I spent a long weekend in February visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park. After car camping in the Daniel Boone National Forrest on my way to Tennessee, I stayed in a cabin just outside of Gatlinburg and spent three days exploring the park. I loved visiting during the off season, as it was less busy (and somehow still 70 degrees at one point?!)

The highlight of my trip was definitely the hike to the top of Mount LeConte via the Alum Cave trail. This hike is 11 miles round trip with over 2,700 ft elevation gain! I was lucky, as on the day of my hike the snow and ice had mostly melted. If I had hiked the day prior, I would have likely needed to use micro spikes on my boots to make it to the top safely. I hope you enjoy the video :)

For information on road closures in the Smoky Mountains, you can follow @SmokiesRoadsNPS It’s essential to pay attention to this if you visit during the winter season!