Laurel Falls

Laurel Falls is an extremely popular destination within Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Thus, parking can be a problem during peak season. If you wish to avoid crowds your best bet is to begin your hike early in the morning, during the early evening hours, on a weekday, or during the off-season.

The Laurel Falls Trail was built in 1932 to provide fire crews with access to the Cove Mountain area in the event of a forest fire. By the early 1960s, however, Laurel Falls had become a popular hiking destination for visitors, and erosion was beginning to take a toll on the trail. As part of the 1963 Accelerated Works Projects grant to the Department of Interior, the Laurel Falls Trail was paved in order to halt problems with erosion.

As in decades past, you'll still find a lot of families with young children on this popular trail. If you do plan to hike with young children, I highly suggest keeping a close eye on them at all times as the trail passes next to some very steep drop-offs, especially as you get closer to the falls.

Roundtrip, the hike to Laurel Falls and back is 2.3 miles. Hikers will climb roughly 314 feet in elevation before arriving at the 80-foot waterfall. The hike is well worth it though - Laurel Falls is very photogenic!

The waterfall consists of an upper and a lower section, divided by a walkway which crosses the stream (Laurel Branch) at the base of the upper falls. The falls receives its name from the mountain laurel that blooms along the trail and near the falls in May.

If you wish to go home with some great photos of the waterfall you may want to consider planning your hike for early in the morning, or late in the day. The shade provided by the surrounding mountains will likely produce a much better photograph.

Visitors should also note that you'll be traveling in bear country on this hike. Although it may not seem like it, due to the scores of people on the trail at any given time, but black bears are still present in this area. On our most recent hike we saw a mother and three cubs roughly 50 yards off the trail.

Ranger Led Programs in the Park!

Explore the park with a ranger!

A Walk in the Woods

Everyday between 10:30 am and Noon

Meet at the Sugarlands Visitors Center

1.5 hour easy walk

Free

Through September

Get away from the hustle and bustle by taking an easy stroll and discover stories of history and nature along this scenic, wooded trail.

Click here for more programs and locations: 

The Albright Grove Loop

The Albirght Grove Loop trailhead is just 11 miles from the Garage Mahal and 6.7 miles roundtrip.

The trail is named after Horace Albright, who was the second director of the National Park Service and worked diligently to help establish the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  The Grove is home to some of the oldest and tallest trees in the park as the area was not logged by Champion Fibre, who sold the land to the park service. Due to its location in a more remote area of the park, the trail is not heavily traveled, allowing you to enjoy a quiet journey in the woods.

After departing the Maddron Bald Trail, the trail narrows and begins to climb for roughly .3 miles as it follows Dunn Creek.  Eastern hemlocks and tulip poplars are plentiful throughout the grove.  If you have explored other areas of the park that were logged before its formation, you'll notice that the trees here are much larger.  This is an example of what a mature, cove hardwood forest looks like.  Imagine a time when all the forests in the Smokies looked like this.  The trail levels off along a ridge before it turns right and descends back to meet up with the Maddron Bald Trail.  During the descent, there is a small spur trail that leads to a giant tulip tree, roughly 25 feet in diameter.

The trail joins back up with the Maddron Bald Trail .3 miles away from the first trail junction. From here, you can go to the right as the Maddron Bald Trail makes its way towards the Snake Den Ridge Trail or you can go left and head back to the parking lot. 

Click here for directions and more information.

The Clingmans Dome Observation Tower Closure

The Clingmans Dome Observation Tower will be closed starting Wednesday, August 23.

*Note* The actual tower is closed, but you can still hike up to it (it's a 1/2 mile from the parking lot, it's paved, but pretty steep), and if you are looking for sunset views, the parking lot is perfect! 

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced the tower will be closed through the remainder of the 2017 season.  Crews will complete rehabilitation work thanks to funding received from a Partners in Preservation grant. 

The $250,000 grant was awarded to the Friends of the Smokies last summer.  The grant was given on behalf of the park after being on the the top nine, most voted for parks in the Partners in Preservation: National Parks Campaign in 2016.

The tower, which straddles the North Carolina and Tennessee state line, is a landmark and destination as the highest point in the park.  

Crews will repair the worst deteriorated areas on the concrete columns and walls, stabilize support walls at the base of the ramp, and repoint some stone masonry. 

Visitors will not be able to climb the tower for views out over the surrounding tree tops.  However, the Clingmans Dome parking overlook will be open.

