My Epic 40-Mile Hiking Adventure: Waterfalls, Bourbon, and Birthday Memories
You know that moment when you realize you're not quite ready to slow down? That was me, staring down 58 and thinking, "Let's do something BIG." So, my husband Scott and I packed our hiking boots, grabbed our national park passport (yes, we're those people who collect stamps), and set off on an eight-day adventure that reminded me why we fell in love with road trips in the first place.
Spoiler alert: my legs are still recovering, but my heart is full.
Day 1: Tennessee State Park Hopping
We kicked things off in Middle Tennessee, bouncing between four state parks—Old Stone Fort, South Cumberland, Booker T. Washington, and Harrison Bay. Think of it as our warm-up lap, collecting those satisfying date stamps and stretching our legs before the real adventure began.
From there, we headed east into the mountains and crossed into North Carolina, landing in Cherokee. This town carries a lot of history—it's where the Cherokee Nation faced forced relocation during the Trail of Tears (which runs just three miles from our house, something that always gives me pause). What struck me most was learning how a few hundred Cherokee people hid in these very mountains, defying relocation, and how their descendants have since reclaimed much of this land. It's a story of resilience that feels especially poignant given today's headlines. If you want to learn more, the [Trail of Tears National Historic Trail] (https://www.nps.gov/trte/index.htm) website has incredible resources.
That evening, we strolled down the neon-lit "Casino Drive," grabbed dinner at Ruth's Chris (because birthday week deserves a good steak), and called it a night.
All who wander are not lost.
Day 2: All Aboard in Bryson City
Here's where I earned major wife points. Scott has been obsessed with trains since he was a kid—we're talking model trains, train books, the whole deal. So, I surprised him with tickets on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, a historic diesel train that chugs along the Nantahala River through the gorge.
We scored seats in an open-air gondola car and let me tell you—the combo of cool mountain air, forests whizzing by, and a Bloody Mary from the onboard bar (my official vacation kickoff drink) was *perfection*. Our tickets included a hot lunch and an hour-long layover at a small station where we faced the toughest decision of the day: local doughnuts or handmade ice cream? Ice cream won. No regrets.
After the ride, we drove a couple hours back into Tennessee to the Dancing Bear Lodge in Townsend—the quiet, locals-favorite side of the Smokies. Our cabin had a fireplace, full kitchen, private hot tub, and the kind of mountain silence that makes you realize how rarely you hear... nothing.
Dinner at the Dancing Bear Bistro was phenomenal. I had the cider-marinated chicken breast that was so good I'm still thinking about it weeks later. Moist, perfectly seasoned, with this incredible sweet-sour-salty thing going on. Scott snagged the last wagyu burger of the night (apparently everyone else had the same idea). Worth every calorie.
Day 3: Trails, Views, and Christmas in May (Well, October)
We grabbed coffee and pastries from the Dancing Bean and dove into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. After a solid breakfast, we tackled over 10 miles of trails—winding through forests, climbing ridges, and earning those jaw-dropping mountaintop views. There's something about working for a view that makes it even sweeter, you know?
We also stopped at Fort Loudon State Park, where you can walk around the remains of a British fort from 1756 (rebuilt during the Great Depression). The ranger there was fantastic—one of those people who genuinely loves their job and wants to share every cool fact with you.
Now, here's where I confess something: I'm a Christmas person. Like, *really* a Christmas person. Therefore, our annual pilgrimage to The Christmas Place in Pigeon Forge was non-negotiable. If you've never been, imagine a 30,000-square-foot holiday wonderland just down from Dollywood. Scott indulges me, bless him.
After a protein-packed lunch, we knocked out a quick half-mile hike to a lookout tower for more valley views, then headed back to our cabin for hot tub time and a charcuterie board on the porch. This is what they mean by "living your best life," right?
Day 4: Chasing Waterfalls in Virginia
Early rise, quick Buc-ee's coffee stop (if you know, you know), and we were off to explore Panther Creek and Warriors Path state parks in eastern Tennessee before crossing into Virginia.
Here's where things got magical. We ventured deep into the national forests to find these hidden waterfalls, and when we finally reached them... wow. The water thundered into pools below, sending up this cool mist that clung to our skin. Moss-covered rocks glowed emerald green in the filtered sunlight, and the air had that clean, sharp taste that only comes from being deep in the wilderness. We weren't rushing—just hiking, breathing, and soaking it all in.
We ended the day in Harrisonburg, Virginia, about 30 minutes from Shenandoah National Park. Our legs were tired, but our spirits were high.
And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul”
―John Muir
Day 5: Shenandoah Steals My Heart
Okay, so here's where I made a planning mistake. I only gave us one day in Shenandoah National Park and let me tell you—this place deserves at least three or four.
