the area this week. If I wasn't excited before this trip, I am now. Thank you for the backing in the video. We aren't camping this time but I have asperations of Elkmont in my future. Thank you. Happy Camping.
I am so happy you guys talked about google maps! I just did my 1st long trip (13+hrs) with my very 1st camper (25 ft long and 10.6 ft tall). Google took me off the highway and down some 2 lane back roads and I ended up at a low bridge and suuuuper curvy roads. There was some significant self motivating pep talks I had to do with myself. OH... and filling up at gas stations... I rubbed my first gas station guard poll on my camper. No damage, just added some yellow paint. lol I tried using Garmin but it wouldn't let me select an alternate route but Google Maps won't let me add filters like "no low bridges" or "keep to main roads." I am on the hunt for a travel map that lets me be specific about the routes I want to travel. You guys have been my go-to on safety. I really appreciate the content you put out. Maybe I'll see y'all next year as I gallivant around the country. :)
Great video! I really enjoyed how y’all showed your solution for leveling the rig.
We live an hour from SMNP and you all have seen/done more than we ever have - the crowds soured us on going there. So very glad you enjoyed it!. As always, thank you for the wonderful film and editing! Have fun, be safe, from your friends in S.E.Tennessee….
Hi KYD,
A previous video showed Mark and your friend? discussing the advantages of a truck cap but were being poo pood by your better halves saying that it was an old man look. Well welcome to my world!!
Recently retired my 2010 F150 crew with undersized 4.6l V8 5.
5 bed. It did have a nice f/g cap which allowed me to put a shelf at rail height 1/2 way x bed depth. We tow a 2019 GD Imagine 2500RL.I had a spot for everything and weather tight and lockable! Things were good. Well, the Imagine towed great on flats of Eastern Shore of Md. However, the old Ford engine and tranny wore out on any hilly routes.
Alas, my new 2022 F250 SD crew Lariat arrived. Yeah!!! We are heading to the hills and beyond.
Now, when my wife and I mentioned caps or bed covers the dreaded words " old man look" were exclaimed by my wife. She ok with a Tonneau cover but thinks truck would look better w/o the OM cap!!
Since she is the family CFO and got me into a new truck I am walking very lightly on this cap issue. Then I saw your episode with your buddy's comments on caps. I showed it to my wife and , yep, left the "I told you so" door wide open.
This Smokey Mtn episode I heard you slip an ARE cap comment in.
Mark, Im rooting for you! Ill be looking for pointers to make my case. Im not sure if aerodynamics has any validity but it sounds like a cap will reduce wind drag by your trailer. Yeah thats it, i need it to cut wind drag!!!! More so on my Imagine box vs your Airstream. But maybe a point in the pro column?
Thanks for your vids and looking for any cap pointers. Good luck!
OBTW, M & M caps in York , Pa is a good source for new and used caps. 👍
Marc, you should add a dc to dc charger for the camper and upgrade the truck alternator. One of the best things I did after doubling battery capacity was add the 60 amp dc to dc charger. Chargers with solar and truck while driving down the road because you are right, with my 2500 watt generator it takes 8 hours of run time to charge my batteries.
This is one of the better videos you have done! Very random, not very sculpted, every day people stuff! Good job!
The Smoky Mountains are our all-time favorite! Speaking of Clingmans Dome being steep, it affected my knees going up one time, so Danny had to carry me down on his back. We love Cades Cove, the cabins the wildlife, and the history!
Lynn & Danny
We got one of those ARE caps for our truck so we could store our ebikes in a secure, dry place. It was definitely a game changer. It has the ambulance style doors so no more reaching over the tailgate. We carry a small ramp cause ebikes are kinda heavy but there is still plenty of room to carry stuff. I’m still searching for the right bike rack to secure our bikes. I made one out of wood for now. The cap is not the prettiest thing to put on your truck though and we can’t fit into some spots like a parking ramp or car wash.
Enjoy traveling through you. We have been slowing our camping and just cancelled a number of upcoming trips, Dr has grounded me. I am preparing to put our Jayco Jayflight up for sales as a result. We had a good run we have Rv’d since 1996 and tent camped before that.
We use the Garmin 890 for 95% of our route planning, but we always use Google maps for the last 2 miles to the destination, just to confirm the Garmin matches the Google Maps route to the destination. For Mtn Bikes we learned that we had to use a good quality cover with a bungie cargo net to keep it from flopping around. That mitigates water and dirt ruining the bikes. You also have to use the bikes as much as possible to keep them in good shape, oiling the chain, etc. The cover needs to be replaced about once a year.
It does my heart good to see how loved Charlie is. I wanted to dip my feet in that cold running stream, so beautiful.
Most people don’t realize the Smokies are a Rainforest
Lived there for 20 years I miss it so much! Thanks for the memories I’ve been to everywhere you went. I rode my horse all through Pisgah national and the Smokies. A year ago my husband moved me to Florence South Carolina ie: hell , hey but At least I have a pool
Loved this video ❤️ we visited the smokies in mid-late April and LOVED it. Was much quieter than summer. So so beautiful - temps were amazing. Our littles loved laurel falls. Can’t wait to come back.