According to the park, the visitor contact station and store, the trail to the tower, and all access to the trailheads in the vicinity will remain open.  Visitors should expect some construction traffic in the vicinity of the contact station and along the trail. 

What To Bring On A Hike??

So you're coming to take a hike in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  You've seen the awe-inspiring pictures and even have a trek mapped out.  But what do you bring on your hike?  Here's a good list for you...

Backpack and Footwear

This is the foundation for a good hike.  If you want to be comfortable on your hike, make sure you've got good, comfortable shoes.  A backpack is certainly handy to carry water, snacks and depending on the weather, maybe some rain gear.

Water and Food

For the love of everything that is good in this world, please bring enough water!  Most people could make do with 2 liters of water minimum.  An 8 oz. bottle of water will not be enough.

Food is your fuel.  On a day hike, great hiking food ideas include individual servings of peanut butter, trail mix, granola, hard boiled eggs, candies.  Snacking often is always a good idea.  

Miscellaneous

Hiking poles
Extra socks

Sunglasses and a hat

Sunscreen, bug spray/head net

Rain jacket

Toilet paper/wipes

And remember, you are in the woods, wildlife happens...

The Best Swimming Holes in the Smokies!

The Best Swimming Holes in the Smokies! 

Gatlinburg is home to some of the most beautiful swimming holes in the Great Smoky Mountains! Here are some of the ones you won't want to miss:

MIDNIGHT HOLE
Spanning approximately 70 feet wide and 10 feet deep, Midnight Hole is an incredibly popular spot for swimming in the Great Smoky Mountain area. The trail to Midnight Hole is as historical as the spot itself running alongside an abandoned railroad grade that was used years ago to haul lumber out of the mountains. Half a mile from Midnight Hole is the spectacular 45 feet high, Mouse Branch Falls. Take some time to visit this waterfall before or after your swimming adventure.

METCALF BOTTOMS
Perfect for relaxing, floating in tubes, playing in the water, and enjoying a day outdoors, Metcalf Bottoms is a fun place to spend the day. This location also has picnic tables and grills and bathroom facilities and is just a short hike from the historical Little Green Briers School and the Walkers Sisters Cabin.

ABRAMS FALLS
This swimming hole is named after Cherokee Chief Abrams whose village stood several miles downstream many, many years ago. A breathtaking pool is located directly at the base of this historical falls. The waterfall itself is only 20 feet high, but the formation and volume of the water flowing over it make a spectacular display and a great backdrop for swimming. Located in Cades Cove, Abrams Falls is a favorite spot for photographers.

GREENBRIER
The swimming holes on the little Pigeon River are another popular tubing spot. These swimming pools are located on the west prong of the Little Pigeon River below the small rapids. These pools have some of the clearest water in the Great Smoky Mountains.

THE TOWNSEND Y
This swimming area is very easily accessible, making it very attractive to tourists. This large pool is located where the Little River and the middle prong of the Little River meet, inside the entrance to the Great Smoky River National Park just after Townsend; it has become a popular sunbathing and swimming location. Picnicking is also popular at this site.

For directions to these swimming holes, click here

Guide to the Top 5 Peaks

There is no shortage of breathtaking mountain peaks in East Tennessee!  The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to some of the most spectacular landscapes in the Southeast.  The crest of the Somkies extends in an unbroken chain of summits that rise higher than 5,000 feet for more than 36 miles.  Here is a list of the top 5 highest peaks in the Smoky Mountains...

1 Clingmans Dome

At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Smoky Mountains and the highest point along the Appalachian Trail!  Millions of people visit the observation tower on the summit of Clingmans Dome each year to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the national park.  When the sky is clear, guests at the tower can see for over 100 miles.  Clingmans Dome is so tall that the peak can be between 10 to 20 degrees cooler than the lower elevations of the Smokies.  If you decide to visit Clingmans Dome, we recommend dressing in layers and bringing a jacket, even during the summer months.  It is also worth noting that the half mile paved trail to the observation tower is quite steep.  Nevertheless, we think being a little winded is totally worth it to enjoy the stunning views from the top of Clingmans Dome!

2.  Mount Guyot

Located on the North Carolina/Tennessee border, Mount Guyot is the second highest peak in the Smokies, with an elevation of 6,621 feet.  Unlike Clingmans Dome, Mount Guyot is not a popular tourist destination, since it is very isolated and extremely difficult to climb.  The upper slopes of this isolated mountain are covered in a dense spruce-fir forest that has remained undisturbed for centuries, since neither Native Americans nor white frontiersmen ever settle there.

