The one thing I like about hiking in the Smoky Mountains is the abundance of rivers and streams and waterfalls. The rivers are narrower and swifter than in the plain regions, and their waters create this soothing background sound while crashing into and around the randomly strewn rocks that come in all shapes and sizes. The rocks seem to be directing the flow of the water in different directions with a purpose.

We were walking steadily uphill against the flow of the Little River, with the river rocking-and-rolling beside us.