You were within walking distance of one my my favorite hiking trails and you missed it (or didn't show it on the video). At the entrance to the Elkmont campground go left instead of right. There is one of the old original settlements about a mile up the road founded when the Elk Club from Knoxville bought 40 acres from a logging company in the late 1800s. Volunteers have rebuilt many of the cabins and you can tour several of them at your own will. The road you were driving on was a railroad and the train used to bring the cabin owners from Knoxville and dropped them off at their doorstep. The original railroad went farther on uo the mountain 8 or 10 miles and that has become one of the best hiking trails in the park. Old railroad bridge, waterfalls, and some of the best river views and trout fishing you'll find anywhere. BTW, what is now Elkmont campground used to be where they brought the logs down from the mountain and sawed them. Prior to that they would dam the river, fill the flooded river with logs then dynamite the damn. The loggers would drive (ride) the logs down the flash-flooded river all the way to Townsend, TN., until too many loggers were killed doing that. Then they added the sawmill, where the campground is now, and added the railroad to haul away the lumber. Tons of history on that mountain where you were. I could go on and on about the really awesome trails and the history there.
Wow!! We were there at the same time. We were able to do the 11 miles on bikes at Cades Cove opening day May 4th. What an incredible experience. The Smoky Mountains has become our favorite. Safe travels, Stan and Rhonda. P.S. I’m sure our paths will cross someday. Especially when we have common friends like Kendog and Sheryl
I so enjoy the enthusiasm you bring to your videos!! Enjoy your travels!
Didn’t realize this until now, but we were driving behind y’all in the Smokies! My wife and I have been wanting to take the plunge in starting the rv life, but current job doesn’t allow it yet. However, we’re using your videos to help prepare us for when the day arrives.
The campground at Cades Cove is another beautiful place to camp. Abram's Falls in the loop is a great hike when you get back to the area.
those running water clips are so peaceful! and the love you all have for Charlie is priceless :) thanks always for the quality videos
Thank you for panting while hiking Clingman's. It made this out of shape lady feel better about my struggles getting up the path a few years ago. In late July -early August the flowers were really beautiful too & lots of pollinators to look at. It was crowded but people were so nice to each other & encouraging each other along.
So so excited for you! Can’t wait to see your journey! Homesteading is my dream. Hopefully some day!💕🌻
Glad at the top of The Dome the clouds gave you a break after the hike up, we’ve gone about 4 x and twice sit was cloudy 🧐 but you’re in the clouds and that’s nice as well. Watched a little further in the video and you’re heading to Cinci for Kings Island which is near our home. Good travels!
Getting water out of that bladder reminded me of a waterbed fiasco I had where the fire department had to show up!
The Smokies are my backyard and I LOVE it here. (Doesn't mean I'm not counting the days until I can fulltime though). Thank you for reminding me again how lucky I was when I transplanted here almost 30 years ago. You make me see these beautiful mountains through fresh eyes again.
Yall visit the best places,hope yall a blessed week!
I loved this video. I now live in Maryville so I go quite frequently to Cades Cove and drive the loop. I have mobility issues so can’t hike or bike but enjoy watching your channel to enjoy through y’all. Looked like y’all had a good time. God bless.
It’s a beautiful drive to Cades Cove all the history is awesome from Ontario have a great tour.
Got a suggestion. You guys should start a “plus one” series. Book 2 site side by side and then select (somehow,) people to join you! You guys are awesome! My wife and kids could be episode number one! Just need you to stay somewhere close to the bourbon trail! Or the smokies! They may be in a tent, may be in a million dollar RV. You don’t know until you get there!
HIghly recommend Virginia Creeper Trail next time you are in the area!!! Super fun, gorgeous views, lots of bridge crossings - grab a beer at the brewery when you finish :)
One of the first things I invested in was a truck cap for my truck, not only for my ebike but extra storage! Have a blast at Kings Island! The Banshee is a MUST ride!!
Happy to learn the LevelMate Pro works without cell coverage. I don’t have service about half the time I’m camping!
Loved this video… camping without internet and all hustle and busy is always needed. Thanks for taking me along. You guys so funny with the water!!
We're leaving the camper behind in late September and have rented a cabin with our daughters, sons-in-law and nearly 3-year old grandson for our 40th anniversary. We can't wait to show the kids the Smokies, we've been before. I hate to wish away summer, but can't wait for this trip, after watching, I'm counting the days! We're hoping for a clear day at Clingman's, we've never had one! We' travel from Western PA (near Falling Water). Highly recommend a truck cap, you'll wonder why you didn't have one all along, and, yes, I thought it made it look like a "grandad truck", but, the convenience far outweighs the looks!
It looks like you guys got pretty lucky in your admission to Cade’s cove. We live 4.5 hours from there and between vacations, motorcycling and keeping, I’ve made it in there 1 out of 5 tries. Twice, traffic was stopped at the main highway turn off. Once it was closed. Once we made it about 3/4 of a mile, wearing full motorcycle gear, ‘walking’ the motorcycle with traffic. It was 95 degrees that day. The one time we made it was a bit chilly and late fall. We were able to hit Parsons’s Branch then The Dragon in our Jeep. That was interesting! I’ve never been able to make it out to Utah to compare, but you’re right about the Great Smoky Mountain park being kinda special.
Our TT is only 23’ but we still use RVLife always. Has not steered us wrong yet. Safe travels!
Went there with my parents when I was 9. They are gone now, but I have the memory. Love seeing the Dome knowing my parents were once on it with me. I remember asking about being in the smoke, but it was clouds. Thank you for sharing.
Love it there too. Glad you guys saw the bears sooo cool. 😎
Water transfer, we purchased a spare water pump that is in our rig and hose barb fittings that fit the pump. I cut one of our spare water hose in half an put on the hose barbs. I wired the pump with 25 feet of wire and connectors for the rig power/batteries. I use this pump to transfer from the water jugs, and two bladders we have. Makes moving 50 gallons of water easy, and we have a spare water pump for the rig.