National Park Rangers Offer 2 Guided Hikes on Black Friday in the Smokies! #OptOutside on Nov. 25th

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is celebrating Black Friday #OptOutside on November 25, 2016 with 2 Hikes led by Park Rangers. Visitors to the national park in Tennessee and North Carolina have an opportunity to enjoy an autumn hike and explore the Smoky’s fascinating history.

This time of year, when trees are shedding their leaves, you can really see some amazing artifacts in the forest like stone walls, chimneys, and foundations from early settlers’ homes. Each of the free, guided hikes begins at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, November 25, 2016.

“The Thanksgiving holiday weekend offers a perfect opportunity for people to build memories with friends and family along a trail,” said GSMNP Superintendent Cassius Cash. “Take some time to enjoy the serenity of these special mountains to recharge on your own or to reconnect with your loved ones.”

Since the weather can be quite unpredictable in autumn in the Smokies, remember to dress in layers, bring a rain coat or poncho, and wear sturdy shoes. Park Rangers recommend that hike participants bring a sack lunch, snacks and plenty of water for either of these adventures:

Smokemont History Hike near Cherokee, NC
Meet at Smokemont Baptist Church Parking Area @ 10:00 am*

Join a Park Ranger for a visit to the historic Smokemont Baptist Church before you begin a walk along a bit of the Oconaluftee Turnpike, once an 1830’s wagon road over the mountains used by troops during the American Civil War. The walk includes a stop at the Bradley Cemetary. Learn more about Smokemont’s rich history of farming and commericial logging in the days before the creation of Great Smoky Mountains National Park with photographs and stories during this free, guided tour.

*The Smokemont Baptist Church is near the entrance to Smokemont Campground which is located on Newfound Gap Road 3 miles north of Oconaluftee Visitor Center and 5 miles north of Cherokee, NC. Turn at the sign for Smokemont Campground. The parking area is on the right after crossing the bridge.

Old Sugarlands Trail near Gatlinburg, TN
Meet at Sugarlands Visitor Center @ 10:00 am
4.5 miles round-trip (approximately 4 hours)
Join a Park Ranger for an out-and-back hike on Old Sugarlands Trail which meanders through the once bustling Sugarlands Community, so named for the abundance of Sugar Maple trees that once grew there. Hikers will pass an old rock quarry that was used to build the first paved roads through the mountains. You’ll also get to explore the ruins of a Civilian Conservation Corps camp while enjoying the natural wonders of these historic mountains.

For more information on other great ranger-led hikes and programs, visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park. These guided hikes may be cancelled due to inclement weather; please call 865-436-1200.

Fall Colors in the Great Smoky Mountains! 2016 Autumn Color Forecast and Guide

It’s beginning to look a lot like Autumn! We’re ready for the big show of fall colors in the Great Smoky Mountains and we’ve got your 2016 Autumn Color Forecast and Guide so you can get the most out of Leaf-Peeping Season in the Smokies!

Most folks want to know when is the “peak” of the fall color in the Smokies? Well, the answer is that it depends on just where you are at a particular time. Luckily, there’s not singular “peak ” in the Great Smoky Mountains. You can experience “peak color” throughout the month of October and on into November because of the range of elevations in the Park. From 875 ft. (at the mouth of Abrams Creek) to 6,643 ft. (at Clingmans Dome) you have several opportunities to view the fall colors at their best.

On this first full day of Autumn 2016, it’s still mostly green in the Highlands with a few pops of color here and there. And great news! Park Rangers report that this could turn out to be a banner year for a big show of color with indications that areas above 5,000 ft. will be looking pretty good in a few weeks.

“Some of our most vibrant seasons have happened after there has been a drought and we get several days of good fall rains and we’ve had some explosions of color after that,” says Dana Soehn a National Park spokeswoman reporting yesterday to WVLT-TV’s Kyle Grainger, “For the first day of fall, we are about where we should be, especially at the lower elevations, but that change is around the corner.”

