4 Hikes in the Smoky Mountains You Don’t Want to Miss
Our Gatlinburg restaurant is located right on the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is home to over 800 miles of magnificent hiking trails. With so many hikes to choose from, it can be tricky to plan out your day of hiking, especially if it’s your first time. There are many different trails that feature all types of natural beauty, including wildflowers, waterfalls, and remnants of old civilizations. To narrow down your choices, here are 4 hikes in the Smoky Mountains you don’t want to miss:
1. Laurel Falls
At just 2.3 miles roundtrip, the hike to Laurel Falls is perfect for families with children and beginning level hikers. Although it is relatively short in length, there is plenty to see along the way, including one of the most gorgeous waterfalls in the Smokies. Laurel Falls stands at 80-feet tall and is separated into two sections by a small footbridge. This is the perfect place to take your group’s photo with the rushing waterfall in the background. Another good thing about this trail is that it is completely paved, making it much safer for elderly hikers and children!
2. Abrams Falls
Another one of the incredible waterfall hikes in the Smoky Mountains you need to check out is Abrams Falls. This trail is right at 5 miles roundtrip, but only encompasses a 340 foot gain in elevation. To get to the trailhead, drive 4.8 miles along the Cades Cove Loop Road. After crossing Abrams Creek, you will follow the gravel road to reach the beginning of the trail. While Abrams Falls only stands at about 20 feet high, it makes up for its lack of height with the incredible amount of water that rushes over the falls! In fact, it is considered to be the most voluminous waterfall in the entire park.
3. Andrews Bald
For one of the most outstanding views of the Smokies, you need to make the 3.5 mile round-trip trek to Andrews Bald. From the summit, you will be presented with an incredible view that is well worth the walk to the top. Along the way, you will access several sets of stone steps that make the elevation change much more manageable. For an incredible experience, you can pack a picnic lunch and enjoy a meal as you overlook the stunning scenery of the Smokies! While this is a great hike during any time of the year, it is most popular during the spring and autumn months.
4. Chimney Tops Trail
Chimney Tops Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the Smoky Mountains because of the combination of a short trek and unbelievable views. In total, the trail covers 3.3 miles roundtrip and offers a picturesque view of the mountains. The only thing that you will find challenging about this hike is the elevation change, which covers almost 1,500 feet in just over 2 miles. To reach the summit, guests will climb 360 stone steps. However, you will find that the hike is well worth the effort once you take in the magnificent scenery! In addition to these amazing hiking trails, we are also located just minutes away from a variety of other attractions in Gatlinburg!
After exploring one of the many hikes in the Smoky Mountains, you can drive back to Gatlinburg to relax and have an amazing dinner with us! Take a look at our Gatlinburg restaurant menu to start planning your trip today! We look forward to seeing you soon!
