Picturesque Views Not Soon Forgotten

When the land for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was obtained, land owners were often granted leasing agreements for their property.  In most cases these agreements spanned the lifetime of the owner, the last of which expired in Elkmont in 2001.   Click here to view photographs and read the detailed history of this area.  

If you are planning a visit to the smokies, consider experiencing the beauty and rich heritage of Elkmont on foot.   To do so, start at either the lower or upper parking area  adjacent to the Elkmont campground.  At the lower parking lot you will find the trailhead for the Little River and at the upper lot the Jake’s Creek.  Either of these trails can be hiked in or back out, if you so choose.  However, our Frugal Family Travelers suggest starting at either of the trails listed above and then using the Cucumber Trail as a connector for the two to form a loop!  The Cucumber trail is clearly marked so there is no chance of missing it along the way.  This option provides great views of the mountains, creeks, a fun stream crossing and lots of history along the way.  It’s a moderate hike of approximately 7 plus miles, so pack plenty of water and snacks, especially if hiking with children.  If your visit is during the summer months you may want to plan ahead with suits in order to cool off in one of the streams.

Don’t forget to explore Historic Daisy Town while at the upper parking area near the trail head for Jake’s Creek.  The National Park Service is currently restoring buildings in this historic place as popularized by early 20th century Americans wishing to escape urban living. 

Be sure to view the video below so see what a great time was had at Elkmont.    Satisfy your wanderlust and plan a visit to this picturesque spot that has managed to become one of our new favorite places in the Smokies!!! 

Click here to read our Smoky Mountains Travel Guide!

Cool Off While Kayaking the Coosa then Soak in the History

Perhaps you are from the NOLA area, desiring a quick adventure with little drive time.    Perhaps you are one of our readers outside of the region, desiring  a trip down south to discover some of the diverse history mixed with a splash of outdoor fun.  Regardless of which of the two statements above fits your situation, read on, as this post may be just the adventure your Frugal Family Travelers are seeking this summer!

Outdoor Whitewater Adventure.......

The Coosa River in Wetumpka, AL (right outside Montgomery) is known to locals but, unfortunately, not to many in the NOLA area.    We stumbled upon it while searching for a whitewater river adventure, not far from home.  Side note: If you are a frequent reader of the Frugal Family Travelers blog , you know we enjoy kayaking.  However, on this excursion, we desired a float trip that packed an adrenaline rush NOT invoked by the typical gator sitings  on our Louisiana bayous.   

Coosa River Adventures Outfitters was just the place to make this come to fruition: (click here for more information)

*Reservation were easily made over the phone.   

*The River outpost was conveniently located adjacent to the Coosa, with shuttle service to the take out point.   *All gear and safety instructions were  provided.   

*The atmosphere was great for families of all types!!  

*The owner was extremely friendly and has been in business well over twenty years!

*The staff were extremely helpful and friendly! 

*The float itself was packed with excitement, with some class II and III rapids, as well as moments for respite on sandy shores and rock islands, in the middle of the river.   

(Pictured above: A waterfall that flows into the river!  This is a great place to stop and swim and picnic.   It can also be accessed from Corn Creek Park!)

Jordan Dam on the Coosa River 

Things to pack:

**Sunscreen!   

**Soft side coolers are perfect for the kayak!

**Ziplocks or water bags for items and food.  

**Bottled water!  

**Cheap sunglasses...they may float down the river if you tip over!!!

**Trash bags! 

**Hat!!!!!  

**Water shoes!!!!

**Carabiners to attach items to the kayak! 

Cost:

**Check the website for a variety of pricing options based on your needs.  

Directions:

Click here for google map and directions.  

History......

Our Frugal Family Travelers have visited Montgomery in previous years!   However, on this trip, we arrived later in the afternoon, when many museums had already closed.   Due to this, we opted to spend our time by completing a self guided Civil Heritage Walking Tour with the map we obtained from the visitors center at Union Station, near the river (see map below).  We highly suggest a stop at Union Station when you first arrive.    Not only is it rich in history but an attendant at the center will supply you with formation suited for your stay!   Make sure you check the operating hours for each of the museums listed.  

Sites along our walking tour......

Union Station:

Riverboat Park: 

St John’s Episcopal:


Court Square Fountain and State Capitol in background:


Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church:






For hikers........