Former Park Ranger and author Rose Houk writes in her book Exploring the Smokies, “It isn’t frost so much as sunny, clear, warm days combined with a drop in temperature at night, that will produce the finest colors. And in a year when that combination occurs, there is no better place in the world to be than in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.” We couldn’t agree more! And current weather predictions expect a cool down and possible rain within the next week or so!

With 130 different species of trees living in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you can plainly see why Autumn in the Smokies is so spectacular! As a general rule, the peak of colors can be at some certain elevation in the Smokies between October 15-30. Here’s your guide to a few of the highlights:

SPRUCE-FIR FOREST (above 4,000 ft.) and NORTHERN HARDWOOD FOREST (4,500 to 6,000 ft.)
@ Newfound Gap, Clingmans Dome and Blue Ridge Parkway

American Mountain-Ash – This northern species is found only above 5,000 ft. and you can’t miss the bright orange-red berries of this small tree. It can be found in the parking lot of Newfound Gap and in the Clingmans Dome area. It’s said that when the striking fruits appear that the fall colors will soon follow in the highlands.
Witch-Hobble or Hobblebush – One of the first shrubs to change colors to both yellow and red, even on the same bush. Has large, roundish, heart-shaped leaves and flat clusters of red berries.
Pin Cherry – This northern species turns a pinkish red and has bright red berries. Also called the Fire Cherry because it needs an area disturbed by fire, windstorm or some other event to become established.
American Beech – A common tree up to elevations of 5,800 ft. with yellow to orange brown leaves. It’s easy to recognize because of its smooth gray-colored bark. Many small beech’s dry, beige leaves persist throughout the winter.
Yellow Birch – One of the most dominant trees you’ll see from 3,500 to 5,000 ft., with yellow leaves of course! The bark of this tree is a shiny, yellow-silvery color and peels off in shaggy, papery curls.
Mountain Maple – This northern species fall color is from orange to red and is common from 3,000 ft. to the highest elevations in the Park. North of the Smokies, the Mountain Maple doesn’t grow as tall and is considered a shrub.

COVE HARDWOOD FOREST (below 4,500 feet) @ Cataloochee Valley, Foothills Parkway East, Greenbrier, and Oconaluftee.

Sugar Maple – Not only does this wonderful tree yield the sap to make everyone’s favorite maple syrup, its leaves in Autumn turn to vibrant oranges and yellows that wow the eyes. The Sugarlands Valley, between the Sugarlands Visitor Center and and Chimneys Picnic Area was named for the abundance of Sugar Maple trees in the area.
Red Maple – The Red Maple is probably the most common trees in the Park since it grows at the lowest elevations all the way up to 6,000 ft. Its fall color ranges from yellow to red. Red Maples have red twigs, buds and fruits. You’ll notice this tree’s bright red flowers that bloom from February to April each year.
Sweet Gum – This tree’s star-shaped leaves and round, spiny fruit make it easily recognizable. It prefers moist areas along streams below 2,000 ft. The Sweet Gum’s fall color can range from yellow to red to purple all on the same tree.
Yellow Poplar or Tuliptree – One of the most common trees in the Park below 4,000 ft. These trees grow big and straight up so they’re easy to spot. Spectacular stands of giants can be found along Little River Road and Laurel Creek Road. When the sun hits the tree’s leaves just right, they seem to glow a brilliant, golden yellow.
Black Cherry – The dark fruit of this tree is a favorite of bears. It’s quite common below 5,000 ft. and its bark resembles burnt potato chips. It fall foliage is yellow to red.

Feeling Great in Knoxville TN!

September 19, 2016
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Knoxville, Tennessee is located near the northeastern border of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Knoxville has a great culture and vibe partly because it’s home of the University of Tennessee (UT). Sports lovers flock to Knoxville’s Neyland Stadium to see the Tennessee Volunteers play or Thompson-Boling Arena to see the Lady Vols shoot some hoops. It’s Big Orange Country in Knoxville for sure, however, you won’t any nicer folks who welcome you to their city by the beautiful Tennessee River.

