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August 8, 2025

Wildlife Watching in Cades Cove: Your Complete Animal Guide

There’s something absolutely magical about rounding a bend in Cades Cove and spotting a black bear ambling through the meadow or a family of deer grazing peacefully in the early morning mist. I’ve spent countless hours exploring this 11-mile loop in Great Smoky Mountains National Park…

May 19, 2025

Paws on the Trail: The Best Dog-Friendly Hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains

Planning a trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park with your furry friend? While many trails restrict dogs, the Smokies still offer several dog-friendly hikes and scenic drives perfect for adventurous pups and their humans. From easy riverside walks on the Oconaluftee River Trail to scenic drives like Cades Cove Loop Road and Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, this guide covers the best pet-friendly trails and outdoor experiences to help you explore the Smokies together. Discover insider tips, local spots, and must-visit places to make your Smoky Mountains dog adventure unforgettable!

November 2, 2021

The Eerie Ghost Town In The Smokies

In the lush valley, where Jake’s Creek and the Little River meet, you can find the magical Daisy Town…

July 27, 2021

11 Must See Waterfalls In The Smokies

Looking for a waterfall hike in the Smokies? Check out these 11 Must See Waterfalls In Great Smoky Mountains…

July 20, 2021

14 Fun Things To Do In Cades Cove

14 Fun Thing To Do In Cades Cove! Including to where to stay, where to eat, and what to do on your visit to Cades Cove…

May 11, 2021

Roaring Forks: 11 Reasons To Visit

There are so many reasons to visit Roaring Forks Motor Nature Trail on your next trip to the Smokies…

April 6, 2021

Is Great Smoky Mountains National Park Dog Friendly?

Find out if Great Smoky Mountains is dog friendly and 12 fun things to do with your pups near the park…

August 10, 2020

One Day in Cherokee, North Carolina

Don’t skip Cherokee, North Carolina on your next trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park…

Hi! I'm Vanessa, a 30 something, sunset chasing traveler. I'm here to inspire you to travel wherever, whenever, and with whoever you can. My Huskies, Loki and Freya are usually along for the ride. I have a soul that likes to wander, a desire to experience the unknown, and a curiousity to discover things off the beaten path. I hope you'll stick around for awhile!

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Let's be friends! I know e-mails can suck but mine won't and I promise cute pup photos too!

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Recent Posts

  • The Best Things To Do In Camden, Maine
  • 6 Best Dog-Friendly National Parks to Visit This Winter
  • Wildlife Watching in Cades Cove: Your Complete Animal Guide
  • Paws on the Trail: The Best Dog-Friendly Hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains
  • The 15 Best Hikes In Utah

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🤍 SAVE THIS for future road trips, slow mornings i 🤍 SAVE THIS for future road trips, slow mornings in the parks, and “we should totally go” plans.

If National Parks are on your 2026 bingo card, you’ll want these dates bookmarked 👇
On select days next year, National Park Service sites that normally charge an entrance fee will waive it, meaning you can explore for free.

🗓 2026 National Park Free Entrance Days
✨ February 16
✨ May 25
✨ June 14
✨ July 3–5
✨ August 25
✨ September 17
✨ October 27
✨ November 11

⚠️ A few important things to know before you roll in:
⏰Timed entry, reservations, and some activity fees may still apply
😅These days are often busier than usual (early mornings = your best friend)

Beginning in 2026, free entrance applies to U.S. residents only 

Which park would you hit first on a free day? 👀🌲 

Complete 2026 National Park Guide coming soon 🔥
2025 in the blink of an eye…2025, you were a good 2025 in the blink of an eye…2025, you were a good one! Thank you to everyone who was part of our year 🫶

More miles in Betty than we can count. Muddy paw prints on everything. At least three “are we lost?” moments that became our favorite memories.

Zero regrets. Maximum dog hair. Questionable campsite WiFi.

Here’s to another year of no plans and letting two dramatic huskies and one supermutt decide when the hike is over. 🐾
I’m not famous, but I will tell you the best place I’m not famous, but I will tell you the best place for sunsets, the quiet pull-off everyone misses, and which trails are dog-approved 🐾

Road trips, National Parks, and chasing light one mile at a time. I’m glad you’re here and hope you stick around for awhile!
Paws on the whitest sand you’ve ever seen 🤩✨ Whit Paws on the whitest sand you’ve ever seen 🤩✨

White Sands National Park is one of those places that doesn’t feel real, and yes, it’s dog friendly. Our dogs loved digging to get to the cooler gypsum sand! 

🐾💚Quick dog-parent pro tips:
🌅 Go early morning or sunset for cooler sand
💦💧Bring extra water (the desert doesn’t mess around)
🥰Harnesses > collars for deep-sand zoomies
😳Keep an eye out for wildlife, especially near dusk

The light shifts fast, the sky shows off, and your dog will absolutely think they’ve landed on another planet. Honestly? One of the best dog-friendly park experiences we’ve had.

‼️ Dogs must be kept of 6 ft leashes at all times. Our dogs were leashed (they are just hidden or edited for photos) - we definitely saw dogs that weren’t on leashes. Let’s keep our dog friendly parks - dog friendly 😉
An end of season lighthouse tour in October with @ An end of season lighthouse tour in October with @barharborwhales and this bald eagle said “watch this” at Egg Rock Lighthouse 🦅

Would you brave the cold water for views like this?

*technically not great photos but from a moving and bumpy boat - I’m happy with them 😁
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