We started with the Rose River Falls Trail, which meant descending 1,000 feet into the valley, scrambling over boulders and tree roots, and navigating around the river to reach these stunning waterfalls. The water cascaded over shallow rock ledges like nature's own staircase. Our second trail was more forested, with a steady climb that rewarded us with sweeping mountain vistas. Six miles total, and every step was worth it.
Shenandoah officially made my "must return" list. You can't really know a place from your couch at home—sometimes you just must get out there and realize what you're missing.
As a light rain started to fall, we headed to Beckley, West Virginia. The drive surprised me with its rolling hills, thick forests, and winding roads. West Virginia is way prettier than I expected.
There is always an adventure waiting in the woods.
~ Katelyn S Bolds
Day 6: Bridges, Views, and the Great Dinner Debate
New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia blew my mind. The main attraction is this massive 3,030-foot steel arch bridge spanning the gorge—an absolute engineering marvel. We hiked to a mountaintop overlook for panoramic views, visited the two-story visitor center viewpoint to see rock outcroppings from across the gorge, and spent the day exploring trails through dense forests.
Then we started driving toward Lexington, Kentucky, and... well... let's just say we both got a case of the "hangries." We hadn't eaten in over six hours, hit 5:30 pm rush hour traffic, and suddenly every decision about where to eat became a *situation*. Seven lanes of traffic, confusing turn lanes, circling the block multiple times to find a stoplight where we could actually cross to our hotel—it got tense, folks.
But here's the thing about being married this long: you know that pizza and wine fixes most things. We grabbed takeout, retreated to our room, and made up in time to watch the Seahawks beat the Cardinals on Thursday night football. Crisis averted.
United we stand, divided we fall.
Day 7: Horses, Bourbon, and Birthday Magic
This was the day I'd been looking forward to. We started early at Keeneland Racetrack with breakfast sandwiches from the Track Kitchen. When we got to the tour booth, my heart sank—"All sold out for today. In fact, I'm leading the last one in a few minutes."
I may have played the birthday card. "It's my birthday week, and we're just passing through..."
She smiled, disappeared for a moment, and came back with, "You're in."
Best. Tour. Ever. We saw the Parade Ring, walked the track, and learned about the winner's circle—get this—which was specially designed so the Queen of England wouldn't have to cross the dirt track when she visited. How fancy is that? Keeneland is in the middle of a multi-million-dollar renovation, and every detail is stunning: copper awnings, stacked limestone walls, elegant arches. They're preserving history while making it gorgeous.
After the tour, we headed to Woodford Reserve for their Innovation Inspired Tour and Tasting. We learned the craft behind their bourbon, sampled some seriously good stuff, and then settled on the tasting room patio with cocktails and a cheese board. Because why rush perfection?
Day 8: Going Underground at Mammoth Cave
Our final day started with a gorgeous, non-toll drive from Lexington to Mammoth Cave National Park. Picture white horse fences, ground fog rolling across hills, and that soft morning light that makes Kentucky look like a painting.
We arrived early and hiked the Green River Bluffs trail before checking in for our cave tour. Turns out we'd snagged spots on the fully-booked Historic Tour—2 miles underground, led by a ranger who was passionate about her job. Her storytelling brought the cave to life.
The coolest moment? She gathered us in a wide spot called "the tomb," where miners once harvested saltpeter (sodium nitrate) to make gunpowder during the War of 1812. Then she turned off the cave lights and lit a small hand lantern like the miners used. In that soft glow, hundreds of feet below the surface, her story about those miners became incredibly real.
After the tour, we made our obligatory Buc-ee's stop for coffee and lunch (because any good road trip needs a proper gas station pit stop) and drove the hour and a half home.
The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.
The Final Tally
-40+ miles hiked — my legs are still reminding me
3 national parks, 7 state parks — explored
1 historic train ride — Scott's still smiling
Countless waterfalls — chased through Virginia's forests
1 early morning racetrack tour — that almost didn't happen
1,780 miles driven — through the heart of America
1 epic "hangry" squabble — with full recovery
Too many memories to count
This trip reminded me that at 58, I'm not slowing down—I'm just getting started. There's so much world to see, and honestly? The best adventures are the ones you take with someone who'll circle the block with you seven times just to find the right pizza place.
Have you explored any of these parks? Found a hidden waterfall I need to know about? Discovered a bourbon distillery that knocked your socks off? Drop a comment below—I'd love to hear your stories. And if you're planning a similar trip, shoot me a message. I've got trail notes, restaurant recommendations, and a list of places I didn't have time for that are already on my "next trip" list.
Because trust me, there's going to be a next trip. 🥾🌲✨