Summer hiking in the Smokies can be one of the most rewarding outdoor experiences that you can give yourself. The abundant flora and fauna of the park fills in every corner of every trail and there’s no denying the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Our Great Smoky Mountains National Park has 150 trails for guests to choose from throughout the park. Below we’ve put together 3 of the best hikes for you to take in the Smokies this summer.
1. Meigs Creek Trail
Meigs Creek Trail begins at The Sinks on Little River Road and includes close to 20 water crossings with no footbridges. Yes, you will get your feet wet. However, on a hot and humid summer day you’ll find it to be quite the treat to splash through a stream or creek every so many feet. You can do this hike as an in and out and hike as far as you want or if you have vehicles, it’s an excellent shuttle hike when you include the Lumber Ridge Trail that runs into the Tremont area of the park.
2. The Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian Trail runs along the spine of the higher elevations of the Great Smoky Mountains. It weaves in and out of Tennessee and North Carolina and has numerous access points. By beginning at Clingmans Dome, Clingmans Dome Road, or Newfound Gap you can take in the cooler temps that the trail offers in the summer months and if you missed spring wildflowers in the lower elevations of the park, you’ll have a chance to see some of them blooming on your hike. A hike on the Appalachian Trail between Clingmans Dome and Newfound Gap Road is always a great option. Hiking out to Charlies Bunion on the Appalachian Trail is an excellent summer adventure as well, the hike begins at Newfound Gap Road and puts you on the Appalachian Trail for 4 miles one way.
3. Middle Prong Trail to Indian Flats Falls
The Middle Prong Trail is located in the Tremont area of the park and was once a railroad bed used during the logging days in the Smokies. Middle Prong is a great summer hike due to not only the gentle incline of the trail for the majority of the distance, but also because it follows the river most of the way and can be used to access a beautiful waterfall, Indian Flats Falls. To the waterfall and back is 8 miles roundtrip, but you can hike your own hike and still see numerous cascades and waterfalls. The trail is also filled with tucked away remnants of the past, keep an eye out along the way and you never know what you might find!
Learn more about the best time to visit the Smoky Mountains now!
Are you ready to experience summer in the Smokies? A stay at Our Sevierville Hotel will also give you the option of cooling off in our beautiful pool, exploring local attractions, shopping at some of the top retail spots in Tennessee, and enjoying all of the great restaurants in the area.
Still need an excuse to visit the Smoky Mountains this year? Browse Area Events! !
