The Great Smoky Mountains

We are spending the next two weeks on hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains.  We found a great cabin on VRBO.  We are at 3,000 feet and the weather is great.  We woke up this morning and it was only 57 degrees.  A lot nicer than the 84 degrees the morning we left home.  To keep up with the pics go to the gallery and then to Waynesville or click here… Smokey Pics.

The Great Smoky Mountains are a mountain range that straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. They are a popular tourist destination, known for their stunning natural beauty, hiking trails, and historical sites. We have had many great hikes in different parts of the mountain range. We have over the years tried different places to stay and hike from on the North Carolina side of the range. What we have found might be a vast difference in the terrain but the views have all been great. Please visit the other pages in this blog to find out about the best places we have found to begin adventures from.

Here are some tips for planning your trip to the Smoky Mountains

• The best time to visit the Smoky Mountains is during the spring (April-May) or fall (September-October). The weather is mild and there are fewer crowds during these times.
• If you’re planning on hiking, be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water. The trails can be strenuous, especially in the summer heat.
• If you’re visiting during the summer, be sure to book your accommodations in advance. The Smoky Mountains are a popular tourist destination and hotels can fill up quickly.
• There are several different ways to get to the Smoky Mountains. You can fly into Knoxville or Asheville, or drive from one of the major cities in the Southeast.
• Once you’re in the Smoky Mountains, you can get around by car, bus, or train. There are also several shuttle companies that offer transportation to different parts of the park.

Places to visit in the Smoky Mountains

• Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail: The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a short, paved trail that takes you past some of the most beautiful scenery in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Along the way, you’ll see waterfalls, wildflowers, and towering trees.
• Gatlinburg: Gatlinburg is a charming town located at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains. It’s a great place to find restaurants, shops, and live music. There are also several amusement parks and attractions in Gatlinburg, including Dollywood, the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad, and Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies.
• Pigeon Forge: Pigeon Forge is another popular tourist destination located near the Great Smoky Mountains. It’s known for its outlet malls, theaters, and water parks. There are also several hiking trails and attractions in Pigeon Forge, such as the Titanic Museum, the NASCAR Speedpark, and the Dolly Parton’s Stampede dinner theater.
• Clingmans Dome: Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The hike to the top is strenuous but rewarding, and the views from the observation tower are simply breathtaking.
• Newfound Gap Road: Newfound Gap Road is a scenic drive that winds its way through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Along the way, you’ll pass by towering peaks, lush forests, and sparkling waterfalls. There are also several hiking trails that you can access from the road.
• Sugarlands Visitor Center: The Sugarlands Visitor Center is a great place to learn about the history and ecology of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are exhibits on everything from the park’s plant and animal life to its human history. You can also watch a film about the park and pick up maps and hiking guides.
• Cades Cove: Cades Cove is an unspoiled valley that is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, bears, and coyotes. You can drive or bike the 11-mile loop road that winds through the cove, stopping to admire the scenery and spot the animals.

Our 7 favorite hiking trails

Hanging Rock Trail in Hanging rock state park near Danbury NC. Challenging enough to feel accomplished but still do-able. Well worth the beautiful views at the top. Very heavy traffic, be prepared.

High Falls and Triple falls tour located in DuPont State Recreational Forest near Hendersonville NC. This is a great trail for touring some of Dupont State Forest’s most stunning waterfalls, featuring landscapes that users say are mysteriously intriguing.

Deep Creek Loop Trail located near Bryson City NC. A nice loop trail with a number of waterfalls on the way.

Lower Whitewater falls via foothills trail which is located near Cashiers NC. This hike visits both overlooks: Upper Whitewater Falls and Lower Whitewater Falls. Overall, it is a great hike with a mix of woodland, lush fern areas, river views, and of course two gorgeous waterfalls.

Turtletown falls trail near Farner TN. There are two beautiful waterfalls on this trail.

Twin Falls and clawhammer falls loop near Brevard NC This is a beautiful route that includes a visit to two of the area’s most iconic waterfalls.

Buckeye falls, Rainbow falls and jones gap falls Near Cleveland SC. This route takes visitors to the best of the waterfalls located at Jones Gap State Park. The trail leads from the main parking lot which has restrooms located at the trailhead. From here, wander through the beautiful forested area towards the first waterfall: Buckeye Falls. The trail splits off to a fork and turns around after reaching the falls. The next waterfall, Rainbow Falls, is another split off the main trail and heads up a steep mountainside. After turning around, the last fall is located on the main trail and then leads back on the flat trail by the river.

I hope this has inspired you to plan your own trip to the Great Smoky Mountains. With so much to see and do, you’re sure to have a memorable time in this beautiful mountain range.