GREAT TRAILS IN THE GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK

ABRAMS FALLS < < < ALUM CAVE BLUFF TRAIL < < < RAMSEYS CASCADE < < < CHIMNEY TOPS TRAIL < < <

TRAIL DIFFICULTY RATINGS:

Light: Well maintained, good walking paths, an easy hike for people in average health.

Moderate: Average health, with sustained walking times, remember water, proper outdoor clothing and hiking boots.

Strenuous: Good health, steep grades, sustained hiking times, food, and water required.

Backcountry: Backcountry equipment and good hiking boots a must, must be in good physical health.

Great Trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Abrams Falls: Partially paved, then rocky trail into mountain holler. The falls runs vigorously throughout the year, a pleasing destination especially in summer. Round Trip 5 miles. Difficulty: Moderate.

Alum Cave Trail: Arduous, steep, with a pay off of beautiful features such as mossy coves, a cavernous rock staircase, views of the mountain valley, Perigenes Peak, and the Alum Cave. Round Trip apprx 3.5 miles. Difficulty: Strenuous.

Charlie's Bunyon Trail: Well maintained trail with a dramatic view of Sawtooth Gap. 8 Miles round trip, difficulty: Moderate.

Mt. LeConte: ( via Alum Cave trail ) One of the parks most interesting and beautiful trails that takes you to the Mt. LeConte rustic lodge (reservations required) Views from the overlooks are breathtaking, plus the features mentioned in Alum Cave synopsis. 10 Miles round trip, difficulty: Strenuous.

Look Rock Tower Trail: ( via Foothills Parkway ) A gradual asent takes you to a concrete structure with a 360 degree view of the surrounding mountains, including a view of the Tennessee valley and the Cumberland Mountains to the north. 1 Mile round trip, difficulty: light

Chimney Tops Trail: These twin mountain peaks are a classic park feature. The summit bears one of the most intimate views of the peaks and valleys in the park. Feeding of wildlife is prohibited in the park, However, that doesn't keep the chipmunks from begging. Warning: The summit has dangerous rock precipaces, keep small children close. 5 Miles round trip, difficulty: Strenuous.

Clingmans' Dome: Highest point east of the Mississippi. This paved trail to the overlook is easily accessible. Bear witness to the park's biodiversity and effects from pollution. Kids love the state boundary line with TN & NC in the parking lot. 1 Mile round trip, difficulty: light. Warning: Steep Mountain grades, best for autos without trailors.

Grotto Falls: Roundtrip 2.6 miles - Difficulty: Moderate

Ramsay Cascades: (from intersection of foothills parkway and Highway 329.) Beautiful cascading falls is at end of the trail for you. If you are wanting to get away from the crowds, heres a great place in summer, enjoy the dark, cool hollers. 8 Mile round trip, difficulty: Strenuous.

Laurel Falls: Distance: 4 miles round trip, difficulty: moderate.

NON HIKING TRAILS:

Gatlinburg's Motor Nature Trail: Travel by car deep into a Smokies forest. Here are some of the most accessible views of typical plants and wildlife for small children, elderly, and handicapped. 4 Miles round trip, difficulty: NA. NOTICE: one way

Cade's Cove Loop Road: Experience one of the parks most adored features, Cade's Cove and it's bucolic fields and surrounding hillsides, roughly unchanged for centuries. Once inhabited by a small group of settlers, now a nature showplace for deer, bear, and other wildlife. See classic log structures. Reminder: Feeding of wildlife is prohibited in the park. Notice: Traffic is heavy in peak color weeks in the fall. 8 Miles round trip, difficulty: NA.

WALKING WISDOM

Remember: When hiking in any alpine location, remember to take plenty of water as it is not recommended that you drink from any stream wihtout treating the water first. Carefully consider your clothing, the time of year, the weather, and your turn-back time so that you do not run out of daylight returning from a hike.

Hyperthermia: The gradual loss of body heat manifesting itself in blurred speech and vision, confusion, disorientation, and nausea. TREATMENT: give the victim warm fluids, sandwich between two other hikers or place near fire or in auto.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park web site