When Knoxville surprised the world by hosting the 1982 World’s Fair, the city had the reputation of being known as the scruffy little town by the river. Nowadays, Knoxville has gained regional and national acclaim for the variety of excellent dining choices through out the city. Beer lovers will enjoy hopping it up at the many microbreweries in the Old City.

Kids of all ages love Zoo Knoxville, a fantastic 53-acre park and home to over 900 animals. For theater lovers, there’s the historic Tennessee Theater, the Bijou Theater and UT’s Clarence Brown Theater. Oh! And, you can’t go to Knoxville without visiting the famous Sunsphere at World’s Fair Park in downtown.

Knoxville has also garnered national recognition for its Urban Wilderness located only three miles south of downtown. In addition to the city’s extensive 86-mile greenway system, the urban wilderness provides over 60 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails.

The Tennessee River flows through downtown affording the opportunity to enjoy many water sports such as paddle boarding, skulling, water skiing, and on gamedays the Vol Navy!

How to Get to Knoxville

Reaching Knoxville is convenient and easy. Interstate 40 enters the city from the East and West, Interstate 75 enters the city from the North and Interstate 140 enters the city from the South. McGhee Tyson Airport is 8 miles South of Downtown on Highway 129.

Cades Cove, Sugarlands, and Cosby, all in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, are about an hour drive from downtown Knoxville. If you’re staying on the North Carolina side of the Smokies, Knoxville makes a great day-trip!

Knoxville History

Knoxville’s history is rich and diverse. Once the domain of the Cherokee, Knoxville eventually became the first capital of Tennessee. The city found itself in the path of the American Civil War. It was occupied by both Union and Confederate forces during the course of the war. Today visitors and locals enjoy exploring the numerous war memorials and preserved historic sites like James White’s Fort.

Great Smoky Mountains Hiking Trails

August 16, 2016
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Hiking Trails in Great Smokey Mountains

