At 6643 feet, Clingmans Dome, now known by its Cherokee name, Kuwohi, is the highest point in the…read moreGreat Smoky Mountains National Park. My visit to Kuwohi was a highlight of my visit to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The drive up to the summit is breathtaking. There are several overlooks along the way to stop and enjoy the views. When we arrived, it was about 20 degrees colder than in Gatlinburg and it was very windy. Fortunately, we had dressed warm for the hike. The half mile trail is paved and accessible, however, the climb is straight up and was very difficult for some people. At the top of the trail we passed the Appalachian Trail. Then we found a fantastic Mid Century concrete spiral structure to climb. At the top, is an observation deck with placards describing the magnificent views of Tennessee and North Carolina. The modern observation deck was completed in 1960, replacing a wooden structure. Thomas Lanier Clingman was one of the early explorers that mapped the region in the 1850's. Kuwohi was (and still is) a sacred mountain of the Cherokee people. The mountain held Magic Lake that is believed to have healing powers for those who value the earth and its people. Parking permits are required to park in the large lot. Permits can be purchased on site for $5/day. Restroom facilities are available, but no running water. A nearby Visitors Center sells maps, shirts and other hiking gear. Kuwohi is a must visit on a trip to SMNP. Bring warm clothes (gloves, hat, etc). Cell tower reception is poor, so maps are helpful.

This stop has been on my list for awhile, and I'm not really sure how I hadn't made it yet…read moreconsidering the amount of times I've road tripped to the Smokies... but here we are! Got to see a bear on the way coming from Oconaluftee, which meant the day was perfect no matter what else happened. The weather was a little rainy, scattered storms here and there, and the cloud cover wasn't great for a great view from the overlook, but.... The parking lot view was still excellent, and the overlook itself was cool to see, and there was a Passport stamp station and Visitor Center, loads of camp style restrooms, with plenty of parking, so, absolutely worth the stop!

Cataract Falls is one of the easiest and most family-friendly waterfalls in the Smokies. The walk…read moreis short, mostly flat, and shaded. perfect for young kids, older adults, or anyone who doesn't want a strenuous hike. There's lots of places to walk or swim in the shallow stream with rocks the water was too cold for us Floridians but still refreshing to wash your hands in. One tip: we initially drove around trying to find the trailhead and couldn't figure out where the entrance was. We finally stopped at the Sugarlands Visitor Center gift shop and learned the trail starts directly behind the visitor center near the restrooms. You'll need a parking pass to park, but we opted for the all-day parking tag since we planned to visit multiple areas in the national park, and it was well worth it. The waterfall itself isn't huge, but it's peaceful, and a great spot for photos. If you're looking for a quick, relaxing waterfall without a long hike, Cataract Falls is definitely worth adding to your itinerary.

Walk to the fall is nice - the fall is a bit average - it is not very large. We enjoyed the walk…read more There are some logs and puddles along the way for kids to enjoy.

Will make it brief: this is a lovely hike, slippery when wet (which is often, it rains a lot) -…read moretake your time so you don't slip (I did, and it HURT). There are a LOT of stairs, and when it's humid you will need to stop for breaks along the way. The final view is closed from fires but they have a reconstructed viewpoint near the end that is gorgeous - the views of the mountainside are stunning. Overall - would do again, but it's a relatively difficult hike because of the uphill climb so come prepared!

This is a busy trail. Go early to avoid crowds. It is short but steep so if you don't normally…read moreworkout or hike it may be difficult. The view is pretty. It's an out and back not a loop.

We started out great with a black bear up the hill from us most of the trail on the way to the…read morewaterfall was not strenuous, there are a lot of roots in the path so don't trip!! Along with the bear we saw several turkey, squirrels, chipmunks and a rabbit so not a bad day for wildlife spotting! The fall is peaceful and nice but not a big one. We spent a few mins there and headed back out. Remember this is a "in & out" trail. The majority of the way back is incline walking a little tough at times. There is a trail off the main path to an old graveyard, we trigger way up a hill to see it. If your already tired at that point I don't recommend it. There a few places with great Mountain Views.

Baskins Creek Falls is a cool little waterfall that was said to have been commonly used as an…read moreoutdoor shower by the early settlers. The trail is kinda tricky to follow, so here are easy-to-follow hiking instructions. It may be difficult to get internet reception, so I would suggest you print these instructions and bring then with you: PARKING Find the trailhead by turning right onto Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail (from Cherokee Orchard Road). Parking for the trailhead will be about 150 yards on the left. It's tiny, barely enough for two cars. However, this is not a popular trail like the others, so there may be room when you arrive. Otherwise, you can park off Cherokee Orchard and walk the 150 yards to the trailhead. THE HIKE While researching this hike, several websites listed this hike as easy and all downhill. That is incorrect. For the first 1/3 of a mile it's all uphill. About the time you get clear views of the nearby mountains the descent to the waterfall begins. Near the one mile you will cross a small creek. There is NO log bridge provided, so be careful when crossing over the loose stones and downed trees. The trail will begin to descent a little more rapidly past a cave-like stone outcrop. Next you will come to a split in the trail. To the left is a sign leading you towards a cemetery. Keep right to remain on the trail to the falls. Again you will cross a small creek and soon after arrive at a second split in the trail. Go left here for your final descent to the falls. This section of the trail is the steepest drop in elevation and definitely one of the trickiest to navigate. If you have small children, it would be a good idea to assist them here. When you round your final corner of the trail, the waterfall will be in plain view. Although total height of the falls seems to vary between websites, I think it's at least 45'. Length: 3 Miles round trip Total Elevation Gain: 953 Feet Trail Difficulty Rating: Moderate (I personally WOULD NOT recommend this trail for the elderly or children under the age of 6). FINAL THOUGHTS While the hike to the falls may be ranked on trail guides as easy, I'm not so sure they are considering the return hike back! It's a real booger of a hike in reverse. I need a rest break more than once! A beautiful small waterfall to be sure, but not in the same ranks of other nearby waterfalls like Grotto, Hen Wallow, Laurel or the two Mac Daddies of all Gatlinburg waterfall hikes.... Abram & Ramsey Cascades (8.5 miles round trip). Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to take a nap! I'm worn out!

