TimeSharing Today | Sep / Oct , 2024
Fontana Dam , the highest concrete dam east of the Rocky Mountains , stands at 480 feet high and 2,385 feet across , serving multiple purposes , including flood control , electric power generation , and recreation , as it also intersects with the famous Appalachian Trail .
Charlie wanted to visit Yellow Creek Falls , a few miles above Robbinsville . The short 0.3-mile hike to the falls was challenging , with a steep path through the woods dotted with rocks and roots , now mostly hidden beneath allen leaves .
Fortunately , a group of University of Tennessee students joined us on the hike and ensured our safety . We rested and took photos at the falls before they generously accompanied us back to the parking lot . It was heartwarming to encounter young people who still cared for others .
A trip to Maggie Valley brought back fond memories of our previous visits to Peppertree Resort . We enjoyed the vibrant fall decorations throughout the town , and back at the condo , we lit a fire to warm up the cooling evening .
Our 42-mile drive over the Cherohala Skyway from Robbinsville , NC , to Tellico Plains , TN , offered breathtaking views of the North Carolina mountains . Numerous overlooks and picnic areas adorned this scenic roadway , reminding us of a shorter version of the famous Skyline Drive and The Blue Ridge Parkway .
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Pool and lazy River at Fontana Resort .
Leaf-peeping traffic
We mistakenly assumed that a drive over the Great Smoky Mountains Parkway on a cloudy mid-week day would be smooth . Instead , we encountered a 35-mile traffic jam , as the resort towns of Gatlinburg , Pigeon Forge , and Sevierville were overflowing with leaf peepers . Most were likely disappointed since the fall foliage was predominantly yellow with little red or orange , and mountain views were obscured by heavy haze . Despite the wait , we had lunch at our favorite restaurant in Pigeon Forge , Bennett ’ s BBQ .
Just like Maggie Valley , these smaller resort towns went all out with holiday decorations . One of the most impressive
OWNERSHIP & TRAVEL
displays was in front of Dolly Parton ’ s Stampede Theater .
Our return trip over the mountain later in the afternoon was much smoother , with minimal traffic . We took a moment to join a large crowd of people observing several elk grazing and resting in a field beside the Parkway , just outside of Cherokee . The ranger informed us that the elk came down most evenings around dusk .
As we reflect on our stay , we are eagerly anticipating our next timeshare adventure in Myrtle Beach , SC . Although the mountains are beautiful , we are excited to embark on new adventures in one of our favorite beach vacation destinations .
Charlie in doorway of “ pumpkin ” house in front of Dolly Parton ’ s Stampede Theater .
Ann beside “ horse and wagon ” in front of Dolly Parton ’ s Stampede Theater .
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