HeySmokies Great Smoky Mountain National Park Hiking Trails Guide

Trail Name	Trail Features	Mileage	Elevation Gain	Difficulty
Abrams Falls	Waterfalls	4.2 total length, 2.5 miles to waterfall from Cades Cove Trailhead	350'	Easy to moderate
Ace Gap	Tranquil forest, Wildflowers	5.6	200'	Easy
Albright Grove Loop Trail	Enormous trees, tranquil forest	0.7	200'	Easy
Alum Cave Trail	Outstanding views, amazing geologic features	5	2,600'	Moderate to difficult
Anthony Creek Trail	Stream crossings, diversity of plants	3.6	1,800'	Moderate to difficult
Appalachian Trail	Long distance hiking, views, forest diversity	31	N/A	Moderate to difficult
Balsam Mountain Trail	Tranquil forest walk with low traffic	10.1	1,540'	Easy to difficult
Baskins Creek Trail	Waterfall, tranquil, diverse forest	2.7	-350' hiking West to East	Moderate
Baxter Creek Trail	Outstanding views, diversity of plants	6.1	4,100'	Moderate
Bear Creek Trail	Outstanding views, tranquil forest	5.9	3,100'	Difficult
Beard Cane Trail	Remarkably straight trail, wildflowers, diversity of plants.	4.2	500' hiking South to North	Moderate
Beech Gap (A)	Pristine stream with unbridged crossing, rich cultural history	2.5	1,968'	Moderate
Beech Gap (B)	Pristine stream, amazing winter views, mature forest	2.8	1,789'	Moderate
Big Creek Trail	Waterfalls, historic sites, varied forest types	5.8	1,368'	Easy to moderate
Big Fork Ridge	Great views	3.2	728'	Moderate
Bone Valley Trail	Historic site, stream crossing	1.8	193'	Easy
Boogerman Trail	Historic stone walls, old-growth forest, views of Cataloochee Divide	4.1	800'	Moderate
Bote Mountain Trail	Spring rhododendron display, Spence Field, sunken banks	6.9	3,373'	Difficult
Boulevard Trail	Panoramic views	5.4	1,678'	Moderate
Bradley Fork Trail	Pristine streams	7.3	2,787'	Easy to difficult
Brushy Mountain Trail	Historic site, dramatic views, huge trees	4.9	2,648'	Moderate
Bull Head Trail	Dramatic fall colors and splendid spring wildflower display	5.9	3,478'	Moderate to difficult
Cabin Flats Trail	Old growth forest, trestle bridge stream crossing	0.9	211'	Easy
Caldwell Fork Trail	Terrific winter hike, scenic valley with huge trees	6.3	1,308'	Easy to moderate
Camel Gap Trail	Tranquil forest, scenic stream	4.7	1,547'	Moderate
Cane Creek Trail	Cemetery, scenic walk	2.1	198' hiking North to South	Easy
Cataloochee Divide Trail	Great views, nice spring wildflower display	6.4	1,059'	Easy to moderate
Chasteen Creek Trail	Scenic stream, waterfall	4.0	2,278'	Moderate
Chestnut Branch Trail	Established second growth forest, historic site	2.1	1,479'	Moderate
Chestnut Top Trail	Nice winter views, spring wildflower display	4.3	1,000'	Moderate
Chimney Tops Trail	Outstanding view from the Chimney Tops, large trees	2.0	1,478'	Moderate to difficult
Clingmans Dome Bypass Trail	Great views	0.5	368'	Moderate
Cold Spring Gap Trail	Spring Wildflower Display	3.5	1,890'	Moderate to difficult
Cooper Creek Trail	Scenic stream	0.5	207'	Easy
Cooper Road Trail	Spring Redbud flowering display	10.9	908'	Moderate
Cove Mountain Trail	Waterfalls, winter views	8.5	2,628'	Moderate
Crib Gap Trail	Interesting fungi, common wildlife encounters	1.6	-409' Anthony Creek Trail to Turkeypen Ridge Trail	Easy
Crooked Arm Ridge Trail	Waterfall, scenic views	2.2	1,500'	Moderate to difficult
Cucumber Gap Trail	Spring wildflower display, stream crossing (unbridged)	2.4	487'	Easy to moderate
Curry Mountain Trail	Cultural history	3.3	1,200'	Easy to moderate
Deep Creek Trail	Beautiful valley with stream	14.2	2,849'	Easy to moderate
Deeplow Gap Trail	Waterfall	6.1	1,442'	Moderate
Dry Sluice Gap Trail	Open ridge hiking, large trees	4.2	1,562' From Cabin Flats Trail	Moderate to difficult
