Taking the wife and kids (8,9,13) to the Smoky Mountains this summer to do some hiking and general leisure. We are not planning on going to Dollywood or any other similar attraction. Really just looking for outdoor, low cost, activities that showcase the beautiful scenery, waterfalls, etc. Anyone have a recommended trail or excursion for this area? The kids are all athletic and can probably handle a 3-4 hour hike, but that's likely the limit. We have a guidebook that seems rather informative, but are looking for other opinions as well.
Thanks!
Posted By: Skittles
Re: Smoky Mountains - Hiking - 02/13/19 01:06 PM
Sounds like a wonderful trip, Seeking! LOVE the Smoky Mountains. As far as hikes are concerned, we've done Chimney Tops (very rocky and tough), Mt. Le Conte (there are three different ways to hike there), and Andrews Bald. There is a short hike to Laurel Falls, however I have never done that one. I do highly recommend going to Cades Cove (11 mile loop) early one morning to see deer, turkey and possibly a bear. They used to close (don't know if they still do) the loop at Cades Cove on Saturday mornings until about 10:00 so bikers could go for a tour and not have to worry about cars.
Are you staying in a cabin?
Posted By: HappyGilmore
Re: Smoky Mountains - Hiking - 02/13/19 02:18 PM
google appalachian trail and it will list tons of hikes, from short day hikes to a 6-month planning guide if you want to walk from maine to georigia...
we have stayed in gatlinburg and done just about every hike in the general vicinity, other than Cade's Cove i don't recall the names of any of them. google great smoky mountains national park and under the "plan your trip" section there is a ton of info on available hikes.
Thank you for the tips to both of you. We are looking at those hikes already, so it is nice to know others have enjoyed them. We are staying in a home we are renting through one of the rent from the owner sites. It is located southwest of Pigeon Forge and should be a great base for our daytime excursions. Thanks again!
Posted By: mdog76
Re: Smoky Mountains - Hiking - 02/22/19 09:34 PM
I live in Pigeon Forge, just be ready for the traffic Seeking!