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Posted by Jon Hoffman in National Park
Did you know that more than 800 miles of hiking trails wind through Great Smoky Mountains National Park? In all, there are 150 official trails, many of them open to the public all year 'round.
With so many trails to choose from, where do you even begin? Anywhere you want! Whether you're hiking to breathtaking waterfalls, majestic mountaintops, or historic Appalachian homesites, you'll find the views – and the trek itself – well worth the effort.
Here are 3 top-rated trails, ranging from easy/moderate to rigorous, all located close to Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville.
It's technically billed as "moderate," but popular Laurel Falls Trail is ideal for families and seniors because it's paved from start to finish, with an elevation of only 314 feet.
Start at Sugarlands Visitor Center and take Little River Drive 3.5 miles to the trailhead. You'll find parking on both sides of the road, but it fills up fast, so arrive in early morning or later afternoon to avoid the crowds.
Figure on taking about two hours to hike the 2.6-mile trek to the falls and back. After a slow, steady climb – 1.3 miles in all – you'll reach spectacular Laurel Falls, an 80-foot cascade divided into upper and lower tiers. At the base of the upper falls you'll find a convenient footbridge, where you'll enjoy stunning views with plenty of photo-ops.
How would you like to explore lush mountain greenery, a crystal-clear creek, a cascading waterfall, plus historic old ruins and homesites, all in one leisurely trek? Hike Porters Creek Trail, a 7-mile out-and-back trail beginning about 3 miles past the Greenbrier entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
All told, the elevation is 1,512 feet, so you'll definitely get a brisk workout. But the ascent is so gradual that the hike is suitable for all ages.
From the trailhead you'll walk up a wide gravel path through dense, shady woods, with Porters Creek at your left. About halfway up the gentle incline you'll come to the rocky remains of an old pioneer settlement. A little farther on you'll reach an old cemetery, where you can still make out some faded names on the worn, mossy gravestones.
At the one-mile point, you can take a short side path to the Historic Farm Site, where you'll find an authentic cantilever barn – with its distinctive double overhang – built in 1875. Just beyond, you'll spot the Smoky Mountain Hiking Club Cabin (c. 1934-36).
Turn left onto the well-marked trail, then follow the creek for about a mile to reach picturesque Fern Branch Falls, with its network of misty cascades pouring over massive boulders. Be sure to take a few pictures!
Up for a somewhat more strenuous hike with eye-popping views at the summit? Try 3.3-mile-long Chimney Tops Trail. Located 6.7 miles south of Sugarland Visitors Center via Newfoundland Gap Road, this popular trail ascends 1487 feet in only two miles, so it's not for the faint of heart. You'll cross rushing streams, scale a steep mountainside, then climb over a challenging outcrop to reach the rocky pinnacle. There you'll be rewarded with a panoramic view of the magnificent Smoky Mountains, including Mount LeConte and Mount Mingus.
Contact Volunteer Cabin Rentals now to book your comfortable cabin just minutes from trails and more.
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