Middle Prong Trail might be for you, located in Tremont near Townsend. It has numerous scenic driving tours, plenty of amazing lookouts along the roads, and well-maintained hiking trails that range from easy to strenuous. Required fields are marked *. The sprawling ridges and forests, beautiful vegetation, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking views make it an amazing place to visit time and time again. Already more than 210 miles of trails are accessible, stretching from Lookout Mountain near Chattanooga to the state line with Kentucky in the Cumberland Plateau. Soak up the journey, not just the destination, because on this hike you'll be passing through the park's largest old-growth forest. 3 hours from Gatlinburg (Smoky Mountains) Also located in the Banner Elk area of North Carolina, this ski resort offers a little something extra. Knoxville is just an hour away from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in America! Cabins Near the Great Smoky Mountains. Note that leashed dogs are allowed at the campgrounds, picnic … With opportunities for beautiful hikes, waterfalls, swimming holes, river tubing, caves, camping, biking, and even horseback riding, you … From view-packed day hikes on the Appalachian Trail to incredible backpacking adventures, these are our favorite Smoky Mountains hiking adventures. Lists of kid-friendly hikes, waterfall hikes, and more! Try your hand at some high-elevation trail maintenance on the Appalachian Trail. Smoky Mountain hikes with views are abundant in the national park. You will often find Michelle and her family out hiking, playing in the mountains, bike riding, or trying out any kind of outdoor adventures they can find in and around the Smoky Mountains area. Whether you are looking for classic Chevys, Dodges, Fords, Oldsmobiles, Plymouths, or even Pontiacs, we have them in … For a unique hiking trail in the Smoky Mountains near our campground, you should hike to the Mount Sterling Fire Tower. Melting Pot Going to School in Knoxville School Website Wallpaper Contact Order your Knoxville Planning Guide : House Mountain >> Norris Dam >> UT Arboretum >> Great Smoky Mountains National … Andrews Bald Hiking Trail is somewhat strenuous due to the rocky terrain but is a perfect hike for fit families. Learn about the Smoky Mountain hiking trails that are just minutes from our campground. However, from its immediate base to its highest peak, Mt. Great hikes, amazing waterfalls, and breathtaking views are just some of the best parts of the Smoky Mountains. While it looks to be a gravel road, Middle Prong Trail was a railroad bed used to haul logs out of the area. This moderately rated trail is located near Gatlinburg between the lower tunnel and “the loop” on Newfound Gap Road. At the higher elevations in the Great Smoky Mountains fall color displays begin as early as mid-September when American beech, mountain maple, yellow birch, pin cherry and hobblebush begin to show their autumn colors. A short hike, but one that will get your heart pumping and leave you in awe. Bring the kids along to hunt for a few of the park's famous salamanders near the creek! Porters Creek is a 4-mile trip if you go to the falls and back, and is great for older kids who love to explore. The elevation gain of 1487 feet (960 feet in the last mile) can be compared to the rate of elevation gain found on some of the 14,000-foot peaks in Colorado. The tower was built by the CCC in 1937, and to this day it is open for exploring or maybe just taking a break from the wind, rain or snow - some even nap before heading back down the mountain. Hike it, bike it, or run it. You are always welcome to join our weekly hiking outings in the beautiful, rugged Smokies and surrounding natural areas here in East Tennessee. LeConte is also home to two impressive overlooks, The Clifftops, and Myrtle Point that offer some of the most impressive views in the Smoky Mountains. Once you reach your destination, you'll not only be welcomed by an ocean of views but also a lookout tower on the summit. Knoxville TN 37924 (865) 386-7398 email: info@SmokyMtnNotary.com. LeConte Lodge is located on top of the LeConte Mountain and can only be accessed by foot. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is GORGEOUS! Appalachian Trail: Newfound Gap to Charlies. Hiking in the Smokys calls this hike, “one of the best”! A waterfall, views, LeConte Lodge, and the Appalachian Trail. The Deep Creek Loop will take you to three of the park's waterfalls. Plan on about 3 hours total for this hike and prepare to see some of the most outstanding views in the Smokies. An easy riverside trail that is perfect for a stroll in the mountains. The highest elevation peaks at 4955 feet with a moderate difficulty rating. Rainbow Falls is the highest single-drop waterfall in the Smokies and you should try to view them after long periods of rain for the best experience. Escape from the every day and spend time in the outdoors creating memories with your loved on one of the 10 best Smoky Mountain hikes for kids. On your way back down the road, stop in and explore the Clingmans Dome Nature Trail and say hello to the gnomes. This park is filled with so many wonderful waterfalls, rolling mountains that seem to go on forever, and fog that looks so magical and mystical. Knoxville TN 37924 (865) 386-7398 email: info@SmokyMtnNotary.com. Located only 30 miles from Pigeon Forge, Clingman’s Dome, the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains, is an attraction