5 Must Hike Trails at Great Smoky Mountains National Park
For those of you who are unfamiliar with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you'll certainly want to know the best hiking trails to make the most of the Smokies. We’ve curated a list of our personal favourite trails to give you a taste of the surreal beauty of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Forney Ridge Trail Trailhead to Clingmans Dome
Boasting the highest point in the national park, Clingmans Dome offers a 360-degree view of the Smokies from its viewing tower. Standing atop this spot is one of the most famous things to do at the Smokies. Do check the weather forecast before you decide to hike to the Clingman’s Dome, you want to be able to get a picturesque view from the tower.
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Appalachian Trail
Ranging from Maine to Georgia, the Appalachian Trail is the longest hiking-only footpath that can take nearly 6 months to complete. The trail is best explored in sections and a bundle map from the Avenza Map Store will help you plan that weekend getaway or week-long backpacking trip.
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Gregory Bald Trailhead to Gregory Bald
If you admire the azalea flower or would simply like to capture a picturesque view with azaleas, Gregory Bald is your spot. Azalea admirers from all around the world visit here for the finest display, especially in June. However, Gregory Bald is a great spot to get to all through the year. If you are looking for places to cover en route, to the south you have Fontana Lake and to the north, you have Cades Cove.
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Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte
The trails that lead to Mount LeConte aren’t off-beaten paths but are certainly not ones to miss. The classic trail, Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte, holds history, adventure and stunning views. If you decide to hike beyond Mount LeConte, you will witness outstanding vistas of the Smokies.
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Ramsey Cascades Trailhead to Ramsey Cascades
The hike to the tallest waterfall in the park begins from the Ramsey Cascades Trailhead in the Greenbier area. This hike is ranked 5th not because it’s any less spectacular than the above but because of its difficulty level. It takes nearly 7 hours to hike to and fro from the waterfall.
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Download Avenza Maps
Outdoor Adventure awaits, download maps from the Avenza Map Store and be on your way to explore this 522,427 acre, nature-rich, expanse that lies on the southern end of the Appalachian Mountains.
Scan this QR code to download the Avenza Maps app.