Eagle Creek Trail	Scenic stream, Spence Field, views	8.9	3,170'	Easy to difficult
Enloe Creek Trail	Nice stream walk with multiple cascades and old growth forest	3.6	1,268'	Easy to moderate
Finley Cane Trail	Impressive rhododendron tunnels	2.8	218'	Easy
Flat Creek Trail	Mountain views, open northern forest walk	2.6	458' hiking from Heintooga picnic area to Heintooga Road	Easy to moderate
Fork Ridge Trail	Nice transition between forest ecosystems with fine example of old growth forest	5.1	2,460' hiking from junction with Deep Creek Trail	Moderate to difficult
Forney Creek Trail	Multiple cascades	11.4	3,978' hiking from Lakeshore Trail junction	Easy to difficult
Forney Ridge Trail	Andrews Bald	5.6	2,428' hiking from Spring house Branch Trail	Moderate to difficult
Gabes Mountain Trail	Hen Wallow Falls, large trees and old growth forest	6.6	1,245' hiking from Cosby Road	Moderate
Gatlinburg Trail	Historic sites, unusually flat walking	1.9	128	Easy
Goldmine Loop Trail	Unbridged stream crossing	2.0	563' hiking from Lakeshore Trail	Easy to Moderate
Goldmine Trail	Historic sites	0.8	215'	Easy
Goshen Prong Trail	Lovely stream, small cave	7.6	3,017' hiking from Little River Trail	Moderate
Grapeyard Ridge Trail	Historic sites	7.6	1,328' hiking from Greenbrier	Easy to moderate
Grassy Branch Trail	Grassy forest walk	2.5	1,822' hiking from junction with Sweat Heifer Trail	Moderate
Greenbrier Ridge Trail	Wildflower display, vistas, lovely mountain streams	4.2	1,662' hiking from Middle Prong Trail	Moderate
Gregory Bald Trail	Amazing hybridized summer azalea blooms, fantastic view of Cades Cove from the bald	7.3	2,198' hiking from Parson Branch Road	Moderate
Gregory Ridge Trail	Acces to Gregory Bald, wildflower display, old-growth forest	5.0	2,632'	Moderate to difficult
Gunter Fork Trail	Awesome waterfall, nice forest walk,	4.1	2,218' hiking from Camel Gap trail	Moderate to difficult
Hannah Mountain Trail	Nice ridge walk, Flint Gap, unbridged stream crossing	9.5	1,511' hiking from Abrams Creek	Easy to moderate
Hatcher Mountain Trail	Wonderful fringed polygala display in May	2.8	729' hiking from Abrams Falls and Hannah Mountain Trail	Easy
Hazel Creek Trail	Outstanding trout fishing, historic sites	14.7	2,678' hiking from Lakeshore Trail	Easy to difficult
Hemphill Bald Trail	Possible elk viewing opportunities, great views	8.4	2,900' hiking from Caldwell Ridge Trail	Moderate to difficult
Hughes Ridge Trail	Summer wildflower display	5.0	3,328' hiking from Chasteen Creek Trail	Moderate
Husky Gap Trail	Tranquil forest	4.1	1,340' hiking from Newfound Gap Road	Moderate
Hyatt Ridge Trail	McGee springs, mature virgin forest	4.4	2,100' hiking from Straight Fork Road	Moderate
Indian Creek Motor Trail	Lush, dense forest	1.8	747'	Easy to moderate
Indian Creek Trail	Slick rocks around water featrures	3.6	962'	Easy to moderate
Indian Grave Gap Trail	Flame azalea display, scenic vistas	3.7	1,200' hiking from Rich Mountain Road	Easy to moderate
Jakes Creek Trail	Cascades, historic sites	3.3	2,300'	Easy to moderate
Jenkins Ridge Trail	Great views, vegetation diversity, Horace Kephart copper mine legacy	8.9	2,050' hiking from Pickens Gap to Spence Field	Difficult
Jonas Creek Trail	Amazing views, cascades, stream crossings	4.1	2,120' hiking from Forney Creek Trail	Difficult
Juney Whank Falls Trail	Waterfall with slippery stones	0.3	96'	Easy
Kanati Fork Trail	Dense cove forest, spring wildflower display	2.9	2,115'	Moderate
Kephart Prong Trail	CCC camp artifacts, narrow gauge RR track	2.0	760	Moderate
Lakeshore Trail (From Lakeshore Road to campsite 76)	Historic home sites, stream crossings, solitude	12	N/A	Moderate
Lakeshore Trail (from campsite 66 to campsite 81)	Fine views of Fontana Lake, historic home sites	8.8	N/A	Moderate
