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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

Cades Cove: The Ultimate Guide to the Smokies’ Most Popular Valley

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 18 Best Things to Do in Bar Harbor, Maine
  • The Ultimate Winter Guide to the Grand Canyon
  • 2026 National Parks Guide: New Fees, Reservation Systems & Timed Entry Explained
  • The Best Things To Do In Camden, Maine
  • 6 Best Dog-Friendly National Parks to Visit This Winter

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One Fall Day In Shenandoah National Park

Top 8 Towns To Visit In Vermont

8 Charming Vermont Towns To Visit In Fall

Wildlife Watching in Cades Cove: Your Complete Animal Guide

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I don’t plan for golden hour. I just never stop lo I don’t plan for golden hour. I just never stop looking for it. 🌅

Something about the way light moves right before it disappears makes me feel like the whole world is trying to tell you something. I don’t know what it is. I just know I’m not ready to stop chasing it.

This is my Roman Empire. This has always been my Roman Empire.

No notes. No regrets. Just light.

🌻 Save this for your next golden hour reminder.

👋 Hi, I’m Vanessa @thewellwornshoes - a millennial nomad chasing National Parks, dog-friendly trails, and golden hour from the road! I share the hidden gems and real side of life so you can skip the guesswork and get straight to your own adventure! 

🔍 golden hour | travel aesthetic | road trip vibes
Montana sunrises and sunsets hit different ☀️🌅 I Montana sunrises and sunsets hit different ☀️🌅

I haven’t been super inspired to post lately, just being honest. But then I started scrolling through my camera roll from Montana and remembered why I do this.

These golden hours from Pray and Yellowstone had me standing outside, coffee getting cold, just…staring. No filter needed when the sky looks like that.

Sometimes just showing up and letting the light do its thing is the best thing 🧡

Save this if Montana’s on your list. You’re gonna want to chase golden hour there!!
The East Coast has a Skyline Drive and it’s absolu The East Coast has a Skyline Drive and it’s absolutely insane in fall 🍁 I know it’s early to be talking about fall but I’m over this winter! 

Skyline Drive is 105 miles through the heart of Shenandoah National Park and in the fall it’s absolutely unreal. The entire Blue Ridge lights up in reds, oranges, and golds and every single overlook is worth pulling over for.

We spent an entire day winding through, stopping constantly, and letting the dogs take it all in. 

🍎🍺 Stop at Bold Rock on your way in or out for cider and food. You won’t regret it.

If you’re planning a fall East Coast road trip this year, this needs to be on the list.

📍 Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
🐾 Dog friendly!

Save this for fall trip planning 🍁🍂🍁

👋 Hi, I’m Vanessa @thewellwornshoes - a millennial nomad chasing National Parks, dog-friendly trails, and golden hour from the road! I share the hidden gems and real side of life so you can skip the guesswork and get straight to your own adventure! 

Also, was anyone else obsessed with Brand New in high school? 🤣
Summer in Acadia felt like a dream 🌊☀️✨ Six month Summer in Acadia felt like a dream 🌊☀️✨

Six months of salt air and spruce trees. Tide pools that made us feel small in the best way. Puffins just…existing out there like tiny well-dressed locals. Moss growing on everything.

We chased golden hour from rocky shorelines. Found wild roses blooming where the forest meets the sea. Hiked trails with the dogs until our legs gave out and theirs didn’t (as usual).

Maine didn’t just give us a summer. It gave us a pace of life we’re still trying to hold onto.

Missing this place a little extra today.

📍Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor, Maine
8 years of chaos, howls, and heart-stealing looks. 8 years of chaos, howls, and heart-stealing looks. Happy Birthday to the original menace, my little wolfie, my favorite clown - Loki turns 8 today and honestly, I don’t think any of us were prepared for a lifetime of this much personality. 🐾🎂

Here’s to more trails, more trouble, and more years of keeping us on our toes. We love you, my wild boy. 🖤

Also this and Killing In The Name Of are Loki’s theme songs and you’ll never convince me otherwise 😆😆
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