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Posted by Jon Hoffman in Smoky Mountains
When's the best season for hiking in the Tennessee Smokies? Many folks would say fall and it's easy to see why. The air is crisp, the temperatures are pleasantly cool, and the leaves are turning bright red and orange. All in all, then, it's the perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors in a spectacular mountain setting. What's more, you'll have plenty of trails to pick from – more than 150 in all, covering over 800 miles throughout Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Trails range in difficulty from easy to strenuous, so there's something for every age and experience level.
Traveling with young children and/or seniors? Not used to hiking? You'll probably want to tackle some of the easier trails. It doesn't get any easier than the Gatlinburg Trail in Gatlinburg.
This 3.9-mile round-trip trek starts out at Sugarland Visitor Center, Gatlinburg's main entrance to Smoky Mountains National Park. You'll hike through leafy hardwood forest past the sparkling West Prong branch of the Little Pigeon River. Along the way, you'll cross a quaint footbridge and catch glimpses of picturesque ruins of historic homesteads. Plus, you'll get a chance to take a half-mile side trail to beautiful Cataract Falls.
The Gatlinburg Trail itself rises only 235 feet, so it's ideal for novice hikers who may balk at steeper climbs. Plus, it's one of only two Smokies trails that permit pets and bicycles. Fido will be in doggie heaven – just be sure to bring along a leash!
Up for a bit more challenge? Hike to Abrams Falls, a 5-mile round-trip beginning at the trailhead just past stop #10 on Cades Cove Loop Road near Townsend.
Total elevation gain is just 629 feet, but the terrain does get rough in places, so it's not suitable for younger tots. You'll hike past a scenic stream through pine-oak forest to reach eye-popping Abrams Falls – only 20 feet high but impressive nonetheless. These frothy falls pump out a greater volume of water than any other falls in the park, enough to fill a large, misty pool where you can swim when the weather's hot. (But don't swim close to the falls; there's a dangerous undertow.)
Ready to try a more rigorous hike? Head to the Chimney Tops Trail at the trailhead on Newfound Gap Road, about 6.7 miles south of the Sugarland Visitors Center.
This popular trail is only 3.5 miles round-trip, but don't let its shorter length fool you. All told, it gains over 1,400 feet in elevation – and, in its last mile alone, it ascends more than 900 feet. That's pretty intense, so bring along plenty of water. Plus, wear sturdy closed-toe shoes with rugged high-traction soles.
As you hike, you'll cross rushing streams, scale a steep hillside, follow a rocky trail to a switchback, then continue up Sugarland Mountain. But nowadays, alas, you won't get to stand at the summit; it's closed to regular traffic. However, you can still reach a lofty ridge where you'll enjoy panoramic views of breathtaking Mount LeConte.
You'll find many other magnificent trails – easy, moderate, and difficult – throughout the Great Smoky Mountains. And they're all waiting for you amid stunning scenery, along with gorgeous fall foliage plus fun-filled attractions galore. Contact Volunteer Cabin Rentals now to book your mountain cabin for this Fall!
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