The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that straddles the border between the states of Tennessee and North Carolina. The park was established in 1934 and covers an area of over 520,000 acres. The park is known for its diverse range of plant and animal life, as well as its beautiful landscapes, which include rugged peaks, cascading waterfalls, and quiet streams. The park also has a rich cultural history, with many historic structures and sites dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, including log cabins, gristmills, and barns. The park is home to the largest stand of old-growth forest in the eastern United States, and it is also one of the most visited national parks in the country, with over 11 million visitors annually. The park’s name “Smoky” comes from the natural fog that often hangs over the range and presents varying shades of blue, that give the appearance of smoke.
Here are some of my favorite hikes of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park!
- Andrews Bald: This hike is located in the southern part of the park, near the town of Bryson City, NC. It’s a 3-mile round trip hike that takes you to a beautiful grassy bald with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The trailhead is located at the end of the Forney Ridge Trail, which starts at the parking lot for the Clingmans Dome Road. Along the hike, you might see a variety of wildflowers in the spring and fall foliage in the autumn.
- Grotto Falls: This hike is located on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, which is a one-way loop road that starts at the Gatlinburg, TN entrance to the park. The trailhead is located on the Trillium Gap Trail, which starts at the parking area near the Sugarlands Visitor Center. It’s a 2.6-mile round trip hike that takes you to a beautiful waterfall that falls behind a cave-like rock overhang. Along the hike, you might see a variety of wildflowers and a great display of mosses and lichens.
- Chimney Tops: This hike is located in the central part of the park, near the town of Gatlinburg, TN. The trailhead is located at the end of the Chimney Tops Road, which starts at the parking lot for the Sugarlands Visitor Center. It’s a 4-mile round trip hike that takes you to the summit of Chimney Tops. The trail is steep and rocky, but the views from the top are well worth it. Along the hike, you might see a variety of wildflowers, wildlife and a great display of mosses and lichens.
- Ramsey Cascades: This hike is located in the western part of the park, near the town of Cosby, TN. The trailhead is located at the end of the Ramsey Cascades Road, which starts at the parking lot for the Cosby Campground. It’s a 8-mile round trip hike that takes you to the tallest waterfall in the park. The trail is steep and rocky and it’s a challenging hike, but the waterfall is spectacular. Along the hike, you might see a variety of wildflowers, wildlife and a great display of mosses and lichens.
- Clingmans Dome: This hike is located in the western part of the park, near the town of Bryson City, NC. The trailhead is located at the end of the Clingmans Dome Road, which starts at the parking lot for the Clingmans Dome Road. It’s a moderate 1-mile round trip hike to the highest point in the park, Clingmans Dome. The trail is paved, but steep, and the observation tower at the top offers a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains. Along the hike, you might see a variety of wildflowers, wildlife and a great display of mosses and lichens.
Each of them offers a different experience and different views, but all of them are beautiful and worth the effort. Be sure to check the trail conditions before you go, bring enough water and snacks, and let someone know about your hiking plans.