not to be missed.After a short half-mile hike along a paved path, you will find yourself atop a tower at more than 6,600 ft. It should take 3-4 hours to complete. Spring, summer, and fall are all good times to hit the trails with your family or favorite hiking buddies. This one may not be as family-friendly due to the plant and tree roots along the hike, plus a few steep sections. Nothing compares to the hikes in Gatlinburg. For the full list of hiking trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including kid-friendly hikes and additional hikes that include waterfalls, visit, https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/hiking.ht, The 5 Best Trails to Hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The National Park Service maintains more than 800 miles of trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.Whether you are a novice with little-to-no hiking experience, or a 900-miler on the Appalachian Trail, the Smoky … Get started at Andrews Bald from Clingmans Dome via the Forney Ridge Trail. It’s about nourishment and learning. Wind through the Trees Along the Lake For the full list of hiking trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including kid-friendly hikes and additional hikes that include waterfalls, visit https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/hiking.htm. Clingmans Dome. The Gatlinburg Trail is a nature walk through the woods. Knoxville Hiking. Some aren't too difficult to reach; others are not for the faint of heart. A great destination to add some miles and views when you're visiting Clingmans Dome. Enjoy panoramic views and a cascading stream when you hike Chimney Tops Trail. Distance: .5 mile A short, enjoyable paved trail located near the Sugarlands Visitor Center. The hike to the tallest waterfall in the park is 8-miles round trip. The 2016 wildfire closed this trail for about a year, but it has since been reopened with a newly constructed observation point. It’s about building relationships with the outdoors and each other. Chimney Tops is one of the shortest hikes in the Smoky Mountains with the best views. A waterfall hike that can be combined with the Cades Cove Loop or a weekend adventure at the Cades Cove Campground. 2 hours & 45 minutes from Knoxville; approx. One of the best winter hikes in the Smoky Mountains is along the Porters Creek Trail, which is a 4 mile round trip hike that features an old cemetery, creek views and a variety of historic buildings, including the remnants of an old farmstead! The hike is steep and many hikers do not reach the top, but the first part of the trail isn’t too bad. You will leave this park amazed and refreshed. Smoky Mountain Guides provides high quality, guided adventures as well as interpretive tours of the Smoky Mountain region and beyond. Your email address will not be published. The trail begins at the Alum Cave Bluffs parking area at Newfound Gap Road between Newfound Gap and Chimney Tops on the Tennessee side of the Smoky Mountains. Start checking them out and you'll be out on the trail in no time! Winter hiking in the Smoky Mountains is a fun, free recreational opportunity for … The Smoky Mountains Hiking Club, Knoxville, Tennessee We Explore, Enjoy, and Protect the Great Smokies. Logan Mahan House Mountain is perhaps the best hiking destination in Knox County, with immersive forests and mountaintop views rare this close to the city. Surrounded by breathtaking mountaintops, the journey along one of … This hike will require shuttling unless you're up for a really long day. WELCOME TO KNOXVILLE: HIKING About Knoxville Surrounding Towns Trip Ideas Climate Geography Knoxville Government Knoxville Accessibility Recreation Resources Knoxville Demographics Knoxville Facts. © 2020 Outdoor Project. They range from easy to moderate, and they are great for people who have never hiked before or people who do some hiking. One of the most popular day-hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the unpaved Alum Cave Trail offers options for every type of hiker. Best Family-Friendly Hikes in the Smoky Mountains. It takes about 3-4 hours to hike to the waterfall and back. We promise not to annoy you, but if you wish, you may unsubscribe at any time. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the USA. Here are 4 of the best winter hikes in the Smoky Mountains: 1. One of the best winter hikes in the Smoky Mountains is along the Porters Creek Trail, which is a 4 mile round trip hike that features an old cemetery, creek views and a variety of historic buildings, including the remnants of an old farmstead! There are so many reasons to make the Smoky Mountain region your fall destination. There are several hikes in the Smoky Mountains you won’t want to miss out on because of the beautiful features along the way. The elevation gain of 1487 feet (960 feet in the last mile) can be compared to the rate of elevation gain found on some of the 14,000-foot peaks in Colorado, Ready to take a drive from Knoxville and head into the Smokies for a hike? Especially around Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, you can find many wonderful hiking trails designed for expert trail adventurers, newcomers and everyone in between. The Great Smoky Mountains is in the Appalachian Mountains and is America's most visited National Park. Ready to take a drive from Knoxville and head into the Smokies for a hike? Posted in: Smoky Mountain National Park Tagged: best hiking trails near knoxville, hiking, hiking east tennessee, hiking trails knoxville tn, smoky mountain national park, Your email address will not be published. 