We are lucky to live so close to one of the most beautiful places on earth, The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Smokies are one of the most visited National Parks in the United States. Every year people from all over the world stay with us at the Highland Manor Inn in Townsend, so they can be close and have a great view of these gorgeous mountains. Regardless of season, the views are always spectacular and you never know what wildlife you may encounter during your visit. The experience is one of a kind and will leave your family with the memories of a lifetime.
Smoky Mountains are a wealth of diversity and are home to hundreds of plants and animal species. Traveling through the Smokies is like visiting Georgia to Maine.
Hiking The Smokies
Hiking the Smokies is one of the best and oldest ways to see the park. Aside from the great workout you get while hiking, the experience is one of a kind. There are many trails throughout the park for hikers to enjoy. From the well known Appalachian Trail, Abrams Falls, Chimney Tops and more, there are over 150 trails that span across 800 miles throughout the Smokies.
For a great list of hiking trails click here. ( http://www.hikinginthesmokys.com/alphabetic.htm)
Waterfalls In The Smokies
If you love waterfalls and hiking the smokies are perfect for you. Hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains lead to some of the most beautiful waterfalls you will ever see. One of our favorites is Laurel Falls.
A 2.6-mile walk on the paved trail to what visitors say is a must see. Laurel Falls are an 80 foot cascade and great for sightseeing, photographers and romantics. Make sure to capture the moment with some family pictures. Bring the whole family.
The path to Laurel Falls is stroller, wheelchair and walker friendly and a definite must see. Some of the other waterfalls in the Smokies are Grotto Falls, Abrams Falls and Ramsey Cascades, the tallest waterfall in the Smokies. Ramsey Cascades are great for anyone wishing to spend the day hiking to the falls. The hike takes between five and seven hours to hike to the waterfall and back. The terrain is of moderate difficulrty but well worth the trip for anyone who makes the journey.
Take A Ride Through The Smokies
If you have had enough hiking for one vacation and want to see the sights from the comfort of your vehicle, here are some great spots to visit. Cades Cove, known for its abundance of wildlife and flora, is a great place to start your tour by vehicle. A drive through Newfound Gap Road will have visitors ascending a few thosuand feet through cove hardwood, pine-oak, and northern hardwood forest. Often compared to a road trip from Georgia to Maine for the abundance in variety of forest ecosystems one will experience.
There is never an absence of fun things to do in the smoky mountains. Whether you are a local and visit weekly or visiting from out of town with the family, friends or groups, the Great Smoky Mountains provides a never ending abundance of outdoor adventure and sightseeing wonders. Make sure to pack a picnic basket and bring your camera. It’s a one of a kind experience and fun for kids of all ages.