We will be going to Gatlinburg on Memorial Day weekend. (Heaven, help us).

While my wife likes the town, I always convince her to day-hike a trail in the park.

We have been on several including Ramsey Cascades, Baskin Creek, and some of the shorter ones near town.

Which one would you suggest that we hike this time? Please tell me why you liked it and also negatives about the trail.

The one I'm leaning toward now is Chimney Tops. Has anyone had experiences with this one?

We went on the Chimney Tops trail last year in early June and it's gorgeous. I only went on 3/4 of the trail, though, as we heard the last part was very strenuous and time-consuming. They say that if you make it all the way, though, the view at the end is worth it.

Depends on how much you can do.
Alum Cave Bluffs via Arch Rock is nice.
If you have the legs for it, keep on going to the top of Le Conte, or turn around before you get there.
Alum Cave itself is about 2.5 miles.

Alum Cave Trail is steep, steep, steep. If your wife isn't pretty fit, don't make her go. You will be sorry if you do...

Candy... (and others who have been to Chimney Tops)..

Is the last part dangerous? I have heard both ways.

As to Alum Cave Bluffs...I would like to do it, but we're saving LeConte for a time that we can hike the whole thing and stay at the lodge on top.

Other suggestions?

Remember, I didn't hike the last leg of Chimney Tops. However, I never heard anyone say that it was dangerous - only strenuous.

Why don;t you see if you can get reservations at the Lodge and do Leconte this time?

I am so glad that you are bringing up the subject of hiking in the Smokies. I will be visiting there soon and also love to hike. I have been on a number of hikes, and have found them all wonderful in their own special way. My guidebook, "Hiking Trails of the Smokies" is an excellent source for identifying plant material along the way, and telling of anything special about the areas you are hiking - as you are hiking.

While I have hiked different types of trails, for summer hiking, there is nothing like a good waterfall. I am considering Abrams Falls this year. Has anyone completed this hike? Did you enjoy it?

Big Red - If you are considering Chimney Tops, it is rated a "strenuous" hike. But so was the Ramsey Cascades hike that you already went on. Chimney Tops is a steady uphill climb and can be a bit hazardous at the top. It gets very steep and can be difficult to finish. Be sure to look for a pathway around an area that you will see some people "rock climbing." There is a 'final' point too that many people don't bother to take. It is just after you reach the part I just described. It IS dangerous and you do not need to venture any further to see the chimney tops or the beautiful views as you are already there.

Now, anyone have any advice or comments on Abrams Falls? Would you suggest a different set of falls? I have already hiked Grotto Falls, Laurel Falls, and Ramsay Cascades.

Happy Trails,
Paul

We enjoy hiking out of the Cosby area, it's not nearly as crowded. For a falls hike, do the Hen Wallow Falls, a 4-mile loop from the campgrounds. This time of year, Grapeyard Ridge Trail (7.6 miles) would be really pretty- there's the remains of an old train engine that's tumbled into a creek, and campsite #32 is a good place for a picnic. It's been a few years since we've done this one- seems like my husband hiked back around from Roaring Fork Nature Trail to pick us up in the truck. I like to hike the less-populated trails, and this was a good one. The trailhead is at the jct. of Greenbrier Road and the roads to Ramsey Cascades/Porter Creek.

Wow! Thanks RB. I just read about the hike in my hiking book. I have not heard of taking that hike before, so it was neat to hear of your recommendation.

I too like the Cosby side of the Gatlinburg. I stay out at Bent Creek when I travel to the Smokies. Ever eat at Proffitts BBQ or Big Wallies? {Both on Hwy. 321} Big Wallies is a favorite local 'diner style' hangout. Proffitts BBQ has a great country or bluegrass band in the evenings. The chicken is great and the beer is cold. The music is sometimes hokey, but always fun. Usually very 'true' Appalachian music. Dolly's family house is also still in the area. She and her brother still live there too. I had the pleasure of meeting Bobby Parton two years ago. …Quite a nice guy.

Just thought I would pass along some things I have found as we both travel to the same area. Thanks again for your suggestion.

Happy Trails,
Paul

Paul...

Are these roadhouse-type places or nice restaurants? I get tired of the usual places along the Parkway in Gatlinburg. I was wondering if there are other "hidden" restaurants in the area.

Topping for Paul

Paul: the recommendation for Grapeyard Ridge came from the folks at the Happy Hiker store in Gatlinburg, and we were glad we took it. Very pretty rhododendron on this trail. We've not eaten at the places you've noted, but will remember them on our next trip. Cosby may be more "inhabited" since the NPS put in hot showers at the campground, but it's still less traipsed than some of the other areas. For those considering hikes in the Smokies, the "Hiking Trails in the Smokies" mentioned by Paul is the best resource- it's worth the space in your back/day pack.

I did the entire App. Trail in 1999 and stopped at the Happy Hiker....it's a great place. Make sure you stop there.

Hi Smokies Eater,

"Big Wallies" is a roadside diner/eatery on 321, in Gatlinburg just before Cosby. They are known for blue-plate lunches and their pulled pork sandwiches. Definitely a 'local' place.

Debbie Proffitt owns "Proffitts BBQ". She was raised in Gatlinburg and has strong family roots to the town. She's a super nice person and just opened this restaurant about 3 years ago. It is also on 321 in about the same area. It has great BBQ. It also has good local music - either country or bluegrass. You sit on a large screened-in deck while eating, drinking, listening, and just all-around relaxing and having fun. It is sort of a 'self-serve' place. You buy your beer at the store inside and sit on the patio and eat, drink, and be merry.