Swayback Trail

Disclaimer:

All content provided on Frugal Family Travelers blog is for informational purposes only. The owners of this blog make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site.  The owners 

of Frugal Family Travelers blog do not share personal information with third-parties and are not responsible for the republishing of the content found on this blog on other Web sites or media without permission.  As with all travel, operating days, times, costs, etc., should be verified prior to departure.

Coosa River Adventure

Natural Beauty and History Abound!

Over spring break, Frugal Family Travelers explored yet another section of the Natchez Trace Parkway, just outside of Jackson, MS.  For those who have never traveled the Natchez Trace, consider it!  It is a beautiful motor trail spanning from Natchez, MS to Nashville, TN, and with so many historic and nature sites along the way, it’s rich with opportunities for exploration!  

This particular journey led us to Rocky Spring, located right at mile post 54.8 off the parkway. The remnants of this town, first settled in the 1790’s, are well marked with historic placards along the trail through the once bustling community.  Hikers will be transported back in time as they learn the history of the town and the reasons for its ultimate demise.  While traversing the trails archeological remnants, such as cisterns and safes will be discovered as reminders that people once lived and thrives here.  Perhaps the most remarkable part of Rocking Springs is the Methodist Church, constructed in 1837.  It is the only building which remains and is quite beautiful to behold. 

This area is run by the national park service as is the entire Natchez Trace Parkway. In addition to the trail mentioned above, Rocky Springs has a campground and another hiking area which provides access to a crystal clear creek and a portion of the old sunken trace. 

Will all of this being said, pick a date and start planning your trip to Rocky Spring!   Consider combining this with other offerings nearby, to create an entire vacation for your Frugal Family Travelers.  

1. Petrified Forest
2. Clear Springs
3. Geyser Falls 
4. White Water in MS
5. Natchez, MS Activities

Note:  Consider packing a picnic lunch!   Bring bug spray, sunscreen and water!    It gets hot here in the summer!

Location:  The Trail entrance is at mile marker 54.8 off the Natchez Trace Parkway.  A detailed map of the area is in the pictures below and can also be found at the entrance station.   Click HERE for directions!

Disclaimer:

All content provided on Frugal Family Travelers blog is for informational purposes only. The owners of this blog make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site.  The owners 

of Frugal Family Travelers blog do not share personal information with third-parties and are not responsible for the republishing of the content found on this blog on other Web sites or media without permission.  As with all travel, operating days, times, costs, etc., should be verified prior to departure.

Paradise for Exploration and Relaxation

Fontainebleau State Park is situated on Lake Pontchartrain near the outskirts of Mandeville, LA. The diverse hiking trails, sandy beach, boardwalks, ruins of a sugar cane plantation, cabins on the lake and a splash pad for kids, make this a place every Frugal Family Traveler should add to the bucket list! 

We recently spent the afternoon hiking the Sugar Mill Trail and exploring the boardwalk out to the overlook on the lake.    On the way, we saw numerous folks birdwatching and looking for gators lounging in the marsh grass!    Luckily, we did not encounter the latter!    After our hike we noticed many people enjoying the expansive green space for games, picnicking and grilling.   We were admittedly jealous and wished we had prepared to picnic and grill!  

Once back In the car we took an auto tour to scout out good sites for tent camping and also to survey the cabins on the lake!  There are places for RV camping, spaces for primitive camping, as well as improved camp sites with water and electricity.  Whatever your taste may be regarding the great outdoors, you will certainly find something here to meet your needs.  We are already planning our next adventure here, to either tent camp or stay in one of the cabins on the lake! 

Day use entry fee:   $3 per person.  

*For more information click HERE!

*TIP: Pack a picnic lunch, water, bug spray, sunscreen!!  

*For other offerings nearby click HERE then scroll down the page to discover the offerings in nearby Lacombe and Slidell, Louisiana.  

Disclaimer:

All content provided on Frugal Family Travelers blog is for informational purposes only. The owners of this blog make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site.  The owners of Frugal Family Travelers blog do not share personal information with third-parties and are not responsible for the republishing of the content found on this blog on other Web sites or media without permission.  As with all travel, operating days, times, costs, etc., should be verified prior to departure.