#OptOutside in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on Black Friday with 3 Ranger-led Hikes!

#OptOutside in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on Black Friday with 3 Ranger-led Hikes! Explore some of the Smokies 800 miles of trails over the Thanksgiving Weekend with special guided hikes allowing you to learn more about the park’s cultural and natural resources in a fun way in the fresh air!

Friday, November 27 @ 9:00 am
Cucumber Gap Trail in Elkmont – 4.8 miles roundtrip
Meet your Park Ranger guide at the Little River Trailhead in Elkmont at 9:00 a.m. for this easy hike through a magnificent cove hardwood forest along the river. Learn the interesting history of the Little River Logging Company during this 3-4 hour guided hike. For more information, call Suguarlands Visitor Center at 865-436-1291.

Friday, November 27 @ 10:00 am
Abrams Fall Trail in Cades Cove – 5 miles roundtrip
Meet your Park Ranger guide at the Abrams Falls Trailhead, halfway around the Cades Cove Loop Road at 10:00 a.m. This moderate-rated hike takes you to one of the National Park’s largest waterfalls. Join Park Rangers to learn about the 2,900 miles of streams in the park and their importance of making the National Park one of most biologically diverse places in the world. Program will last about 4 hours. For more information, call Cades Cove Visitor Center at 865-448-4104.

Friday, November 27 @ 10:00 am
Little Cataloochee Trail near Cataloochee – 5 miles roundtrip
This trail is rated moderate because of a few steep sections but mostly it follows an old roadbed to several old, historic homesites and the Little Cataloochee Church. Participants will meet at the parking area on the left just after entering Cataloochee Valley and follow your Park Ranger in your vehicle for five miles to the Little Cataloochee Trailhead. For more information, call the Oconaluftee Visitor Center at 828-497-1904.

Rangers, volunteers and Friends of the Smokies staff will be available the Park’s Visitor Centers throughout the Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend to provide information on how you and your family can enjoy all the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has to offer!