When you’re visiting the Smokies in the summer, you probably want to get out in the national park and explore. There are several hikes in the Smoky Mountains you should go on, and they have different features and difficulties for everyone. Here are the top 7 hikes in the Smoky Mountains you should go on this summer:
1. Porters Creek Trail
Porters Creek Trail is considered moderate and is 7 miles roundtrip. This trail is known for all kinds of wildflowers, so you might spot some while you’re hiking. There is an old homestead you can walk around and see what living in the area was like a long time ago. You’ll walk alongside a creek, and eventually come to Fern Branch Falls.
2. Gatlinburg Trail
If you’re looking for an easy trail to go on, you should hike the Gatlinburg Trail. This hike in the Smoky Mountains is 4 miles roundtrip and right outside of downtown Gatlinburg. This is one of the only trails horses and dogs are allowed on. You’ll see a creek, old forest growth, and remains of homesteads on this hike.
3. Abrams Falls
If you are going to be in Cades Cove and want to go on a hike, you should hike to Abrams Falls. This moderate trail is 5 miles roundtrip and is a great hike for the whole family. There are several native plants you will see along the way, and the river runs alongside the path. The waterfall is 20 feet tall with a huge amount of water gushing over the side.
4. Ramsey Cascades
A harder hike in the Smoky Mountains leads to Ramsey Cascades. This trail is considered difficult and is 8 miles roundtrip. It’s a great trail for people who love to hike all the time and want to see a waterfall. The falls are 100 feet tall, one of the tallest in the national park, with several rock tiers.
5. Rainbow Falls
Another popular summer hike in the Smoky Mountains is Rainbow Falls. The roundtrip length is 2.7 miles and it is considered difficult. This waterfall is the tallest single drop in the national park. The hike to the falls is beautiful and full of foliage. You might even see animals along the way!
6. Grotto Falls
Grotto Falls is a moderate hiking trail that takes you to one of the most popular waterfalls. The trail is considered moderate and is 2.6 miles roundtrip. Grotto Falls is the only waterfall in the park you can walk behind, but be cautious since it will be slippery.
7. Alum Cave
Want to see cool geological features along your hike? Alum Cave Trail is a moderate trail that is 5 miles roundtrip. You can actually take this trail to get to the summit of Mount LeConte, and it is one of five to use to get to the top. You’ll see Arch Rock on the way to the bluffs, and once you reach the bluffs, you’ll be amazed by the sheer size of them and the beautiful view.
These are just a few of the top hikes in the Smoky Mountains you should go on in the summer. Every trail is beautiful and shows the Great Smoky Mountains. Are you ready to explore the Smokies? Look through our Gatlinburg cabin rentals and book one today!
