One of my very favorite campgrounds is Cataloochee. Before I make my next statement, let me preface by saying I was a trucker for many years and had millions, yes millions of driving miles. First time I went to Cataloochee, I had my 33' class A motor home. No problem for me going down that dirt road or maneuvering in the campground. However, I don't advise anyone without experience driving large vehicles to attempt the trip. In fact, I believe the powers that be do not recommend a motor home over 32' or trailers over 25'. That said, if you can get to this park, do it! As Rick & Akela have shown, it's a wonderful place to visit. Oh, and Rick, I believe I was huffing and puffing more then you when I visited the cemetery. That was one steep climb. Thanks for another great vid.
I have found three cemeteries in the middle of campgrounds and state forests. They are really interesting to see what history can be discovered based on the folks in the cemetery. The campsite worked even though it wasn't spacious.
@@GoingNoWhereFast My whole family both sides, buried there.. From SYR, my mother graduated from SU...I met Jim Brown back in the day and Ernie Davis as well.....Geoff Marsh
When my wife and I go hiking and come across some flowers or mushrooms or butterflies, my wife will rattle off the name of whatever we're looking at. Me, I just go "look at the blue butterfly" and go on enjoying the walk. My wife says I'm like a big dog. See a pretty flower, pee on it, and go on. 😁
Daddy was from Cookeville, TN and I have been to the Smokies 5 times, but never have been in this part of the park. Makes me want to plan a trip down there.
Wow! So many interesting things along the hiking trails in this park. I never saw a barn built like the one you toured. The house, the chapel, the unique bridges, wildlife…..so much neat stuff in one trip. Another must see place. Did you teach Akela to drop the ball in his water bucket or does he think it’s in safe keeping while he gets a drink?
I told him it was too slimy for me to touch it. If he wanted me to throw it he needed to rinse it off. It it benefits him, he learns very very fast !! LOL The draw of the park is truely the many varied things to experience!
The road Coming in was horrendously treacherous. And about 8 miles at 4 miles an hour! At about a 10% grade! The people in here with big rigs have no Risk Assessment!! Single Car Wide......
I got my class A motor home in there (site #6) so you should have no problem. Biggest issue, as Rick said, is the dirt road to the campground. It can be nerve racking. Check the campground map on the web site. There are some sites that give you a bit more privacy.
@@GoingNoWhereFast Been pulling my ALiner in and out of Catalooch with an FJ Cruiser since about 2013 and like the fella said, it gets easier the more you travel it.
@@DrJohn493 I'm sure it does, but a 30ft travel trailer isn't really as easy when you meet someone on one of those hairpin turns...LOL You aint't going to back up, and if 2 of those meet on one hair pin turn..... what an interesting video that would make!
@@GoingNoWhereFast Funny you should say that, Rick. On my last trip to Cataloochee, I met up with a county dump truck on one of those turns. We both slammed on the brakes. I started to back up but the dump truck driver knew the road better than me and hit stopped me and backed his truck up. When I got along side, I opened the window, thanked him, and asked if this happens a lot. His answer was "more then you think". But, as far as he knew, never lost anyone over the side. Somehow that didn't make me feel so good.
I hate when people cut trees in the parks…. The rocks are surprising to see. Did I read that right, it took 5 years to build. Makes you wonder what happened to the family. I love porches too. I love they kept it and allow people to see it. Makes you appreciate how simple life probable was.
In the campground I think they cut the trees to reduce the danger of them falling over in a bad storm. And sometimes they will cut them to stop insect damage, but otherwise it is unnecessary. It was very cool to see all the "Living Arrangements" in the valley. And I bet the "It took 5 years to Build" just means "Momma" had a long" Honey Do" list before she considered it finished !! LOL
No, They say it was built there over 3 years and the family lived in it until 1963. In my time thats pretty recent. It is amazing how people can adapt and be happy when they want to.
We have a 20 ft R-Pod travel trailer. We have reservations at Cataloochee campground at the end of Sept. Do they have potable water there to fill up my holding tank in the RV? The site description says that our rig will fit. Looks like the road to get there was rough.
It is a very fun road to drive in on. Drive slow and keep looking for wide spots in case you need to let someone pass going the other way. There are spigots in the campground, you may have to be sneaking to hook up and fill, or pour water into your tanks by hand.
Loved seeing all the wild life 😊👍👍👍👍👍❤
Its a photo rich environment!
One of my very favorite campgrounds is Cataloochee. Before I make my next statement, let me preface by saying I was a trucker for many years and had millions, yes millions of driving miles. First time I went to Cataloochee, I had my 33' class A motor home. No problem for me going down that dirt road or maneuvering in the campground. However, I don't advise anyone without experience driving large vehicles to attempt the trip. In fact, I believe the powers that be do not recommend a motor home over 32' or trailers over 25'. That said, if you can get to this park, do it! As Rick & Akela have shown, it's a wonderful place to visit. Oh, and Rick, I believe I was huffing and puffing more then you when I visited the cemetery. That was one steep climb. Thanks for another great vid.
Thanks Tom, And the "BIG" Rig Trailer in there told me he had brought it over that road for the last 22 yrs. Gets easier every year ! LOL
I enjoyed the beauty and history of the area, great video, thank you !!
Thanks!
One of my favorite places in the Smokies…including the road to get up there. 😜
LOL.. Yes the road is fun, if you survive...LOL
I have found three cemeteries in the middle of campgrounds and state forests. They are really interesting to see what history can be discovered based on the folks in the cemetery. The campsite worked even though it wasn't spacious.
