MEET THE SMOKIES
The Smoky Mountains are just one range in the
larger Appalachian Mountain range spanning from central Alabama to the far
north Canadian province of Newfoundland. Near the southern end of this mountain
range, the Smoky Mountains rise covered in dense forest and wildflowers.
Often, it’s plain to see where the Smokies get
their name. A gentle haze settles among the mountain tops and ridges almost
blue-grey in color.
THE 5 BEST SMOKY MOUNTAIN HIKES
Here are five of the best day hikes for hikers and
explorers of all levels to get a taste of what the area has to offer.
Clingman’s Dome
Do not be fooled by the length of this trail. While
only one half mile long and fully paved, this trail is STEEP! Right on the
border of Tennessee and North Carolina, Clingman’s Dome is actually the highest
peak in the Smoky Mountains at just under 6,650 feet. The drive takes you up
most of the way as you wind through the wild green of the mountain
forest.
Alum Cave Trail
The Alum Cave Trail is one of several trails that
will eventually take you to Mount LeConte, but for a moderate 5-mile hike, you
can take this trail to the Alum Cave Bluffs and then turn back. Sometimes steep
and rocky and rooty trails make you slow down and take your time as you follow
a bubbling stream most of the way.
Rainbow Falls Trail
You’ll only see the rainbow at the end of Rainbow
Falls Trail on a sunny day, but go anyway because this 80-foot waterfall (the
highest in the national park) is not to be mist (get it?). This 5.5-mile round
trip hike is also moderately rated due to a 1500-foot elevation gain and more
rocky and rooted terrain. Sturdy shoes are a must.
Charlies Bunion
Trail
Charlies Bunion Trail is not for the faint of
heart. This difficult trail is about 8 miles long and quite steep in certain
sections. Even still, this trail is pretty popular in the park — not least
because the initial segments follow a lovely section of the Appalachian
Trail.
On a clear day, the view earned from the rocky
scramble to Charlies Bunion is one you will never forget.
Ramsey Cascades
The 8-mile round trip trail is fairly strenuous as
it climbs over 2,000 feet in elevation before the falls come into view. Like
many trails in the Smoky Mountains, you follow swiftly moving streams and
rivers for most of the trail until turning into an old hardwood forest.
Cruise America RV’s are available for rent from the
nearby locations of Nashville, Atlanta and Charlotte.
Posted by: Cruise America & Canada RV Rentals Inc
Posted on: 21/04/2022