You Can Experience Hiking in the Smoky Mountains on Over 800 Miles of Trails! Hiking
in the Smoky Mountains is a great way to get close with nature, enjoy
the beautiful outdoors and get exercise all at the same time. There are
many hiking trails throughout the Smoky Mountains National Park and
they range from easy to strenuous in difficulty. Everyone from the
young to the elderly will find a trail that they can hike. For the most
rewarding experience of hiking in the Smoky Mountains, be sure to plan
ahead and follow these helpful tips.
1. Wear proper footwear. Tennis shoes or comfortable walking shoes are ideal for a day hike on most of the park’s trails but if you are hiking on any uneven trails you may consider hiking boots for better support and safety.
2. Stay on the designated trail. It is easy to get lost if you leave the trail and explore on your own.
3. Don’t assume when it comes to the weather.
Just because it may be a beautiful morning, by mid day it could be
adverse weather. Bring rain gear and a sweater or jacket. Some trails
can be 10 degrees cooler that where you started at the lower elevation.
Also the Smoky Mountains receive up to 90 inches of precipitation in a
year and is the wettest place in the south. And the summer time is well
known for afternoon thunderstorms.
4. Cross stream carefully. The rocks in the streams
can be slippery causing you to possibly fall. Also getting wet, even in
the summer, can cause hypothermia.
5. If you want to try and avoid crowds, you might
consider hiking during the week or during the off season. You also
might consider hiking in the early morning. You will have a better
chance at viewing wildlife and have many more “Kodak”
moments for picture taking.
 Below are several of the more popular trails for hiking in the Smoky Mountains National Park: 
Abrams Falls Trail –
This trail is a fairly easy 5 mile round trip hike that is good for the
entire family. It will take you about 3 hours to do the hike but it is
well worth it. The falls are beautiful! Abrams Falls is located in
Cades Cove which is the most popular spot in the Smoky Mountains so it
can be crowded during the busy season. You can go early in the morning
or during the off season but even if you have to fight the crowd, this
hike is well worth the effort. You will climb to 1800 feet at one point
but once you get to the falls, you will actually be 300 feet below
where you started your journey.
Alum Cave Bluff –
Hiking in the Smoky Mountains offers many spectacular views but none as
extraordinary as you’ll see on this hike! This trail is a
moderately difficult hike that is 4.6 miles round trip and about 2
½ hours and 5.1 miles and 3 ½ hours if you go to Le Conte
Lodge. To see the most spectacular views you will want to make the full
trip to Le Conte Lodge and Cliff Tops. The trail is not to difficult
even for children. On the trip you will see Arch Rock, one of the few
natural arches inside the park. You will also see remnants from 1993
summer storm damage.
The Appalachian Trail –
If you are ready to do some serious hiking in the Smoky Mountains then
this trail is for you! The Appalachian trail runs across the top of the
Smoky Mountains National Park and is part of a 2,015 mile trail that
runs through 14 states including our state, Virginia. In Tennessee, the
trail actually serves as a boundary between Tennessee and North
Carolina. The historic trail was formed in the 1920’s. A few of
the park’s trails connect with the Appalachian Trail and you can
hike part of it. There are many spectacular views along the way.
Chimney Tops Trail–
While hiking in the Smoky Mountains, you will want to consider hiking
one of the most popular trails in the park. This trail is only 2 miles
in length but it is somewhat strenuous and you’ll want to be
cautious during your hike. Despite this the popularity of the trail is
due to the excellent views, many wildflowers, large trees and mountain
streams. The trail is steep climbing 1300 feet to an elevation of 4840
feet above sea level. During cold weather beware of icy spots on this
trail.
Rainbow Falls Trail –
The trail can be challenging if followed all the way to Mt. Le Conte.
The trail will take you 4,000 feet in elevation and about 4 hours to
get to Mt. Le Conte. However, it will only take you about 1 ½
hours and 2.8 miles to get to Rainbow Falls. If you decide to take the
trail to Mt. Le Conte you will find the air getting cooler and moist
resulting in much cooler temperatures so bring along a sweater or
jacket.
Boogerman Trail Loop –
Hiking in the Smoky Mountains can take you away from the busy tourist
areas of Tennessee and into North Carolina. This trail is located in
the Cataloochee area of the park introducing you to new areas of the
park. The trail is named after Robert “Boogerman” Palmer
whose home site you will pass on the hike. The trail is moderately
difficult and takes between 2 – 3 hours to complete. The trail is
well maintained and you will see some of the largest trees in the area,
old home sites and mountain streams.
Clingmans Dome –
Although not a hiking trail, Clingmans Dome is a popular stop while
visiting the Smoky Mountains. At 6,643 feet, this spot is the highest
point in the Smoky Mountains and the second highest point East of the
Mississippi. A paved half mile trail leads you to an observation tower.
On a clear day you can see very spectacular views up to 100 miles and
into seven states.
Part of your preparation for hiking in the
Smoky Mountains should be to stop by one of the several visitor
centers. There you can get even more information on the different
hiking trails, obtain maps and brochures as well as getting the latest
weather update for the Smoky Mountains.
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