The mountain takes its name from Arnold Guyot, a Swiss geographer and professor at Princeton who measured the elevations of many mountains in Southern Appalachia.  Interestingly, there is another Mount Guyot in New Hampshire that is also named after the geographer.

3.  Mount LeConte

While Mount LeConte may not be the highest point in the Smoky Mountains, it is the highest peak that is completely within Tennessee (both Clingmans Dome and Mount Guyot straddle the border with North Carolina) Mount LeConte has an elevation of 6,593 feet, and reaching the top is considered a rite of passage for some of the most dedicated hikers in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

There are a number of trails that lead to Mount LeConte, including the Alum Cave Trail, The Boulevard Trail, Bullhead Trail, Rainbow Falls Trail, and Trillium Gap Trail.  All of these treks are between 11 and 16 miles round trip, so they are only for serious hikers.

While all of the trails are beautiful, we are particularly fond of the Trillium Gap Trail because it is frequented by llamas on many Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings!  The llamas are used to bring supplies to the LeConte Lodge, a special resort that you can only reach by hiking to the summit of Mount LeConte.

4.  Mount Buckley

Mount Buckley is notable for being the nearest mountain to the summit of Clingmans Dome.  At 6,580 feet, the mountain offers some scenic vistas, but unfortunately, most of the views of the surrounding peaks are obstructed.  The majority of people who visit Mount Buckley do so because it is part of the Appalachian Trail.  The mountain is named after Samuel Botsford Buckley, the geologist who first estimated the elevation of the peak.

5.  Mount Love

At 6,420 feet, Mount Love is the fifth highest point in the Smoky Mountains.  Like Mount Buckley, Mount Love is located near Clingmans Dome.  Hikers along the Appalachian Trail pass through the summit of Mount Love when they make their way from Clingmans Dome to Mount Collins.  The peak of Mount Love is densely forested, so there are only a few spots with unobstructed views.

4 Things To Do in Gatlinburg in June

With summer already will underway, we're putting together our list of things to do in Gatlinburg in June, and we couldn't be more excited!  You'll find that your favorite attractions and hotspots are getting into the summer spirit.  Many businesses and organizations in Gatinburg offer fun perks during summertime while others dedicate the entire season to staying open a little later or offering some free fun.  Lean how to take advantage of all the summer excitement below: 

1.  Tour Gatilnburg on the Free Parkway Trolley

Starting in mid-June and lasting until mid-August, the Gatlinburg trolley system offers free rides on Specially painted "Free Parkway" trolleys.  These open-air trolleys run from 10am until 10pm and are operating on a route with additional stops, bring the total number of stops to 40 along the Gatlinburg Parkway, so you'll be able to visit and see plenty of exciting attractions throughout Gatlinburg. 

A typical trolley pass is $2 for a day of unlimited access to the majority of routes.  You can start your Gatlinburg trolley travels by taking a look at the Gatlinburg trolley locator to find the closest to you!

2. Listen in on Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales

Take a stroll along the Gatlinburg Parkway to experience one of the most popular things to do in Gatlinburg in June - Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales.  This tribute to the spirit of Appalachia features local musicians, costumed street performers, and artisans sharing elements of Smoky Mountain culture that date all the way back to the 1800s. 

you'll have a wonderful time strolling through downtown Gatlinburg as you're surrounded by sights, sounds, and people of the historic Smokies.  The performers arrive every evening and set up their camps all throughout downtown Gatlinburg.  The fun and educational show is free and family-friendly.

3.  Chase a breathtaking view

The Great Smoky Mountains are especially lush and green right now, and we can't think of a better way to soak up the warm summer sun than by exploring the Smokies.  It's even better if you make an adventure of it, so we challenge you to a quest of finding the most gorgeous and interesting views you can.  You could hike, climb, and swim for years and not see all the beauty our Smoky Mountains have to offer, so you should get started now!

We've picked out a couple of views that may be of interest to you.  See how many you can see by the end of your trip!

Clingmans Dome - This point of interest is the highest Smoky Mountain View in the National Park at 6,623 feet - and the highest point in all of Tennessee.

Rock Top - Yes, this is the Rocky Top. This hike ends in panoramic views of the mountains that make naming a song after them completely reasonable.