Lakeshore Trail (from campsite 81 to 90)	Historic sites, great views of Fontana Lake	8.3	649'	Moderate
Lakeshore Trail (from campsite 90 to Fontana dam)	Historic sites, great views of Fontana Lake	10.4	723'	Moderate
Laurel Falls Trail	Paved walking surface, crowded, impressive waterfall, winter views	4.0	2,557'	Moderate to strenuous
Lead Cove Trail	Historic home sites	1.8	1,228'	Moderate
Little Bottoms Trail	Ungraded trail, Abrams creek	2.3	120'	Moderate
Little Brier Gap	Historic Walker sisters homesite	1.4	400'	Easy
Little Cataloochee Trail	Historic sites, varied forest types	5.2	1,920'	Easy with a few steep stretches
Little Greenbrier Trail	Wildflower display, great winter views	4.3	1,860'	Steep, moderate to difficult
Little River Trail	Easy, railroad grade, lovely river walk	6.2	1,200'	Easy
Long Bunk Trail	Historic sites	3.6	1,120'	Steady climb, moderate
Long Bunk Trail	Rye patch, nice forest views	4.5	2,320'	Moderate with steep sections
Loop Trail	Abundant wildlife, nice loop from Big Creek	1.2	468'	Easy to moderate
Lost Cove Trail	Old RR grade, quiet forest	2.7	1,920'	Tough steep climb
Low Gap Trail (from Big Creek Trail)	Quiet forest	2.5	1,328'	Steep, moderate climb
Low Gap Trail	Quiet forest	2.9	1,932'	Steep, moderate climb
Lower Mount Camerrer Trail	Historic home sites, View from Sutton Ridge Overlook, creek crossings	7.5	1,300'	Moderately easy
Lumber Ridge Trail	Winter views,	4.1	1,000'	Difficult to easy
Lynn Camp Prong	Scenic streams	3.7	1,240'	Easy to difficult on the upper end
Maddron Bald Trail	View from bald, virgin forest	7.3	3,500'	Moderate to difficult
Martins Gap Trail	Varied forest and vegetation	3.0	878'	Moderate
McKee Branch Trail	Lovely stream walk	2.3	2,678'	Moderate
Meigs Creek Trail	Nice creek walk, wildflower display	3.5	850'	Moderate with many stream crossings
Miegs Mountain Trail	Great walk for families, many easy stream crossings	6.1	450'	Easy
Metcalf Bottoms Trail	Great family walk to the historic Little Greenbrier Schoolhouse	0.7	103'	Easy
Middle Prong Trail	Wildflower trail, multiple cascades	4.1	1,235'	Easy
Mingus Creek Trail	Historic Mingus Mill, slave cemetery, CCC camp historic site	5.8	3,030	Moderate
Miry Ridge Trail	Great views, breezy ridge walk	5.0	950'	Easy to moderate
Mount Cammerer Trail	historic fire lookout, 300 degree unobstructed view	0.6	109'	Easy
Mount Sterling Ridge Trail	Lovely high elevation ridge walk through Spruce-Fir forest	5.3	160' from Balsam Mountain	Easy
Mount Sterling Trail	Nice south-eastern views during winter	2.7	1,950'	Moderate with short steep sections
Newton Bald Trail	Flame azaleas on ridge top, spring and summer wildflower display	5.3	2,880'	Long steep climb mostly moderate in difficulty
Noland Creek Trail	Numerous backcountry campsites, excellent trout fishing	10.3	2,400'	Generally easy hiking interrupted by short steep stretches, tricky creek crossings
Noland Divide Trail	Great winter views, spruce-fir forest	11.6	4,130	Long steep climb moderate in difficulty with short steep sections
Oconaluftee River Trail	Great flat river walk	1.6	38'	Easy
Old Settler's Trail	Great history hike with numerous historic sites	15.8	400'	Moderate
Old Sugarlands Trail	Interesting historic sites	3.9	1,115'	Easy
Palmer Creek Trail	Nice creek views, hardwood cove forest	3.3	1,520'	Easy
Panther Creek Trail	Thick rhododendron, nice creek walk	2.3	1,455'	Difficult stream crossing during high water, moderate climb
Pole Road Creek Trail	Views of valley and stream, interesting rock outcrops, wildflower display	3.3	1,800'	Steep climb
Poles Gap Trail	Winter views	4.4	840'	Steep rough trail
Porters Creek Trail	Fern falls, spring wildflower display	3.6	3,475'	Easy to moderate
