The Best Hiking Spots in the Great Smoky Mountains

A family hiking trip can be a fun and exhilarating experience for parents and kids alike. It provides a source of outdoor entertainment and adventure for the whole family. Whether you choose a hike that lasts a few hours or an all day learning experience, you're sure to find that perfect hiking trail located somewhere in the North Carolina mountain region. One of my favorite hiking trails is located in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and is considered one of the rarest treats for hikers who are experienced or just beginning to discovery what the whole hiking phenomena is all about. The Great Smoky Mountains are one of the most beautiful and interesting mountain areas in this region. The park area consists of more than 520,000 acres that includes beautiful waterfalls, mountain peaks of at least 5,000 feet and many varieties of plant and animal life for you to enjoy on your hike. There are two major resort towns near Smoky Mountain Park, not to mention the numerous campgrounds that are available for use by visitors. The rate for camping inside the National Park is 11.00 per family and the campground can accommodate tents, campers or recreational vehicles.

The most popular short hike in this area, and the one my kids and I frequently use; is the Clingmans Dome Trail. This is a 0.5 mile hike that begins with a climb from the parking lot to the observation tower on the peak of the mountain. This hiking trail is paved but the 1 mile hike is still rather strenuous because it's a constant ascent. Once you reach the tower, you will be treated to a beautiful view from the circular overlook platform. Early morning is the best time of day to make this hike, as the haze is minimal and you have optimum visibility. As you make the descent back down the trail and you reach the parking lot again, you may want to keep going and choose to hike the Silers Bald hiking trail. This is a very steep hiking trail with treacherous inclines, you must step from stone to stone and often the stones are wet and not very stable. The descent on the unsteady path goes on for a mile. When you are at 200 feet there is a large rock ledge that you can take a rest on or have a picnic. As you get deeper into the evergreen forest, which is carpeted with laurel and rhododendrone, you will see many forms of plant and animal life in abundance. Once you are at the 0.5 mile point the trail veers to the northwest and becomes very wet, the footing also gets worse. At several points along this somewhat strenuous hike, you will be treated to tremendous images of the mountains and valleys, you may even get lucky and view a black bear or a cougar which are known to make this area their habitat. There are 11 self guiding nature trails located in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Most of the trails are short but they can be combined into one all day adventure for the whole family to enjoy.

Younger hikers will like the shorter hikes much better, and will find it educational and well as entertaining. The Smokemount Self Guiding Nature Trail is one of the most popular among the younger groups or families with children. In the Smokemount campground you will find a foot bridge that spans Bradley Fork, this is where the Smokemount hike begins. During this hike your family will be treated to the viewing of 12 special interest sights that gives you an insight into mans impact on nature. There are various observation points along the hiking path where you will be able to view the abundantly stocked streams, many forms of plant and animal life, and beautiful, lush forests. There is also a stop where your children will be taught how to recognize the various trees and shrubs that grow throughout the area. The last leg of the hike takes you through laurel slicks and ridges covered with Scarlet Oak. While on your hike, if you take the time to look carefully you may see woodchucks galore as well as eastern chipmunks. The Smokemont campground at the Great Smoky National Park is one of the most beautiful and serene areas in this region. The maintenance road at the campground which is clearly marked, is where you will begin the first part of the Smokemount Loop hike. This road begins a gradual ascent that continues for a little over a mile. This climb isn't steep at all and you can manage it with a normal pace and no difficulty at all. The maintenance road leads you into a beautiful, lush forest where you will be able to view many forms of plant and animal life. Eventually you will come to a road that says no admittance, however if you choose to take this well worn path just ask permission and the park rangers will be glad to allow you to continue undisturbed. On this hike you will be treated to many historic sights. As well as receive an idea of the tremendous impact that man has had on wildlife and forestry in general. To receive more information on these and other scenic hikes in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park visit www.greatsmokymountains.com