UPDATE: We returned in 2021 and were very disappointed. We knew a few attractions were closed because of the epidemic. We were led to believe the occupancy was also reduced. Everything was extremely crowded. We waited in lines to use the elevator. The resort removed many tables from the pool area and all tables near the restaurants, so guests sat on the floor to eat. The water park had long, crowded lines for most activities. It was miserable, so we cut our visit short this time.
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We went to Raccoon Mountain for two nights. After exploring their cave, we toured the Tennessee Aquarium. Although we had been here many times before, the aquarium retains its appeal.
Then we travelled to Cave City, Kentucky. Madi and I ziplined at Hidden River Cave before the three of us toured it. Then we had fun at Kentucky Action Park, which has bumper boats, go-karts, and much more. The next day, we toured Mammoth Cave.
After leaving Cave City, we went to O’Bannon Woods State Park in southern Indiana. I picked this park for its near proximity to family and friends, but we really enjoyed it.
Crossing Creek costs more than I would like for a stay, but it has many great amenities which made it worthwhile. The parking spots are large and well equipped. Near the clubhouse is a heated pool and hot tub, sauna, and gym. The grounds are nicely landscaped and clean.
We went to Vogel State Park and hiked to Trahlyta Falls. After a brief walk around the lake and an even shorter walk downstairs to the observation deck, the falls are stunning.
After hanging around Vogel a while, we took a short drive and then hiked to Dukes Creek Falls. It is 1.1 miles to the falls from the trailhead but it is not difficult. My wife, daughter, and I did it easily. If I can do it then most others can. The distance is well rewarded with gorgeous scenery along the way as you follow a stream and then two large falls at the end.
Our home has some space for a trailer but not enough for a long one. The Sandpiper was almost 39 feet. The driveway is a steep climb up from a road which is fairly steep down grade. Not only is it a steep climb for 120 feet, but it curves right then left in 50 feet. There is little chance I can back it in, while making the curves, and not blow the transmission backing up. The Sandpiper is just a little too long to pull it up the driveway and swing a U-turn. While we have many locations near us which will store RVs, none have room. Also, they have waiting lists when spots do open up so we would not likely get one soon. So we have been storing it at a lot 30 minutes from home.
With our vehicle this far away, we would pack everything into the truck the day of the trip, then drive to the lot, unpack things into the trailer since most were in the pickup bed and could not travel in the bed while the fifth wheel was connected. This also meant carrying ice packs because the fridge would be hot. The beds would not be made and often I would have to bring replacement propane tanks that would need to be hooked up. Then half the time the destination would be in the opposite direction we just traveled. This added 90 – 120 minutes to the trip out and then about the same on the return. When you have to wait to get off work on a Friday, this extra time often meant we did not take as many weekends camping and also limited our destinations.
Then the lot we were using made many upgrades including covered spaces causing the rent to go up. We would either have to pay the increase or find another lot which would be further away. We decided we could buy a smaller RV, use our own space at home, and save money.
Just like many things in life, we choose our first RV based on an incomplete picture of what was important. We also did not save as much as we thought but we came out close to even and the convenience of having it at home has been awesome.
]]>Pulling into the grounds looks a little daunting. The turn is sharp with a drop. It immediately presents you with a narrow wooden bridge and a sharp turn. I went forward on faith because there were no guide signs. There is then a turn to the left, which I thankfully did not take. I should have taken the second left but continued straight. This took me around the campground circle in the wrong direction.
Check-in went smoothly with very helpful staff. They guided me to my spot despite my wrong orientation, assisted with placing the RV at the optimum spot to take advantage of the built-up deck, and informed us of their facilities.
All the spots had shade trees and some are beside a nice creek. The park has an organic garden, farm animals kids can pet, a large playground, a stocked fish pond, and trails to waterfalls.
Related Links:
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Even though I live near this area of Georgia, I often overlook the interesting places here. I tend to focus on the mountains in North Georgia and Tennessee. Even though it was full and could not stay in Red Top Mountain State Park, we still came here for a day to hike.
We also visited New Echota Historic Site. This place is fantastic! They have preserved a part of the Cherokee Nation’s capitol. You can tour the buildings at your leisure or with a guide. The reconstructed print shop demonstrates and gives free samples of a news sheet.
Related Links:
New Ecota Historic Site
Red Top Mountain State Park
This trip was much better. We had nice weather all week. We hiked to Cane Creek Falls and the top of Fall Creek Falls. Next time we would like to hike down to the base of Fall Creek Falls and do some of the other trails.
We also took a quick drive to Cumberland Caverns. This private cavern has guided tours through an extensive system of caves. While touristy, it was nice. The typical tour has a lot of walking but they have places to wait if you cannot do many stairs.
Our site was on loop A, site 22. This site has a long pull-thru asphalt pad. It has plenty of room and is close to the playground and field. Unfortunately, this site is on a steep slope which makes leveling the rig difficult. We had blocks to drive up onto and could get level, but only barely. With careful positioning of the rig, I could get the slides open on both sides and steps on the pad. The bunk slide cleared the trees by only four inches. The awning could not extend at all.
They set the site up with the picnic table and fire ring on the back side of the rig. Having to go around the trailer to get to the table or fire became exhausting, especially when grilling, setting the table, and cleanup. I would not choose this site again if I had a choice. Site 25 was a little closer to the field and playground and had a better layout with plenty of room for our rig. Most of the sites in loop A had plenty of room and were reasonably level, though few will accommodate a large rig like our Sandpiper.
We live near Atlanta and do not see many of the stars at night. I bought a telescope in 2007 designed to keep ambient light from interfering as much so I could stargaze at all. Fall Creek Falls has little ambient light from cities so the sky is dark and stars are very visible. Being near the field allowed easy viewing of the sky, and the Milky Way showed clearly. I wish I had the telescope and next time I will be sure to bring it.
Related Links:
Fall Creek Falls State Park
Cumberland Caverns
Despite its proximity, we had never been to this park. It is small and quiet with only 25 camp sites. We fished in the lake, fed the ducks, and hiked a bit. This weekend they hosted a small antique car show.
Several people in the park were escaping the hurricane hitting Florida. The hurricane then turned towards us, and we had a lot of rain. This washed out the entrance to the dump station. Many rigs could still use it but because it is on a steep hill and our rig is so heavy, I did not want to chance hitting the deep ruts and getting stuck. We dumped at a Flying J on the way home.
The playground is near many of the sites, which made it convenient for us to relax outdoors while our daughter played. The bath house is older but well maintained and also convenient to most sites. The camp hosts and the ranger were super nice people. Not all carriers have good mobile service here. We have T-Mobile and it was spotty coverage, but the office has free WiFi if you need to communicate.
We did not get to hike as much as we wanted because of the rain. There is a trail to an abandoned mine we will do another time. We absolutely loved the park!
Related Links:
James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park