5 of the Best Overlooked Hikes near Knoxville. DISCLAIMER: "I AM NOT AN ATTORNEY LICENSED TO PRACTICE LAW IN THE STATE OF TENNESSEE, AND I MAY NOT GIVE LEGAL ADVICE OR ACCEPT FEES FOR LEGAL ADVICE." The state’s most ambitious trail project in recent memory, the Cumberland Trail, will contain 300 miles (when complete) of backcountry trails perfect for day hikes or multi-day DIY adventures.Already more than 210 miles of trails are accessible, stretching from Lookout Mountain near Chattanooga to the state line with Kentucky in the Cumberland Plateau. Hiking near Sylva, NC: The 10 Best Smoky Mountain Hikes Western North Carolina is a nature enthusiast’s playground, one that’s equally spellbinding, lush, and vast. The first hike your family needs to experience to fully appreciate the grandeur of the Smokies is the hike to Andrews Bald. Whether you plan a day-hike or head out for an extended backpacking adventure, the park trails are well-maintained, nicely signed and easy to navigate. Distance is Round Trip. In the summer months, cool of with a lazy tubing trip down the river. Andrews Bald Hiking Trail is somewhat strenuous due to the rocky terrain but is a perfect hike for fit families. It is a little over half an hour from our … That's what you'll find on the Alum Cave Trail. The highest elevation here is 6310 feet. This crowd-pleasing, four-season destination is known for its whitewater rafting , fly fishing , and deep-wooded waterfalls . 38 Popular Day Hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Alum Cave is located at Newfound Gap Road with a roundtrip length of 4.6 miles or 5.1 miles if you continue to LeConte Lodge. Experience it all with this hike. Abrams … Knoxville man is in the Smoky Mountains trying to break a record Jeff Woody plans to hike all the trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the fastest known time Author: Emily Stroud DISCLAIMER: "I AM NOT AN ATTORNEY LICENSED TO PRACTICE LAW IN THE STATE OF TENNESSEE, AND I MAY NOT GIVE LEGAL ADVICE OR ACCEPT FEES FOR LEGAL ADVICE." There are no hotels in Great Smoky Mountains National Park other than LeConte Lodge. This trail is considered difficult and is 5.1 miles roundtrip. Below you'll find a list of some of the best hikes within the park and a dash of information and highlights to help you plan your Smoky Mountain adventures. In 2016, over 11 million outdoor enthusiasts roamed the hills and valleys of the Smokies - each one finding an adventure that was perfect for them. The month of October is especially spectacular in the park as But what if you like your hikes to have a destination? With more than 800 miles of them maintained in this most-visited U.S. national park, there are routes suitable for just about everybody: young and old, super-fit and (ahem) less so, those with loads of time to explore and those who have to pack their sightseeing into a few hours. Plan ahead and arrive early if you want to tackle this hike–it’s very popular and parking can be tough despite two lots to accommodate visitors. There are over 800 miles of trails, and a large section of the Appalachian Trail in the park as well as 80 historic structures. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a 522,427-acre natural playground that lies on the southern end of the Appalachian Mountains. In the words of Paul Simon, you may just have to “Make a new plan, Stan.” 4 thoughts on “UPDATED-5 Alternative Hikes for Fall Fun Near the Smokies” Mountain laurel blooms in … The hike is steep and many hikers do not reach the top, but the first part of the trail isn’t too bad. It is an easy trail with a 2.6-mile roundtrip length. Near the top of the mountain, you'll find LeConte Lodge, a backcountry lodge where you can buy lunch during the summer season and sit back on a rocking chair while you enjoy the mountain view. With over 12.5 million visitors in 2019, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited National Park in the United States. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a 522,427-acre natural playground that lies on the southern end of the Appalachian Mountains. Baker Creek Preserve is connected to about 40 more miles of trail within Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness, so you can hike through the autumn leaves all day if you choose! Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment? Also worth noting, Alum Cave is not a cave, but rather a jutting ledge of black slate formed over the trail to make it appear like a cave. An 8-mile round-trip hike on the infamous Appalachian Trail with some of the best views in the park at Charlies Bunion. The Greenbrier Campground is near some of the best hikes in the Smokies! Hotels Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park. If you’re looking …. It is an easy trail with a 2.6-mile roundtrip length. Part of the trail passes through the former site of a lumber camp community called Tremont, which was one of the last areas in the park to be logged. Enjoy panoramic views and a cascading stream when you hike Chimney Tops Trail. Hiking is free. The song lyrics "Rocky Top, you'll always be home sweet home to me" are possibly some of the most popular lyrics in Tennessee. The shortest trek from trailhead to fire tower is an 11.1 mile round-trip! In 2016, over 11 million outdoor enthusiasts roamed the hills and valleys of the Smokies - each one finding an adventure that was perfect for