Smoky Mts

[Crush2.0]

Hey all-my wife and I are heading to Gatlinburg/Smokey Mtns in August and would appreciate any suggestions for great hiking trails and of course places to take our new TRDp?
Thx in advance for your recommendations.

 

[Hellaflushfj60]

I'm in pigeon forge right now (leaving tomorrow) on a week long family trip. I hiked up Mount Le Conte via the Alum Cave trail today, about a 12 mile round loop - one of the best day hikes I've ever been on and I've had my fair share. At the top you reach Le Conte lodge, a small camp where you can eat and even stay the night, which is stocked via llama supply runs. Definitely go to Cades Cove Loop and hit up Smoky Mountain Knife Works while you're there! Have fun!

 

[sbronemann]

That area is a hidden gem in the southeastern part of the country. It is absolutely beautiful and Smoky Mountain National Park is amazing. It is absolutely amazing! You have to do whitewater rafting as well. The Pigeon River is awesome.

 

[Dark4c]

Check nps.gov for info on hiking trails. If you want to test your rig, visit Outdoors in the Smokies. They have a website. A nice challenging hike is Rainbow Falls. You have to visit Clingman's dome to take photos. Have fun!

 

[salong53]

Hey all-my wife and I are heading to Gatlinburg/Smokey Mtns in August and would appreciate any suggestions for great hiking trails and of course places to take our new TRDp?
Thx in advance for your recommendations.

I live in Knoxville about an hour from Gatlinburg. You won't find a whole lot of true off-roading in this area unless you go to designated parks like Windrock. If you go north of Gatlinburg to an area called Hartford in NC there are some gravel national forest trails, most of which could be tackled in 2wd, but pretty nonetheless. Max Patch bald is a beautiful and fairly short hike in that area.

In and around Gatlinburg, I'd suggest visiting Cades Cove. There's a moderate hike called Abrams Falls in Cades Cove that's pretty. Also, if you're an avid hiker, Mt. LeConte is a beautiful day hike on a clear day, but it's difficult. The Mt. LeConte hike can be shortened by stopping at Alum Cave rather than going all the way to LeConte.

Elkmont is another neat area. It's an abandoned vacation community with some easy hikes surrounding.

Feel free to PM me with any questions. My wife, 2 year old, and I hike nearly every weekend (weather permitting) in the fall and spring.

 

[Crush2.0]

Thx guys these are awesome, keep them coming. 2 track and gravel trails for the new pro are exactly what I'm looking for

 

[nglayton]

https://www.alltrails.com/

 

[AZ Craig]

I'm in pigeon forge right now (leaving tomorrow) on a week long family trip. I hiked up Mount Le Conte via the Alum Cave trail today, about a 12 mile round loop - one of the best day hikes I've ever been on and I've had my fair share. At the top you reach Le Conte lodge, a small camp where you can eat and even stay the night, which is stocked via llama supply runs. Definitely go to Cades Cove Loop and hit up Smoky Mountain Knife Works while you're there! Have fun!

Definitely can second that. One of my favorite day hikes east of the Mississippi River. Relatively long day, but incredibly rewarding, especially considering it is a loop hike.