scenic knoxville

Got here in Knoxville a day before my training in the early afternoon. With nothing going on I asked the lady at the rental car counter if there was anything worthwhile to check out in this fair city. She suggested to head southeast and take a car tour of the Smoky Mountains. Being always up for adventure, I took her suggestion and headed out. After a few wrong turns, thanks to poor advanced road signage in this town, I made it to the state park. I was told before I left that since it was gorgeous sunny weather, heading out to see the mountains would be a fantastic time. The lady also said I'd be able to see for miles... and with that comment I had grand visions of being on top of some mountain peak taking some sweet panoramic pictures.

So I got to the park entrance and pulled over about a quarter mile in. On the side of the road was a pull off and saw what appeared to be a water fall! I got out and quickly found my suspicion to be correct. I took a few pictures and a video and figured this drive was already beginning to pay dividends. I got back in and continued my journey up though the hills for what seemed to be 4 miles. Upon reaching the "top", there was a one way 11 mile road that went all the way through the park. Surprised that I wasn't on top of a hill yet, I took off on the 11 mile trip, anxious to find a scenic overlook. This one way road was basically a paved path with no lines, which weaved up and down the mountain hills, through rolling open fields, and through the forest of the Appalachian Mountains. About every eighth of a mile there was a turnoff where you could pull over to take pictures or read about some historical fact or person that you've never heard of. Being on my quest of summiting a hill, I passed on stopping for all landmarks. Unfortunately, my goal of getting somewhere seemed to be below everyone else’s… who were driving 2.384 miles per hour on this one lane road. So, I tried to relax and soak in the views instead of flooring it and smashing my rental car into the back of grandpa’s Buick out for a Sunday drive. Continuing on I took a few more pictures and before I knew it, I was back at the beginning, with 12 pictures taken of open fields, 150 year old log cabins, and other crap. Where was the scenic overlooks where I could "see for miles"??? I WAS SCREWED! So, in disappointment I drove on back... but not before getting lost for a half hour... because of the lack of road signs. Good times.