Much of our RV travel has been during Winter months. While winter traveling has its benefits, we were disappointed not to see any significant wildlife. When we set out this past Summer to explore Shenandoah and the Great Smoky Mountains, we hoped that would change.

When we checked into our campground, a very friendly man helped us get hooked up, talked to the kids about playing in the creek across from our site, and told us there were almost always bears behind our campground along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. If we could have jumped in the truck right that second, I would have gone.

The next day, we set off for the scenic drive and and wanted to hike the trillium Gap Trail to Grotto Falls. Would you believe my excitement when we saw this beautiful black bear just a few minutes into our drive, as he (or she?) casually strolled down the hill, crossed the road right behind our truck, and sniffed around on the other side of the road? I was positively giddy and the kids definitely joined in on my excitement. I think Steve was too worried the bear was going to scratch his truck.

A river cuts through a rock, not because of its power but because of its persistence.

Jim Watkins

As we continued, the Grotto Falls waterfall did not disappoint. It’s the only waterfall you can walk behind as it falls from the rocks into the pool below. I kept thinking about that bear and hoping that he and his bear friends would stay a safe distance from us in the woods. It’s one thing to encounter wildlife from the safety of your vehicle, but another to meet deep in the woods.

Grotto Falls
After walking behind Grotto Falls, admiring the view as it spills into the pool below

What a wonderful day in the Smoky Mountains, both with the bear sighting and the lovely hike to the falls. Watching that black bear will be engrained in my memory forever. For more information on black bears and how to protect yourself, visit this NPS site: https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/nature/black-bears.htm.

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