Top 4 Reasons to Go Hiking in the Smoky Mountains
Did you know our Gatlinburg restaurant is located right on the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park? Because of our incredible location, it’s easy to stop by for lunch or dinner after your exciting day of exploring the park. There are so many wonderful things to do in the Smokies, including enjoying a wonderful hike! Here are the top 4 reasons why you should go hiking in the Smoky Mountains:
1. Breathtaking Natural Scenery
During your hiking trip in the Smoky Mountains, you can enjoy all sorts of wonderful natural scenes. Whether you are looking for a mountain view or a rushing waterfall, there is something for everyone in the Smokies. With over 800 miles of hiking trails to choose from, you can experience new sights during each visit to the park. Some of the most popular hikes in the Smokies include Laurel Falls, Alum Cave Trail, Rainbow Falls, and Clingmans Dome!
2. Amazing History
Just like our Gatlinburg restaurant, there is a ton of incredible history that can be found in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. During your hiking adventure, you can explore some of the historic buildings that have been preserved for hundreds of years since the first settlers lived in the area. In fact, the John Oliver Cabin can be found in Cades Cove and it was owned by the area’s first permanent European settlers. Some of the other fascinating buildings to see include the Cades Cove churches, the Walker Sisters Place, and the Little Greenbrier School. As you take a look inside these buildings, you can get a better understanding of how the early settlers lived.
3. Great Exercise
If you are looking to burn off a few calories during your trip to the Smokies, a hike is a wonderful way to get some exercise. Although, you will have so much fun exploring the natural scenery and history that it won’t feel like a true workout. There are hiking trails for all ages and skill levels as well, so everyone can enjoy the majesty of the Smokies. If you are an experienced hiker, take the trip to Mount LeConte for a view that you will never forget. For families with kids, you can enjoy a short hike to Cataract Falls where you can see a 25-foot-tall waterfall!
4. Work Up an Appetite
After your day of hiking in the Smoky Mountains, you can return back to Gatlinburg to enjoy an incredible dinner with us at The Park Grill. You are sure to work up an appetite while hiking, and we have all sorts of amazing entrees that will satisfy your tastebuds. We serve everything from mouthwatering steaks and burgers to seafood and southern BBQ! Be sure to also explore all the tasty options on our salad bar, which is sure to be the perfect start to your meal at our Gatlinburg restaurant! Also, save some room for dessert because we guarantee you will want to taste our legendary Black Bear Brownie Bash!
As you enjoy hiking in the Smoky Mountains, you will learn all sorts of amazing history about the area. Check out these hikes in the Smokies that you will want to explore during your trip! We look forward to seeing you soon!
