My husband and I are vacationing in the Smokeys this August. I've been researching hiking trails and notice there are almost too many to choose from. We'll definitely do the Cades Cove drive, but what hiking trails would anyone recommend? Nothing longer than 5 miles roundtrip. Thanks!

We liked Laurel Falls and Chimney Tops trails.

I have two to suggest.
One is Alum Cave; the other is Charley's Bunion. Alum Cave is a classic. It and Charley's Bunion are two of the few trails from which you can see anything in the summer because of the lush vegetation.
At the Fontana Dam end of the park, the hike up Shuckstack to the fire tower is ok. The walk to Clingman's Dome is fair and it does take you to a view tower that gets you up above the trees so you can see a little bit.
Visibility in the Smokies is not good in the summer because of the perpetual haze which gives the park its name.
Too bad you are limiting yourself on distance. Mount LeConte is a classic, but it is a long hike, and steep in places if you go up from Alum Cave, or via the Bullhead Trail. If you walk in from Newfound Gap on the Boulevard Trail, it is quite long -- 8 miles one way.

We love Grotto Falls. It is one of the easiest hikes (I think) and is beautiful. Grotto is not the largest, or most impressive falls, but is very pretty and has the unique feature that you can walk behind it. Also neat wading in the pool in front. It is found on the Roaring Fork Motor (Which we like more that the Cades Cove loop). Rainbow Falls hike is also on this motor trail and is a great hike, but it is a little harder.

If you go to Mt. LeConte, don't climb DOWN on the Boulevard. We spent a looong week there one day getting off of the mountain.
Alum Cave trail up is shortest, but VERY steep. You should be in pretty good shape to hike it. Rainbow Falls and Trillium Gap are a little longer and less steep. Hope the weather is good for you.

Brynn, The best time to hike in the Smokies is in the Spring and Fall when the weather is a little cooler. Winter can be fun too. Summer can get quite hot and humid. Anytime is a good time to be in the Smokies.

Alum Cave is one of my favorites. It is just under 5 miles round trip to the Bluffs. The views along the way are spectacular. It is one of the best hikes in the Smokies.

Grotto Falls is another favorite. The trail is the Trillium Gap Trail and it starts on the Motor Nature Trail. It is 3 miles round trip to the Falls. Depending on how much rain has fallen during the season, the Falls can be a trickle or a roar. On Monday, Wednesday and Friday you may see the pack llamas that use the trail to carry supplies to LeConte Lodge. If you get there before or around 9:00 in the morning you will see them on the way up or late in the afternoon they will be coming down.

If you are going to Cades Cove (and you did say you were) Abrams Falls is a nice hike. This is 5 miles round trip and the Falls is a nice place to have a little lunch.

Charlies Bunion is nice if the weather is clear and not fogged in. It is an 8.4 mile round trip though.

Stop in at the Happy Hiker (www.happyhiker.com). They are very friendly and will be able to help you with any information you might need. I would recommend two books. Both are pocket-size and are full of helpful information. "Hiking Trails of The Smokies" and "Great Walks of The Great Smokies". Also, any of the Park Visitor Centers can help.

We will be in the Smokies in a few weeks. We try to get there two or three times a year. We have made many wonderful friends over the years.

Have a fantastic time.

Deb. Do you mean the Bullhead Trail?
Boulevard is fairly flat because you originate at Newfound Gap and the elevation gain is relatively moderate. The Bullhead and Alum Cave trails can be used to train for the Matterhorn!!
They are both rascals!!

I could not do either of them right now.

An August Hike?

Definately go for the waterfall hikes - especially if you are only going to do one. Other hikes mentioned on previous posts are all great, I have done many of them. I love the Smokies in the summer, and love the waterfall hikes. Ramsey Falls is a wonderful hike, albeit more difficult than Grotto Falls, which is also very nice.

Make sure to pack a lunch, some fruit and water, and I always take along some first-aid supplies "just in case."

I also recommend the hiking book. It will mention special trees and plants that you will pass by on your hike. Mine is a 6" x 6" square, brown-cover book, and I believe it is one that was mentioned by Joanne.

Happy Trails!
Paul

Paul, I was also going to mention Ramsay Cascades, but Brynn wanted something 5 miles round trip. Ramsay is 8 and the hike to the falls is almost straight up, but worth the effort. I agree that a summer hike should be to waterfalls. A nice shower from the spray is a welcome refreshment. Yes and drinking water is a must on any hike. Some fruit or other snack will also be appreciated.

Hi Joanne,

You sound pretty much in the know on the Smokey Hikes. I can't wait to get there this summer again. This year I will be doing a mid-June week in the area. I hope I am not too late for the rhododendrum and mountain laurrel show!

Thanks for correcting the hike distance. I am so glad you like the area as much as I do. It truly is beautiful.

