The view from beautiful Clingman's Dome. Courtesy of ER Post, http://www.flickr.com/photos/edpost/2179195150/
By guest blogger Stephen Beutler, lifelong Smoky Mountain enthusiast
There are roughly 900 miles of hiking trails in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Over the years our family has hiked many of them.
The various trails have been a highlight of our visits there. We love to hike. While I would not say that we are “advanced” hikers, we do enjoy the trails and have spent much of our time when we are in Gatlinburg on the trails. I have never been able to understand it when I meet a visitor to the area who shares that they have spent all of their time in the stores and malls of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge and never entered the National Park or walked one of the trails. Whether you are looking for an easy trail or a very rugged all-day excursion, The Great Smoky Mountain National Park has a
trail for you.
There are three trails that our family would suggest are our favorites:
- Andrews Bald is a 3.5 mile (roundtrip) hike where you can see magnificent views in a short amount of time. But don’t let the mileage fool you. This is a very tough hike for its moderate rating (for an explanation of the park’s trail ratings, click here). The elevation gain on the roundtrip hike is 900 feet. Nevertheless, it is a great hike with spectacular views of the southern Smokies. Come dressed to get a little dirty and if you can, bring a blanket and a picnic along. It is a great place to relax at the end of the trail.
- Another trail that we enjoy over and over is called Porters Creek Trail. This is a moderate roundtrip hike of 4 miles that begins out of Greenbrier, just east of Gatlinburg. One of our favorites because of the lush old-growth forest and early settlers’ sites that we pass by, the trail also has a waterfall at the end. About 1 mile from the trailhead is a short side trail that takes you to a 1875 farm where there is a cabin built by the Smoky Mountain Hiking Club. Beautiful flowers bedeck the trail during the spring of the year – if you are lucky enough to be there then.
- A tie for third is Mt. LaConte and Chimney Tops. The 5.5 mile hike up Alum Cave Trail to the top of Mount LeConte is a challenge but well worth it. You will climb 2,763 feet to reach the summit of the third highest peak in the Smokies. This is called the “classic hiking trail of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.” The trail has interesting geological features, history, adventure and magnificent views. When you arrive at the summit, you will find amazing views at Inspiration Point, the Eye of the Needle, Arch Rock and Alum Cave. You will most certainly hold on tight to the able hand rails as you pass over the rock ledges on the upper portions of the trail. The LeConte Lodge is known for amazing views of Clingman’s Dome and the beautiful mountains to the west. Of special interest is the lodge and overnight cabins at the top. Hikers can spend the night in one the rustic cabins (reservations required — here). Plan plenty of time; this hike is 11 miles roundtrip.Chimney Tops is easily accessible and you can enjoy as much of it as you want and return to your car without any difficulty. Great for families with young children – unless you are going to go the full distance – this trail has some beautiful mountain streams at the early portions of the walk. No matter what season of the year, Chimney Tops is a great destination. The hike to the top is accomplished in just a few miles – 2 miles one way – and while the first mile is relatively easy, the last mile is more difficult. Anyone with a fear of heights should take note that the last part of the trail will inspire you greatly. In order to find the Chimney Tops trailhead, look for the Chimney Tops parking lot off of the Newfound Gap Road. From the parking lot, the trail leaves the road, crosses a stream, and begins to climb. The trail climbs up through the forest, following and crossing a cascading mountain stream via several bridges. The stream is a delight for hikers, especially in the warm months, because it flows forcefully over boulders forming pools that are perfect for a refreshing dip on a hot summer day. (Editor’s note: and Steve Beutler does like refreshing dips on a hot summer day. See here for more.)The complete trail is 2 miles long, 4 miles roundtrip. The top of the trail is considered a strenuous hike that requires caution and pacing yourself.
As a side note, a little known trail that is beautiful and easy to enjoy is located on the southern entrance of the park. Few people use this area of the park but we found the trail easily accessible, paved and a beautiful leisurely walk. We highly recommend it.
Both the Laurel Falls and Clingman’s Dome trails are easy, short, paved paths. Laurel Falls takes you to a beautiful waterfall and Clingman’s Dome takes visitors on an uphill climb to a beautiful observation deck where, on a clear day, you can see over both the Tennessee and North Carolina mountains.
If you want a trail that requires you to remain in your car, these two motor trails are musts: Roaring Fork is a stream in the Great Smoky Mountains located on the east side of the Gatlinburg area. If we are remembering correctly, take light #8 to the east and just past the entrance to the Summit Hotel is the gateway to the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. This is well worth the ride.
Another motor trail worth taking is the Tail of the Dragon, a popular motorcycle and sports car road. It is famous for its 318 curves in 11 miles. This road winds through the remote and scenic mountain area bordering the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and ends at the Tabcat Bridge in Tennessee. This is quite a thrilling ride. The Tail of the Dragon has been voted as the number one motorcycle road in the world. Scenes for a number of motion pictures were filmed on sections of the Dragon. Harrison Ford’s jump scene in “The Fugitive” was shot at the Tapoca Bride area. Enjoy “Riding the Dragon!”
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