The 10 Best Hikes in the Smokies

Stretching more than 2,100 miles from Main toMeigs Creek and its tributaries 15 times without
Georgia, the Appalachian Trail is the longest trail inthe aid of footbridges, so wear sturdy shoes that
the United States. 71 of these miles meanderyou don't mind getting wet! Distance: 3.5 miles one
through the Great Smoky Mountain National Park,way. Difficulty: Moderate.
beginning at the Davenport Gap in northeast5. On a clear day, the views from the Low Gap
Tennessee and exiting at the Fontana Dam inTrailhead to the summit of Mt. Cammerer are
southwest North Carolina. Of the numerous hikingunmatched along this rugged, rocky trail. For an
trails that follow the Smokies' crest, here are teneven better view, step onto the deck of the
particulars that offer some of the most beautifulstone fire tower, which provides 360-degree
views of the park.angles of row upon row of the blue, Smoky
Consider distance and difficulty before departing.Mountains. Although this trail is the shortest route,
Easy hikes are short with little elevation gain.remember that the summit reaches 4,928 feet.
Moderate hikes have some elevation gain and aDistance: 12 miles round trip. Difficulty: Strenuous.
more challenging terrain. Strenuous hikes are long6. Beginning just outside of Gatlinburg in
with plenty elevation gain and terrain difficulties. AtGreenbrier, the Porters Creek Trail has it all:
the start of every trail, check out the woodenstreams, forests, remnants from early settlers, a
signs with trail information and hang tight to yourlittle-known waterfall, and in the springtime, a
trail map to avoid getting lost in the Appalachianmind-blowing display of wildflowers including
wilderness. You are responsible for yourself, sobloodroot, hepaticas, and violets that cover nearly
pay attention to the surroundings. If you doevery square inch of the forest floor. At the one
happen to get lost, do not leave the trail you toldmile mark lies the John Messer Farm site, where
the guides you intended to hike, as they will lookhikers can see a cantilevered barn built around
for you there first. Now that logistics are out of1875 and a cabin built in the 1930s by the Smoky
the way, all you have to do is choose a path toMountain Hiking Club. Distance: 4 miles round trip.
forge that fits your needs and abilities.Difficulty: Moderate.
1. In the Tennessee side of the park is an area7. The Andrews Bald Trail begins at the Clingman's
known as the Sugarlands because of theDome parking area, so you must visit Clingman's
numerous maple trees that once grew there.Dome, the highest point in the park. Because of
Scotch-Irish, English, and German settlers oncethe elevation, temperatures can be 10-20 degrees
inhabited these lowlands, and hikers can still seecooler than the lower elevations. The view from
evidence of their work and livelihood. On this shortthe Bald Trail is unmatched, but the course can be
nature hike, you can see the land reclaimed bychallenging. Use a walking stick on the rough parts
the National Park along with restored log cabins,of the trail, and remember that the first part of
ancient sycamore trees, stone fences, memorials,the path tends to be wet, so consider waterproof
and Fighting Creek. Distance: 1-mile loop fromboots. Distance: 3.6 miles one way. Difficulty:
Sugarlands Visitor Center to the John OwnbyModerate.
Cabin. Difficulty: Easy.8. Chimney Tops Trail, on the Newfound Gap road
2. The Rainbow Falls Trail is part of the Cherokeeon the Tennessee side, is one of the most
Orchard/Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail in thepopular trails in the Smokies, so if you want to
Tennessee side of the park. The scenic trail leadsbeat the crowds, it is best arrive early in the
to Rainbow Falls, where the LeConte Creek spillsmorning. The early wake-up call is worth it for the
80 feet over a rock cliff before then twistingmagnificent view from the tops. It is only a 2-mile
through a boulder field under the trail's twohike to the top, but it is a very steep 2 miles.
footbridges. If the afternoon sun hits the falls justDistance: 4 miles round trip. Difficulty: Strenuous.
right, you can see a breathtaking rainbow in the9. The Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail is a path
falls, living up to it's name. In an especially coldwas designed for people with disabilities. The
winter, hikers can see a column of blue-white icepaved and fairly level trail makes it manageable
instead. Also, take a breather at the 2.5-mile markand enjoyable for people in wheelchairs or with
and bathe in an open view of the valley. Distance:other disabilities. It is also good option for those
2.6 miles one way. Difficulty: Moderate.with children in strollers and older visitors. Distance:
3. Several trails take you past Grotto Falls, a3,000 feet. Difficulty: Easy.
must-see in the Smoky Mountains. Along the way,10. Hiking in the Smokies would be incomplete if
walk through Trillium Gap, one of the prettiestyou did not at least attempt a strenuous trail such
places in the springtime when blooming wildflowersas the eight mile round trip Ramsay Cascades
pop up in every place the eye can see. TheseTrail, located near Greenbrier. The trail runs by a
gently ascending trails move in and out of thecreek and passes through a deciduous forest,
mountains, over creeks, riverbeds, and throughleading to the 100-foot Ramsay Cascades
the Roaring Fork River. At the 1.1-mile mark, theWaterfall--the park's highest and largest
creek falls into a deep pool, and at immediatelywaterfall--at an elevation of 2,375 feet. The trail
after, hikers enter a narrow, rock-walled defilestarts out with a slight incline, and then becomes
where the Roaring Fork sails 30 feet over Grottomore challenging as you near the cascades. The
Falls. The trail actually passes behind the waterfallentire route can take a little over four hours to
through this grotto, so take care when walking oncomplete. Distance: 8 miles round trip. Difficulty:
wet rocks. Distance: 1.2 miles one-way. Difficulty:Strenuous.
Moderate.Always remember to look after your health
4. To see numerous waterfalls and cascades, trybefore embarking on a hike of any sort. Bring
the Metcalf Bottoms trails of Tennessee, hikesunscreen and insect repellent, and carry a first
from The Sinks, which gets its name from theaid kit. Always wear appropriate clothing and
swirling water of the Little River rock bowl andankle-high hiking boots. Always drink plenty of
continue through Meigs Creek and to the Meigswater and keep nourished along the trail. Get
Creek Falls. Check out flora, such as the crestedyourself in gear and get going-with so many
dwarf iris and the maidenhair fern, both whichoptions for every ability and interest available, the
bloom heartily in the spring. The route crossesAppalachian Trail demands your footprints.