Field notes & guides
Useful details and reported context for planning a walk, a drive, or a slower day in a place.
231 stories
Photo: NPS Photo / Warren Bielenberg. Original · Public domain in the United States; U.S. National Park Service photograph · Resized for this site; some views are cropped.
The Smokies · Nature · Hikes & walks
Wildlife is part of what draws us to the Smokies. Give bears space, secure food and check the park’s rules before heading onto a trail.
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Photo: NPS Photo. Original · Public domain in the United States; U.S. National Park Service photograph · Resized for this site; some views are cropped.
The Smokies · Drives · Day trips
We’d leave time between Gatlinburg and Cherokee for Newfound Gap, an overlook and a short walk. Plan a park crossing with room to stop.
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Photo: David Ratledge. Original · CC BY 4.0 · Resized for this site; some views are cropped.
The Smokies · History · Attractions
The cabins, churches and gristmill give us another reason to linger in Cades Cove. Make time for its historic stops along the one-way loop.
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Photo: Maksym Kozlenko. Original · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized for this site; some views are cropped.
Poland · Discoveries · History
Wrocław appeals to our love of old buildings and unhurried walks. Follow the Rynek’s townhouses toward the river bridges and Ostrów Tumski.
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Photo: Pudelek. Original · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized for this site; some views are cropped.
Poland · Hikes & walks · Outdoors
Śnieżka draws us for a day on foot in the Karkonosze. Plan the 6.7 km Silesian Way from Karpacz, its 842 m climb and the full return journey.
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Photo: FotoCavallo. Original · CC BY 3.0 · Resized for this site; some views are cropped.
Poland · History · Discoveries
We’d leave an afternoon for Kraków’s Old Town and Wawel Hill. Follow Grodzka Street, pause along the way and plan castle entry separately.
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Photo: PaulT (Gunther Tschuch). Original · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized for this site; some views are cropped.
Poland · History · Attractions
The timber churches in Świdnica and Jawor appeal to our love of old buildings. Leave time for their painted galleries and the separate towns.
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Photo: Bouke ten Cate. Original · CC BY 4.0 · Resized for this site; some views are cropped.
Poland · Nature · Hikes & walks
Białowieża draws us for time among old trees. Choose a guided visit to Orłówka or an independent walk on the park’s permitted routes.
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Photo: Yair Haklai. Original · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized for this site; some views are cropped.
Poland · History · Attractions
Centennial Hall gives our interest in historic buildings another direction. Visit Max Berg’s concrete hall and leave time for the Pergola.
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Photo: Drozdp. Original · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized for this site; some views are cropped.
Poland · Rivers & falls · Hikes & walks
We like leaving room for a short waterfall walk between longer outings. Szklarka has a 375-metre approach and a viewpoint beside the falls.
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Photo: Jakub T. Jankiewicz. Original · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized for this site; some views are cropped.
Poland · Day trips · Drives
Let one place lead the day: Książ Castle, a Church of Peace or a Karkonosze trail. Our approach to exploring Lower Silesia from Wrocław.
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Photo: Palickap. Original · CC BY 4.0 · Resized for this site; some views are cropped.
Poland · Food · Local life
Food is part of getting to know Poland for us. Look for Wrocław-style żurek and other regional dishes, and leave a meal time in your city walk.
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Photo: Northern-Virginia-Photographer. Original · CC0 1.0 · Resized for this site; some views are cropped.
The Smokies · Fishing · Nature
Time beside a Smokies stream appeals to us. For a fishing visit, check the license, tackle rules and fish advisories before heading to the water.
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Photo: Don McCulley. Original · CC0 1.0 · Resized for this site; some views are cropped.
The Smokies · Lodging · Day trips
We’d choose a Smokies base around the walks and drives we want to do. Compare Gatlinburg, Townsend, Cherokee and Bryson City with your route.
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Photo: Frank Kovalchek. Original · CC BY 2.0 · Resized for this site; some views are cropped.
The Smokies · Music · Local life
An evening of live music is another way we’d explore the Smokies region. Learn about Appalachian traditions and check the local calendars.
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