7 Summer Hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains

The Great Smoky Mountains, part of the Appalachian mountain chain, are said to be the oldest mountains in the world. With over 800 miles of trails, it's no wonder that the Great Smoky Mountain National Park is the most visited park in the United States.

You'll find that most directions to the Park center around Gatlinburg, often called the Gateway to the Smoky Mountains. From Gatlinburg, head 2 miles south on U.S. 441 to the park entrance.

The Appalachian forest is cool and moist, a mix of mountain laurel, rhododendron, redbuds, dogwoods, and hardwood and evergreen trees. Over 1500 species of wildflowers thrive in the humid, shady forest. This makes it a great place to visit in the spring or summer; the fall colors extend the visiting season even further.

Bears? The park estimates there were about 1,600 black bears in the Smoky Mountains last year. The bears are wild. Don't try to approach them, and don't feed them. If you're close enough for the bear to watch you or begin to be aggressive, try to change your direction and get away. Bears are aggressive when you're in their space; usually if you leave them alone they'll do the same.

When you hike, remember to stay on the trails. Leave plants, animals, and rocks undisturbed. Keep in mind that wet rocks are usually very slick.

I've listed a few of the hiking trails, in no particular order except divided into 3 categories:
• Easy - casual, short nature outings
• Moderate - longer, still fairly easy, but requiring sturdy, broken-in shoes
• Difficult - hikes that require planning, food and/or water, and possibly several layers of clothing, depending on the time of year.

EASY HIKES:
Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail - 3,000 foot loop
From the Sugarlands Visitor Center, drive 0.5 miles south on U.S. 441 and park on the left for the Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail. It's a paved loop less than one mile long, built to accommodate visitors who have visual or mobility impairments.

You'll see evidence of settlers, like chimneys built from river rocks. Variations in the vegetation patterns indicate that there used to be clearings. The creek you see is a branch of the Pigeon River; it runs year-round, even during drought seasons.

Laurel Falls 2- mile paved hike
From the Sugarlands Visitor Center, turn right on Little River Road. Look for the Laurel Falls parking area about 3.7 miles out.

The hike is very easy, even for small children; it only rises 200 feet. The trail is wide and paved. There's a bridge you'll walk over to cross Laurel Branch. The trail leads through a series of falls. Laurel Falls is a tall, rocky cascade, spilling into a pool where you can cool your feet - or your entire body if you slip.

MODERATE:
Porter's Creek 6 to 7.4 miles
Directions: from Gatlinburg, take US 321 East about 6 miles, to the Greenbriar entrance of the park and follow the signs. Restrooms are available at the first picnic area along Greenbriar Road.

Known for its spring wildflower displays, Porter's Creek is a great place to get away from the bustle of Gatlinburg. In the winter, enjoy miniature frozen waterfalls. The first mile is a graveled jeep road, wide enough to walk side by side. You'll hike past former home sites (look for stone walls and steps) and cemeteries. You'll cross the creek on a log bridge. Be sure to see Fern Creek Falls, a beautiful cascade nearly 2 miles out. You get there by taking a side trail on your left. Only 100 yards away, the falls are well worth the slight detour.

Trillium Gap and Brushy Mountain 6.2 miles
Directions: In Gatlinburg at traffic light #8, take Airport Road. After one mile bear right into the park, pass the Ogle Homestead, and bear right again. You'll pass the Rainbow Falls Trailhead. Turn right on Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail and go 1.7 miles to the Trillium Gap/Grotto Falls Trailhead. In the winter roaring Fork Road is closed. You can park at Rainbow falls, adding 2 miles each way to your hike.

The trail begins in a hemlock grove, eventually leading to a shady creek; the first of several. At Grotto Falls, the water tumbles about 30 feet, and you can walk out underneath (on the grotto). After the falls the hiking is steep and private. It gets narrow and rocky as you reach the top. Trillium gap on the right heads up to the top of Mount le Conte. Brushy Mountain is to the left. From its peak you can see several peaks that are over 6.000 feet. Brushy Mountain is rife with rhododendron, mountain laurel, blueberries, and many mosses.

Cades Cove 11-mile paved loop or hike to Abrams Falls, 5-mile moderate hike.
Cades' cove has restored log cabins, a grist mill, churches, and barns. There are dogwood trees in the spring and red maples and sourwoods in the fall.

If you want to try a moonlight hike, park outside the gate, which closes at dark. You'll hear coyotes (no, those aren't wolves) and mourning doves and wild turkeys, along with the usual east Tennessee sounds of bullfrogs and cicadas.
Bike rentals, horseback riding, and hayrides are other ways to see the Cove.

DIFFICULT:

Clingman's Dome 8.4 miles one way
This hike is hilly and rocky and not suitable for young children.
Directions: From Sugarlands Visitor Center, drive 13 miles south on US 441 to Newfound Gap. Begin your hike here, or, turn right onto Clingman's Dome Road (closed December through March) and drive to the top, leave one car at Clingman's dome, and drive back to Newfound Gap to start your hike.

This hike is part of the Appalachian Trail, a 2175 mile hiking trail, 70 miles of which is in Tennessee. Clingman's Dome is not only the highest point on the AT, but the second tallest peak in the U.S. The trail starts out level but quickly rises. Part of the climb involves log steps, then you'll cross a grassy opening and climb again. You'll climb Mt. Collins, not so steep but rocky, make a long drop to Collins Gap, and a mile-long climb with steep rocks. the trail becomes a bit easier (or maybe by this point you're immune) and after more climbing you come to a level trail under the Clingman's Dome observation tower.

Chimney Tops 4.0 miles
From the Sugarlands Visitor Center, 6.7 miles on U.S. 441 to the Chimney Tops parking lot.
You'll cross several bridges and creeks on this trail.At Beech Flats, you're about halfway; stay on the main trail (rightward). The other path leads to part of the AT. Continuing on, you'll come to two switchbacks, then you'll begin to see the chimney tops.
A steep, rugged climb to the two rock towers will show you why so many hikers love this climb: when you reach the top there's a fabulous view of Mount le Conte, Mount Mingus, and Sugarland Mountain. Congratulations on making it to the top!