As a local content creator here in Gatlinburg The Gatlinburg Hussey, I highly recommend hiking Mt…read moreLaconte in Gatlinburg, TN Smokies I've done it 2 times and I was almost 280 the first time and 200 the second time I tell all of my subscribers to do this and if it's too tough, try a smaller trail Please bring the kids too and have them explore nature ahd and get them off the phone and have their hands get dirty

Mount LeConte is the highest mountain located within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in…read moreSevier County, Tennessee. At 6,593 ft. I have hiked around the mountains, and enjoyed, what each season's offers. Fall the leaves changing colors, snow in the winter, and Spring and summer the vegetation it is so alive. Good hikes, history, water falls, creeks, wild animals! Fireflies put on a nightly show in the summer! I must say there are so many people, it cannot be as relaxing, at least for me, I'm kind of a hermit. Nature is my sanctuary, it is home, I am comfortable when out in it! My native friends say it calls, and holds much knowledge.

We walked the entire trail from the head which started by the parking areas (Loop Dr.). It was an…read moreawesome hike there and the waterfall was beautiful at the end. It was long but well worth it. Beware, the hike back is mostly uphill and pretty steep to start. It may be challenging!

I really enjoyed the area, but the hike was very confusing…read more.. My boyfriend and I started out in one parking lot, and ended up in another hours later, without ever coming across Baskins Creek Falls! We didn't start out at the primary entrance, but still, I think things need to be more clearly marked if you are supposed to turn off the main trail! We hike very regularly, so we're far from newbies at this. The graveyard was very interesting. But there was a sign for the graveyard, that was pointing in the opposite way. It was horrible that some elderly couple possibly have had the same problem, as we had also experienced and saw. We went back in to help them, after retrieving them some water. Hikers beware, but very beautiful area! We even saw a few bears! :o)

Had a blast zip lining today. So much fun zipping over the Pigeon River. Guides Leanne and Shane…read morewere very professional. Had a great time. Can't wait to go again!

Zip- a-dee-do-da!…read more Ok, couldn't help myself with that one. Here we go! This was our first Zip lining experience, but we are outdoor folks with an adventure streak in us. We wanted to surprise our 11 year-old with something other than white water rafting. Don't get me wrong we love our white water, but we just wanted something new and the rivers here can be pretty tame. So after finding a few outfitters we went with this operation mainly based on how helpful the girl on the phone was. It was an easy drive from Asheville, NC (about 1 hour) and their directions were spot on. The guides Steve-O and Joe showed us how to gear up quickly and safely and out the door we went. We went on a couple of practice zips each a little further up than the last until away we went. The guides did not inspire fear at all and actually encouraged us to go faster and brake later. They even bounced the more adventurous of the group around while on the line. The view was beautiful and the last two Zips alone made the 2 hour round trip worth it. If you go you can ask for Joe and Steve, but really it seemed like everyone working there was great!. Around back of the building is the dog house with some pretty satisfying Chili Dogs so you can grab a bite for the road. Don't forget to sign the wall. Look for us "3 of 6 Pearson People Were Here" on the bottom center.

A terrific campground within Great Smoky Mountain National Park. A creek runs right through the…read moremiddle. Good walking access to several great trails. I love that there are quiet hours (10pm-6am), that generator use is even more restrictive (only daily 8-8), and if that isn't enough, there are tent-only sites available as well. So it's pretty well guaranteed to be peaceful. I think we hiked about 20 miles over the course of a couple of days and I know I spotted two types of mushrooms from our campsite that I hadn't seen on any of the other trails. Pick your day(s) and site number at recreation.gov. Easy access by car. Running water and flush toilets, but no showers. Good tent pads. Three handicapped-accessible ADA sites have 5 amp electrical service for use of medical equipment.

My husband and I really enjoyed our two night stay at Elkmont Campgrounds! We were in the L loop…read moreand we loved how peaceful it was. I definitely recommend researching or calling about the features of each loop before booking. After walking about a bit, we were even more pleased with our site in comparison to some of the others. The riverside campsites seem to go the fastest! If that's something that interest you, book early! All the staff we interacted with during our stay were extremely pleasant. The campgrounds were really safe and we have zero complaints. We'll definitely be back!