Pretty Hollow Gap Trail	Interesting historic sites	5.6	2,420'	Easy to moderate
Rabbit Creek Trail	Creek crossings	7.8	600'	Easy
Rainbow Falls Trail	Beautiful rainbow falls, wildflower display, winter views	6.7	3,785'	Long steep climb moderate to difficult
Ramsey Cascades Trail	Beautiful Ramsey cascades, wildflower display, historic sites, huge trees	4.0	3,600'	Easy to moderate, rocky
Rich Mountain Trail	Quiet hike, unusual trees, nice cascades on Hesse creek.	2.3	1,650'	Steady climb to Indian Grave Gap from Rich Mtn. Road.
Road Prong Trail	Historic road (now a trail) walk, waterfalls, large trees.	2.4	1,625'	Moderate, rocky, hike from Chimneys Trail head to Indian Gap on Clingmans Dome Road.
Rough Creek Trail	Historic logging camp sites, lovely creek walk	2.8	1,528'	Easy to Moderate walk with a few short steep sections.
Rough Fork Trail	Pleasant walk with over three miles of nearly flat walking, Historic Steve Woody homesite.	6.4	2,300'	Easy when hiked from Heitooga Ridge Road at Polls Gap to Cataloochee Road.
Roundtop Trail	Spring wildflower display, quiet walk, nice scenery, tricky river crossing (Little River).	7.5	900' cumulative	Moderate hiking form Wear Cove Gap Road to Little River.
Russell Field Trail	Russell field, amazing views, wildflower displays, large trees.	3.5	2,000'	Moderate hike with several steep sections.
Schoolhouse Gap Trail	Wildflower display	2.2	500'	Easy
Scott Mountain Trail	Dense hardwood forest	3.6	1,200'	Moderate with rocky stretches.
Smokemont Loop Trail	Wildflower display during spring and summer, access to historic cemetery	3.9	1,000' Bradley Fork Trail to Smokemont	Moderate
Snake Den Ridge Trail	Waterfalls, old-growth forest, nice winter views	5.3	3,435'	Difficult
Springhouse Branch Trail	Nice spring wildflower display	7.1	1,623'Noland Creek Trail to Forney Creek Trail	Moderate
Spruce Mountain Trail	Interesting geology, Canadian zone forest and vegetation.	1.0	800' Balsam Mountain Road to Polls Gap Trail	Moderate
Stone Pile Gap Trail	Nice forest walk	0.9	584' Indian Creek Trail to Thomas Divide Trail	Moderate
Sugarland Mountain Trail	Large trees in upper elevation, varied forest, amazing winter views	11.9	3,640'	Easy to Moderate
Sunkota Ridge Trail	Lovely fall and winter views, nice forest diversity	8.6	2,360' Loop Trail to Thomas Divide Trail	Moderate
Swallow Fork Trail	Nice stream walk, historic farm site, winter views	4.0	2,180 Walnut Bottom to Mount Sterling Ridge Trail	Moderate
Sweat Heifer Creek Trail	Solitude, winter views, nice creek walk.	3.7	2,200' Kephart Prong to Appalachian Trail	Moderate
Thomas Divide Trail	Nice winter views, beautiful diverse forest	13.6	-2,840' Newfound Gap Road to Galbraith Creek Road.	Moderate
Trillium Gap Trail	Grotto Falls, winter views, nice botanical diversity	8.9	3,240' Cherokee Orchard Road to Mount LeConte	Moderate to Difficult
Tunnel Bypass Trail	Solitude, used to create hiking loops	1.6	100'	Easy
Turkeypen Ridge Trail	Quite level walk for the Smokies	3.6	100'	Easy
Twenty Mile Loop Trail	Wildflower display	2.0	200' Twenty Mile Trail to Wolf Ridge	Easy
Twin Creeks Trail	Easy walking for the whole family	1.9	-700' Noah 'Bud' Ogle trail to Cherokee Orchard Road	Easy
Welch Ridge Trail	High Rocks, gentle grade, numerous connector trail junctions.	7.3	-920' Silers Bald to Welch Ridge	Moderate
West Prong Trail	Stream Crossing	2.7	1,116' Tremont Road to Bote Mountain Trail	Moderate
Wet Bottom Trail	Multi use horse and hiking	1.0	100'	Easy
Whiteoak Branch Trail	Spring Wildflower display, historic home sites, numerous connector trails.	1.8	95'	Easy
Wolf Ridge Trail	Beautiful fern carpet, winter views, wild berries.	6.3	3,100' Twenty Mile Trail to Gregory Bald Trail at Sheep Pen Gap	Moderate to Difficult

