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Hiking The Smokies
 Hiking The Smokies can be one of the most enjoyable and memorable experiences of your vist to the Smokies. With all the exciting things that there are to do here in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg it is easy to understand why so many people find it difficult to schedule the time for something like the simple pleasure of getting close to God's creation.
 Mountain Ridges at Sunrise, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee, USA Photographic Print Jones, Adam 24 in. x 18 in. Buy at AllPosters.com Framed Mounted With over 150 official trails that cover over 900 miles in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the awesome trails here are a treasure to those who discover the beauty and majesty that unfolds before them on their adventure. Those who are willing to invest the little time and effort that are required, will discover the comeliness of their appeal and enchantment. None regret it.
Layered Mountains with Sun, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Photographic Print Netherton, John 16 in. x 12 in. Buy at AllPosters.com Framed Mounted
Conditions in the National Park may vary during your journey. Always be prepared for a quick weather change. Bring rain gear and re-evaluate the weather at the start of your hike. You can always check current weather conditions and forecast at this number: (865) 436-1200 Wear a small daypack or small backpack. Bring bottled water! Bring bug repelant. Bring some snacks or even a packed lunch. Always pack out your trash. Keep your eyes open for washed out trails, swollen streams, downed trees, and falling rocks. Sometimes you may encounter trail erosion. Always watch your step, avoiding turned/twisted ankles. At the very least wear a solid pair of tennis shoes. Preferably, a good pair of hiking boots.
Be aware of the state of your physical readiness. You do not have to be in Tip Top shape to enjoy your hike, but also do not under estimate the effort it will take to complete a choosen trail. Choose wisely. In other words, don't bite off more than you can chew. If you are a novice, a 2 mile trail may be a good start. Remember, you will not be walking as the crow flys. Some trails have a very step grade. Others do not. A trail may have many twists and turns, not to mention roots, rocks, and small shallow streams to cross over. Purchase a trail guide book. Available at the Gatlinburg visitor center or elsewhere for an in-depth description of each trail. Be aware of time considerations. Some trails may take much longer than others. Always allow more time than you think. Do not go late in the evening or close to sunset. Do not veer off the trail. For safty reasons it is always best to never deviate from the trail more than a few feet. Always keep an eye on children. If you plan to backpack into the backcountry and camp overnight you will need to get a permit at one of the many Visitor Centers or Ranger Stations. If you happen to encounter a Black Bear, do not approch it. Do not try to feed it. Slowly back out of the area while keeping an eye on it. Do not run. Give it space and it will give you space. Anything closer than 150 feet is too close. Keep your distance! I suggest leaving the area. If you are planing to go in the late fall or winter months, dress appropriately. Hiking should be fun and enjoyable not a physical test to see how much pain and agony you can endure. So stop often and take in the beauty!
Trees on Mountains, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee, USA Photographic Print Panoramic Images 24 in. x 8 in. Buy at AllPosters.com Framed Mounted
I would like to introduce you to a few trails that my little family and I have embarked upon here in the beautiful Smokies. We would like to give you just a small taste of each trail that we have had the pleasure to hike and share it with you, so that perhaps you can get a feel for the enchantment that awaits. Below you will find Links to each trail that we have had the pleasure of taking so far. Enjoy!
When you get to Gatlinburg, go to stoplight #8. Turn left onto Nature Trail Road then proceed straight for approximately 1 mile to the Cherokee Orchard entrance of the Park. Bear right until you see the sign for Roaring Fork Motor Trail. The Roaring Fork Motor Trail is a 6 mile loop that winds it's way through the beautiful forest of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. From the privacy of your car you can see many well preserved cabins, grist mills, and other historic buildings. The rough and worn out one-way paved loop is very narrow. No RV's, trailers or buses allowed. Along the loop there are many areas to pull off and get out. These pull off areas are where you can find the beginning of many trails. Just click the link below to see each hike in detail.
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