I used to camp out in a cemetery next to Syracuse University, very peaceful place!!
@@GoingNoWhereFast My whole family both sides, buried there..
From SYR, my mother graduated from SU...I met Jim Brown back in the day and Ernie Davis as well.....Geoff Marsh
Great video! I enjoyed the videos of the elk. Lots to see in this video!
GSMNP is definitely a place you could spend a week or two exploring. Lots of stuff.
Definitely adding this area to my must see list! Thank you for another great video!
Don't know where you live but if you can get there, do it! I'm confident you won't be disappointed.
Its the most popular National Park for a good reason!! And it doesn't feel crowded!
Nice video of the deer, thanks for sharing...........
Thanks for watching
Thanks, Rick! Another great vid. Liked the shots of the elk especially. 👍 Was that a Spicebush Swallowtail butterfly?
When my wife and I go hiking and come across some flowers or mushrooms or butterflies, my wife will rattle off the name of whatever we're looking at. Me, I just go "look at the blue butterfly" and go on enjoying the walk. My wife says I'm like a big dog. See a pretty flower, pee on it, and go on. 😁
You got me with that one. Don't usually key out the butterflies... Just the flowers!! They don't fly away from the camera!
Daddy was from Cookeville, TN and I have been to the Smokies 5 times, but never have been in this part of the park. Makes me want to plan a trip down there.
That's the idea behind my Videos !! Hope you can make the trip! Its awesome! Thanks for the comment !
Beautiful Places there I’m 68 and think I was 10 when my mom and dad and little brother and myself
Spent a weekend there..
Thanks for sharing a great memory. I hope it bring many happy times to you!
Good video 😊 I live Southeastern,North Carolina, but love the mountains.
Thanks, its all pretty good. Easy to get a change in scenery, just drive 4hrs east or west !
Very familiar area and campground but it looks a lot different than the early Spring before everything has greened up.
I'll bet. And that's the fun part. You can come in 4 different season and it will look very different.
Beautiful!
Thank you! Stop back anytime!
Wow! So many interesting things along the hiking trails in this park. I never saw a barn built like the one you toured. The house, the chapel, the unique bridges, wildlife…..so much neat stuff in one trip. Another must see place. Did you teach Akela to drop the ball in his water bucket or does he think it’s in safe keeping while he gets a drink?
I told him it was too slimy for me to touch it. If he wanted me to throw it he needed to rinse it off. It it benefits him, he learns very very fast !! LOL The draw of the park is truely the many varied things to experience!
Campground looks a little tight, but I think my Camplite would fit (only 7’ wide). My biggest complaint would be the close proximity of other campers.
The road Coming in was horrendously treacherous. And about 8 miles at 4 miles an hour! At about a 10% grade! The people in here with big rigs have no Risk Assessment!! Single Car Wide......
I got my class A motor home in there (site #6) so you should have no problem. Biggest issue, as Rick said, is the dirt road to the campground. It can be nerve racking. Check the campground map on the web site. There are some sites that give you a bit more privacy.
@@GoingNoWhereFast Been pulling my ALiner in and out of Catalooch with an FJ Cruiser since about 2013 and like the fella said, it gets easier the more you travel it.
@@DrJohn493 I'm sure it does, but a 30ft travel trailer isn't really as easy when you meet someone on one of those hairpin turns...LOL You aint't going to back up, and if 2 of those meet on one hair pin turn..... what an interesting video that would make!
@@GoingNoWhereFast Funny you should say that, Rick. On my last trip to Cataloochee, I met up with a county dump truck on one of those turns. We both slammed on the brakes. I started to back up but the dump truck driver knew the road better than me and hit stopped me and backed his truck up. When I got along side, I opened the window, thanked him, and asked if this happens a lot. His answer was "more then you think". But, as far as he knew, never lost anyone over the side. Somehow that didn't make me feel so good.
I hate when people cut trees in the parks…. The rocks are surprising to see. Did I read that right, it took 5 years to build. Makes you wonder what happened to the family. I love porches too. I love they kept it and allow people to see it. Makes you appreciate how simple life probable was.
In the campground I think they cut the trees to reduce the danger of them falling over in a bad storm. And sometimes they will cut them to stop insect damage, but otherwise it is unnecessary. It was very cool to see all the "Living Arrangements" in the valley. And I bet the "It took 5 years to Build" just means "Momma" had a long" Honey Do" list before she considered it finished !! LOL
If I was part of the burial procession there would have been a lot buried half way up the mountain…lol
LOLOLOL... Ya, I'm with you on that...
Also, do they allow generators?
They have water in the campground and they allow generators from 8am to 8pm. I do not believe they had a dump station.
Looks like the house was moved there from another location
No, They say it was built there over 3 years and the family lived in it until 1963. In my time thats pretty recent. It is amazing how people can adapt and be happy when they want to.
A beautiful place to find happiness ✌️
We have a 20 ft R-Pod travel trailer. We have reservations at Cataloochee campground at the end of Sept. Do they have potable water there to fill up my holding tank in the RV? The site description says that our rig will fit. Looks like the road to get there was rough.
It is a very fun road to drive in on. Drive slow and keep looking for wide spots in case you need to let someone pass going the other way. There are spigots in the campground, you may have to be sneaking to hook up and fill, or pour water into your tanks by hand.
@@GoingNoWhereFast thank you!!
I wish my dog was as well behaved!
Its not hard to train them. It takes about an hour a doy of playing and training. Make it fun and stress free and they will learn fast!