There is another restaurant down the street called, "The House by the Road." It is indeed an old house, serves typical diner-style food... but GREAT desserts!!! If you drive by the place, pick up a piece of chocolate pie or carrot cake for later - homemade and to die for.

Other places in the area I like are "The Greenbrier" and the "Mountain Lodge" - both closer to downtown, but still on 321.

Happy Trails,
Paul

Hi Paul,

We met on another thread about hiking in the Smokies. If I remember correctly, you will be going there to do some hiking in June and hope to see the Mountain Laurel and Rhododendron in bloom.

I have done the Abrams Falls Trail several times. It is a nice hike and follows Abrams Creek for a good part of the way. The falls are a welcome sight on a hot summer hike. There is a rock ledge that gets you pretty close to the falls...close enough to get some spray to cool off. A good place to have a cool rest and a bite to eat. I would recommend it.

I too enjoy hiking in the Greenbrier area of the park. We have done parts of the trails in that area and with some former employees of the "Happy Hiker" did some off-trail hiking. Also enjoy hiking out of Cosby. My husband and I have done Mt. Cammerer and Mt. Sterling.

Just a note for those who may not know, "The Happy Hiker" was sold by Tom Brosch to Barrett Ogle. One of the long-time employees, Howard Welsh stayed on. He and I'm sure any of the new employees are always more than happy to help with anything you may need to know.

We were just in the Smokies a couple weeks ago. The weather was just the way I like it...on the cool side.

Have a great time in June and do take the Abrams Falls hike. I don't think you will be disappointed.

Joanne

Hi Joanne,

I read about your trip and I am so happy you had a great time. Sounds as if Mandy had a great time too! I'm sorry that the Microtel in Gatlinburg was full - hope Pigeon Forge gave you some fun however.

Thanks for the advice about Abrams Falls. One reason that I am leaning toward hiking in that area, is to time it so that we might finish our hike later in the day, and already be in Cades Cove to see the wildlife near dusk. I like Cades Cove, but do not enjoy the traffic in the area at times. I figure if I am already there, half of the battle will be won. Plus I will be so relaxed after already being on a great hike, the extra cars shouldn't bother me a bit, right?!?

The Greenbrier area is surly one of my favorites. When I get to the Gatlinburg area, I usually drive through the main drag of Pigeon Forge and into Gatlinburg. Then I turn left on 321 and head toward my little place of peace in the hills. But on my way down 321, I ALWAYS pull off at the Little Pigeon River and get my feet wet. I can't begin to describe what the feeling is that overcomes me at that moment. It is wonderful!

I am afraid that we might be heading to the mountains too late to ses the Mountain Laurel and Rhododendron in full bloom. I am wondering, however, if the higher elevations might still provide some 'spring' splashes of color. It has been a bit cool late this year; so perhaps there will still be blooms.

I am excited about my upcoming trip. I have been traveling to this area since I was a young kid. Our family would take summer trips there almost every year. The drive from Michigan to Tennessee with my two younger brothers was always eventful. - and it still is. It sure is strange to remember "how it used to be" in Gatlinburg. The wood-shingled shops with rockers on almost every front porch are some great memories. Perhaps knowing the town's history makes my visit there so much more exciting.

My parents got to know several of the old-timers in town, and they still visit them, and the area, year after year. I remember one year my Mom wanted to rent a storefront from Mr. Regan to open up a shop. I still don't know to this day what she wanted to do with that building. Like me, she still gets excited in that town too. Today, my folks enjoy visiting the area in the fall to see the color change. I prefer the heat of the summer.

The hike to Hen Wallow Falls sounds like a neat trail too. I appreciate the advice from RB on that one. It reads like a great hike. This travel forum is so wonderful. I am happy that there is such a great place to share this information with one another.

Happy Trails,
Paul

Paul,

Yes, we did have a great time with Mandy. I do miss the hiking though. If I get back into shape maybe we will leave Mandy with my sister and get back into the mountains on some hikes.

We only slept and showered at the Microtel in Pigeon Forge. We spent most of our time walking around Gatlinburg. We did spend some time in Patriot Park in Pigeon Forge. We ate by the River and walked the track afterward. My husband loves the Pancake Pantry for breakfast. We got take-out and ate in the courtyard in the Village Shopping area. We spend some time visiting the friends we have made over the years. The former employees of the Happy Hiker who now work at the Smokies Ballpark Visitor Center. Randall Ogle and his wife Jayne...always check out his latest artwork. And others. A good part of our trip is visiting now.

I miss the Gatlinburg of the past sometimes. I remember, even 26 years ago, the shops and the rocking chairs...everything was so quaint.

I think your plans for Cades Cove and the hike to Abrams Falls is a good one. You will already be there to enjoy the wildlife without fighting too much traffic. And yes, you should be relaxed after your hike.

Will have to try the restaurants you mentioned on 321. We have had breakfast at the Mountain Lodge. Have you ever eaten at Anthony's Cafe. Good food at a reasonable price. If Anthony is there, he makes the experience quite memorable. He's a colorful character. We learned about it from locals.

Where in Michigan do you live? My husband and I live in Canton. I grew up in Redford Township and my husband grew up in Detroit.

Have a wonderful time and let me know all about it when you get back.

Hi. My husband and I hiked Chimney Tops a few years ago. I wanted to turn back plent of times on the trail. It was a tough trail to me, very steep. However, I was so proud to complete the trail.
The last bit of trail could be dangerous, you are climbing on a large rock outcropping.
Have a wonderful trip.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I will post a trip report when we return