them. To begin your next hiking adventure in the Smokies, simply click on one of the trail directories below: About Great Smoky Mountains National Park Straddling along the rugged border of Tennessee and North Carolina are the Great Smoky Mountains, one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world. Cammerer Fire Tower is something every Smoky Mountain hiking lover should have on his or her bucket list. The name Alum Cave comes from the deposits of alum found along the “cave” walls. Warning: Avoid climbing on the rocks near the waterfall due to slipping hazards caused by mist and algae. Over 800 miles of scenic trails weave through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, ranging from short leg-stretchers to strenuous treks. The 2-mile approach gains 1,375 feet, which is enough to earn you some spectacular views from the top. It passes three major waterfalls, numerous smaller falls, cataracts, and cascades. One of the joys of hiking in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the sheer variety of trails. Mt. The first section of the trail follows along Road Prong Creek, and you’ll get to cross several footbridges along the .9-miles route to Beech Flats. The 2016 wildfire closed this trail for about a year, but it has since been reopened with a newly constructed observation point. The hike to Mount Cammerer is by far one of the top three hikes in the park. Porters Creek. While you can drive it, you'll miss out on a true Cades Cove experience. The name Alum Cave comes from the deposits of alum found along the “cave” walls. T-1 next to name is trail location. After visiting the Smokies, I can now see why. When you are planning a trip to explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the perfect place to stay is in one of our breathtaking log cabins conveniently located near the park. Hiking Trials Hiking is a major attraction in the Great Smoky Mountains, and there are more than 900 miles of trails from quite walkways to strenuous climbs by thundering streams and waterfalls. I don’t care if you visit in the spring, the fall, or a random Tuesday in February. If you’re looking for a fantastic summer hike that’s easy and filled with beauty, you’ll want to add hiking the Big Creek Trail to Mouse Creek Falls to your Smoky Mountain bucket list. Now we’ll reveal some favorite trails that truly stand out in the holiday months. Take the 1-mile round-trip walk up to the top of the observation tower. Knoxville is just an hour away from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in America! This is one of the most popular hiking trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Outdoor Project may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers. The roundtrip hike of 3.3 miles is short and sweet, with the highest elevation peaking at 4753 feet. There are many camping options available. Plan on about 3 hours total for this hike and prepare to see some of the most outstanding views in the Smokies. (4 miles round-trip, moderate) At an elevation of 5,920 ft., this is the highest grassy bald in the Great Smoky Mountains. For reservations or … Smoky Mountain Traders is dedicated to curating the best classic cars and making them available to anyone who has ever wanted to own a piece of history and ride it into the future. This one may not be as family-friendly due to the plant and tree roots along the hike, plus a few steep sections. . Knoxville and the Smoky Mountains: A To-Do List for Travelers Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Knoxville, Tennessee, has grown from a hardscrabble town into a vibrant city with a thriving creative scene, innovative food and drink options, and exceptional access to … 8. Phone: 828-387-2011 1007 Beech Mountain Pkwy Beech Mountain, NC 28604. Views, views, and more views. It’s about more than standing on the mountain top. The sprawling ridges and forests, beautiful vegetation, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking views make it an amazing place to visit time and time again. And for good reason. We believe good things come from people spending time outside. Along with tranquil cascades, the Alum Cave Bluffs offer the shortest access to Mount LeConte. This is a moderately difficult hike with switchbacks and rocky sections. In the spring and summer, you’ll get to see a variety of beautiful wildflowers. You can find more information here. A taste of the AT that may leave you dreaming about a thru-hike journey to Maine. Once you pass Beech Flats, you’ll have to hike up steep terrain to reach the summit. These are the best places for budget-friendly hiking trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Alum Cave Trail; Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail; Gatlinburg Trail; Chimney Tops Trail; Grotto Falls Trail; See more budget-friendly hiking trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park on Tripadvisor Mount Sterling Fire Tower. The path is paved, making it easier than other trails due to rocks and tree roots. Short Hikes of the Great Smoky Mountains – Best Trails. Hiking Trails Near Townsend. With over 800 miles of trail to explore, 700 miles of mountain streams to fish, almost 80 historic structures to visit, countless waterfalls and scenic overlooks! Great Smoky Mountains National Park Located just 37 miles outside of Knoxville, Great Smoky Mountains National Park makes an ideal daylong excursion for family vacationers and nature lovers. 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