Tag Archives: Great Smoky Mountains

Hiking Chimney Tops after the Great Smoky Mountains wildfire

Posted on October 30, 2017 by tischcaylor

Our first trip back to the Great Smoky Mountains since a wildfire destroyed the condos where our family has stayed the last 30 years was bound to feel strange.   After the fire last November that consumed 17,000 acres of … Continue reading →

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Bear encounter on the trail

Posted on July 7, 2014 by tischcaylor

We knew there were bears up ahead on the trail to Abrams Falls in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A mother and three cubs, reported hikers we passed on their way back. All week long, trails had been closing due … Continue reading →

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Working toward a treadmill Chimney Top

Posted on February 6, 2013 by tischcaylor

My sister and I sketched out an experimental front half of Chimney Top trail on Dad’s new treadmill on Tuesday. In researching the climb, we suddenly came up with even more incentive to complete our treadmill trail: The real deal … Continue reading →

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Running the Smokies: A Scouting Report

Posted on April 2, 2012 by tischcaylor

Memo to: My sister and running partner Traci Re: Scouting report on prospects for running our favorite hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains. I expected to do more running on this trip, to run at least some of the trails … Continue reading →

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Our Spring break ‘Mental Attitude’ Winner: Grandma Linda

Posted on March 30, 2012 by tischcaylor

When we first started the Wells Weighs In contest two months ago, Colleen would sometimes get a little tense about going to Grandma and Grandpa’s house because she worried about succumbing to whatever treats she might find there. But Grandma’s … Continue reading →

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Return to Chimney Tops Mountain

Posted on March 28, 2012 by tischcaylor

The last time I hauled my butt up Chimney Top in the Great Smoky Mountains, it was still the 20th Century. On Tuesday, when I went back up with my dad and some of the kids, I was amazed at … Continue reading →

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