Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Nantahala National Forest offer some of the most breathtaking hiking opportunities in the United States. Here’s a guide to some of the best hikes in and around these two iconic natural landscapes.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Trails
1. Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte
- Distance: 10.5 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Highlights: This popular hike takes you through old-growth forests, past unique geological formations like Arch Rock and Alum Cave, and up to Mount LeConte, the third-highest peak in the park. Stunning vistas await at the summit.
2. Clingmans Dome Observation Tower Trail
- Distance: 1.2 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: As the highest point in the Smokies at 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome offers unparalleled 360-degree views. The paved trail to the observation tower is steep but short, making it accessible to many visitors.
3. Ramsey Cascades Trail
- Distance: 8 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Highlights: This hike leads to the tallest waterfall in the park, Ramsey Cascades, which plunges 100 feet over rock ledges. The trail meanders through an ancient forest filled with towering tulip poplars and hemlocks.
4. Chimney Tops Trail
- Distance: 3.6 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Highlights: A short but steep climb rewards hikers with breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains. Due to past wildfire damage, the last section of the trail remains closed, but the scenic overlook is still worth the trek.
Nantahala National Forest Trails
1. Whiteside Mountain Trail
- Distance: 2 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: This loop trail offers stunning views from Whiteside Mountain’s sheer 750-foot cliffs. On a clear day, you can see for miles across the Blue Ridge Mountains.
2. Wesser Bald Fire Tower Trail
- Distance: 2.8 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: A relatively short but rewarding hike that leads to a historic fire tower with spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
3. Bartram Trail to Wayah Bald
- Distance: 10.6 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
- Highlights: Named after naturalist William Bartram, this trail offers a long but gradual ascent to Wayah Bald, where a stone observation tower provides stunning vistas stretching into Georgia and Tennessee.
4. Cullasaja Falls Trail
- Distance: 0.5 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Highlights: A short but steep hike that leads to the beautiful Cullasaja Falls, one of the many stunning waterfalls along the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway.
Tips for Hiking in the Region
- Check the Weather: Mountain weather can change rapidly. Bring rain gear and layers, even in summer.
- Pack Essentials: Water, snacks, a map, and a first-aid kit are must-haves for any hike.
- Respect Wildlife: The Smokies are home to black bears. Keep a safe distance and store food properly.
- Leave No Trace: Help preserve these beautiful trails by packing out all trash and minimizing your impact.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner looking to explore the great outdoors, the trails of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Nantahala National Forest offer unforgettable experiences. Lace up your boots, hit the trail, and discover the beauty of these Appalachian gems!