Happy Trails,
Paul

Hi Paul,

We have been traveling to the Smokies for the past twenty-six years but hiking only the past eleven. Tom Brosch, the former owner of the Happy Hiker, got us interested when we joined a group on a hike to Mt LeConte in 1991. We hiked to LeConte Lodge every April after that until 1997. We also have done several hikes on our own. My husband loves photography and many of the hikes he lugs his camera equipment with him.

My grandfather told me about the Smoky Mountains when I was a child and I had always wanted to see them. When I finally did, it was love at first sight and we can't help but return time and again. I have never been there for the rhododendren or Mt. Laurel, but the Spring flowers and the dogwood are beautiful. It's just too hot for me in the Summer.

I know you asked for hikes, which I agree with all the above, but you should do the cade's cove loop (my car) at dusk. Though traffic is quite heavy, you can see deer everywhere, other animals and probably get a glimpse or two of a bear. We did that the last time (3rd wk in AUg)and enjoyed seeing the bear froliking in the meadows.

Have fun!

Bob, I did mean Boulevard, for going "down" the mountain. I have gone up Boulevard several times and enjoyed it, but it is a terrible trail to hike down because so much of your time is actually spent hiking up. Sounds confusing, I know...Bullhead has a lot of nice views. It is fun to see the llamas on Trillium Gap. Their packs say UT on them. Happy hiking!

If you pick but one hike, pick Ramsey Cascades. It's a tough haul, but worth it.

The wife and I hiked Ramsey about 2 years ago and it's one of the best hikes in the park. The first bit is nothing exciting but you go through so old growth forest before you hit the falls.

Chiminey Tops is also a favorite.

The Happy Hiker is behind the Burning Bush restaurant in G-burg. I love it there, stop even if I don't need anything. There is also a new day hiker store (called the Dayhiker, appopriately). Located in The Village.

Perhaps re-think your Cades Cove drive. Every Yahoo in Gatlinburg goes on this. It may be very crowded. In August it almost certainly will be a traffic jam. Monday or Tues will give you a better chance. DO NOT go on the weekend to Cades Cove unless you like stitting in traffic.

Thanks so much for everyones' replies! As we have never been to the Smokeys, are the trails well marked or would it be prudent to buy a couple hiking books for this reason? My husband and I are in our mid-20s, in good shape, but have never hiked...that's why I limited the distance to 5 miles roundtrip. However, Ramsey Cascades sounds like it would be worth the extra distance! Is the Cades Cove drive worth it, considering the traffic?

Brynn,

Don't limit yourself to distance on your hikes. My husband and I had never hiked before and Ramsay Cascades was our first hike. We were novices and VERY unprepared so it was almost our last hike. We decided if we were going to start hiking we had better consult someone who knew what we needed to do to be safe and well prepared hikers. That's when we met Tom Brosch and the employees at the Happy Hiker. We have since hiked Ramsay Cascades four times, Mt. LeConte six, Alum Cave, Chimneys, Mt. Cammerer, Mt. Sterling and several others.

Yes, most of the trails are well marked, but I would still invest in at least one good hiking book and a trail map. The book I suggested earlier, Hiking Trails of The Smokies is one of the best and it has a trail map included. It gives directions to the trail heads and describes the trails in detail.

I would also suggest stopping in at the Information Center at the Smokies Ballpark on Route 66 at I-40 (if you are near there when you arrive). The guys who work there, Bill Burr, Mike Povia and Lee Lewis once worked at the Happy Hiker and are very knowledgable and just plain nice guys.

Remember, any trail you decide to hike, if you don't feel you can complete it you can always turn around and head back. The distance hiked in is the same distance you must hike out. Always carry drinking water. You might want a snack if your hike is a long one.

You should have no problem hiking. We are in our mid-50s and could be in better shape. If we can do it, you can.

Since this is your first time going to the Smokies, if you have the time, I would go to Cades Cove. I think it should be experienced at least once. The drive to get out there is beautiful as is the drive around the cove. Traffic will probably be heavy, but in August, traffic will be heavy almost everywhere in the Smokies. Just relax and enjoy. Any experience is what you make it. If traffic is heavy, well that just gives you more time to enjoy the magnificent surroundings. Why must we always be in such a hurry anyway??

Enjoy your trip. Like many of us, it probably won't be your last.

tops

Check out the trails in the Cosby & Greenbriar areas (out of town on Hwy 321). That's were Ramsey Falls is and Hen Wallow(?) Falls. Like the poster said above Spring & Fall are the best times to hiking. The falls are really running in the Spring & the area is less crowded. I would skip Cades Cove in the summer because of the crowds (and it takes forever to get there) - but you can get to Abrams real early & avoid them. Love them Smokies!

...all good suggestions...just remember..smoky....no e.....