Top 5 Waterfall Hikes in the Smokies! Beat the Heat and Hike to a Smoky Mountain Waterfall!

Beat the heat this summer and take a hike to a refreshing Smoky Mountain waterfall! The abundant streams of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are the lifeblood of this International Biosphere Reserve and the waterfalls found within are some of the most extraordinary hiking destinations year-round. When the heat of summer is upon us, there is no better place to be than enjoying a cool, misty breeze near a lush waterfall in the Smokies! We’ve got the Top 5 Waterfall Hikes in the Smokies for you!

The fine mist is so refreshing that after only a few moments you may be ready to step back into the sunlight and warm up a bit. Along the trails to the waterfalls there are often quiet, sun-dappled pools in the streams that are perfect for soaking your hiking feet. It is unsafe to swim beneath the waterfalls; just standing near one is really all you need to do to cool down.

Here are a few of our top waterfall hikes in the Smokies when the weather is warm and we’re looking for a favorite place to chill! You’ll find some of the Top 5 Waterfall Hikes are just a short walk from your vehicle, while others offer more time to explore the beautiful summertime scenery. No matter what section of the National Park you’re visiting, you’re sure to find a wondrous waterfall!

CHEROKEE / OCONALUFTEE
#1 Mingo Falls
Mingo Falls is actually located on the Qualla Boundary (Cherokee Indian Reservation) and is considered an easy hike at 0.4 miles in length but don’t let that fool you. There are over 200 steps to climb to reach the base of the falls but it is well worth it. Mingo Falls is one of the tallest in the region at 120 feet high and the cooling mist that swirls around its base makes all that “stair mastering” a distant memory.

To reach the Mingo Falls trailhead travel south from Oconaluftee Visitor Center on US-441 toward Cherokee and turn left on Big Cove Road. Turn left at the first stop sign and drive 4.5 miles to the Mingo Falls Campground and the trailhead. No special permits are required for access to the reservation.

CADES COVE
#2 Abrams Falls
Abrams Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls in Great Smoky Mountains National Park with most hikers reaching it via the Abrams Falls Trail in Cades Cove. From here the hike is 2.5 miles one-way and is considered moderate in difficulty. HeySmokies recommends sturdy footwear (not flip flops) to traverse the rocky terrain encountered on the trail. (For more info on suggested hiking essentials visit our 10 Essentials for Hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains)

Abrams Falls is a mere 20 feet high but the volume of water funneling through earns it the unofficial moniker of the “Little Niagara of the Smokies.” The inviting pool beneath the falls can be deadly; swimmers have drowned here due to strong undercurrents and an undertow. Don’t be the next victim, enjoy the falls and its cooling mist from a safe distance. Abrams Falls is named for Cherokee Chief Abram who once lived a few miles below the falls near Abrams Creek Campground.

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