Rainbow Falls
The Rainbow Falls Trail is one of several that will take you to the top of Mt. LeConte and is also the oldest or earliest route to LeConte. The trail can be challenging, but also offers an intermediate reward in that it affords the hiker a rest at the beautiful Rainbow Falls. Summary The Rainbow Falls […]
Ramsay Cascades Trail
The rewards are great on this 8-mile round-trip hike in the Greenbrier section of the Park. The diligent hiker not only gets to enjoy the Ramsay Cascade falls—arguably the best waterfall in the Smokies—but also can view stands of old-growth trees which never suffered from the logger’s saw or the settler’s ax. Summary You have […]
Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian Trail meanders across the mountain tops of The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Conceived in 1921 by Benton McKay and initially cleared and marked in 1923, the Appalachian Trail was completed in 1937 and is a marvelous tribute to the well-meaning individuals such as McKay who overcame many obstacles to create this splendid […]
Shuckstack Tower
The historic fire towers of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park were once used to gain a bird’s eye view of the mountains in order to spot forest fires. Though many of the towers were removed as more modern methods for fire detection were developed, Shuckstack and three other towers remain. These out of the […]
Boogerman Trail Loop
The Boogerman Trail Hike, first and foremost, takes you away from the traffic and population of the Tennessee side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It takes a bit of trouble to get to Cataloochee (see the directions below), but I’ll bet my last dollar you’ll enjoy the Cataloochee area—and you’ll be back. Summary […]
Mount LeConte Lodge
For viewing spectacular Smoky Mountain sunrises and sunsets, there is no better place than Mt. LeConte. Countless visitors have joined together to view the sunrise from Myrtle Point on the eastern side, and hurried to see the sun set over Clingmans Dome from Clifftops on the western side. The idea for a lodge on top of […]
Old Settlers Trail
One of the most interesting trails in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park is Old Settlers Trail. Its historical OST Trail marker landmarks set it apart from most other trails. It is less rocky and smoother than many other trails. Add to these points its biological diversity and you have three distinguishing features. The trail […]
Chimney Tops Trail
About the Chimney Tops Trail Although only two miles in length (4 miles round trip), the Great Smoky Mountains National Park trail to Chimney Tops requires strength and caution. Nevertheless, due to the excellent views from this trail, as well as abundant wildflowers, streams and large trees, many feel a hike up to “the chimneys” […]
Alum Cave Bluffs Trail
About the Alum Cave Bluffs Trail This moderately difficult hike is 4.6 miles round trip or 5.1 miles on to LeConte Lodge. The round-trip to the cave bluffs takes about 3 hours, but you should allow about 4 hours to LeConte Lodge. The Alum Cave trail is the most popular and well-known route to Mount LeConte. […]
Abrams Falls Trail
About the Abrams Falls Trail The Abrams Falls trail in Cades Cove is one of the most well-known waterfall hikes in the Smoky Mountains. The hike is moderate in difficulty and is a short 5 miles round trip. For beginner hikers, this trail is perfect! When you’re hiking Abrams Falls in Cades Cove, you should plan on […]