Abrams Falls - While these falls aren't particularly tall at 20 feet high, the power behind the fast-moving Abrams Falls makes it a sight to be seen. 

Tricorner Knob - This resting stop on the Appalachian Trail is one of the most isolated points in the Smoky Mountains, If you can get to it, you will have conquered a great feat with a history-steeped hiking story. 

Mount LeConte - As the third highest peak in the Smokies, Mount LeConte is a tough climb at 2,763 feet tall, but the view from the summit is remarkable. 

4.  Enjoy Dollywood's Summer Festival

Every year, from mid-June through early August, Dollywood take advantage of the extra daylight to indulge in a little bit of summer fun during Dollywood's "Summer Lives Here" festival.  The event lengthens the park's hours, allowing you and your family to enjoy thrilling rides like the Tennessee Tornado, Mystery Mine, Wild Eagle, and Thunderhead under the glow of moonlight - what and incredible view!  Park goers will also enjoy Dolly's Night of Many Colors, a fireworks extravaganza like you've never seen before, to conclude the evening.  We can't think of a better way to spend a day and night in June!

Recommended Day Hike

If you are looking for a good day of hiking with beautiful views, check this out!

One of our favorite day hikes is Charlie's Bunion followed by a short "hike" up to Clingman's Dome to watch the sunset.

(see the Charlie's Bunion and Clingman's Dome posts under "hiking")

Charlie's Bunion is about 8 miles round trip, so you can plan on around 4-5 hours, give or take...

So, sleep in and relax! And, with an elevation of 5,564, it's going to be much cooler up there!!!

5 Most Popular Waterfalls Near Gatlinburg

When you visit the Smoky Mountains, you can't go without seeing at least one of the Gatlinburg waterfalls in the National Park!

1.  Laurel Falls

Laurel Falls is one of the most popular hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and it's generally one of the busiest trails in the park.  The first part of the hike, to Laurel Falls, is about 1.3 miles (2.6 miles round trip).

The hike to the falls is paved, but the last 1/4 mile is more of a forest trail, so it's a little more difficult for strollers right as you approach the waterfall. 

We recommend hiking this trail during the morning hours to avoid the larger crowds of people.  When you hike later in the day, you may also have some difficulty with parking at the trailhead, so morning is generally the best time of day.

Difficulty: Moderate

Best season to hike this trail: Winter if you are looking to avoid the crowds, spring if you want to see the wildflowers.

Trailhead: From Sugarlands Visitor Center, drive 3.7 miles west on Little River Road to the trailhead at Fighting Creek Gap.

To learn more about Laurel Falls click here.

2. Abrams Falls

Abrams Falls is only about 20 feet tall, but it has the greatest volume of any waterall in the Smokies.  It also has the largest plunge pool.  The entire hike follows closely to Abrams Creek. 

The hike is about 5 miles round trip and takes about 3 hours to complete.  Since the trailhead is located on the Cades Cove Loop Road, it's a great idea to visit Cades Cove in the morning and finish you afternoon with the Abrams Falls hike. 

Difficulty: Moderate.  The trail is made of rocky, packed dirt. 

Best season to hike: If you want to avoid crowds, the best season to hike this trail is the winter.  The spring and summer months are best for photos of the waterfall.  It's also a fantastic swimming hole, so be prepared if you plan to swim!

Trailhead: The trailhead is located about halfway around the Cades Cove Loop Road, so you do have to plan to drive the entire Loop Road.

To learn More about Abrams Falls click here.

3.  Grotto Falls

If you're looking for great photos of one of the Gatlinburg waterfalls, this may be the hike for you.  Grotto Falls is also a popular hiking trail, so you can expect there to be company with you along the trail, so we recommend starting this hike in the morning hours. 

The hiking distance is about 2.6 miles round trip and you should expect the hike to take anywhere from 2-3 hours to complete. 

Difficulty: Moderate.  The trail is a dirt-packed surface. 

Best season to hike: The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is closed from December 1 to March 31 each year, so spring and summertime are the best times to hike to this waterfall.  You can still reach Grotto Falls when the motor nature trail is closed, but you round trip hiking distance nearly doubles from any other access point.  

Trailhead: The start of the hike begins at the parking area of the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. 

To learn more about Grotto Falls click here.

4. Ramsey Cascades

Ramsey Cascades is a great hiking trail for anyone who only has a single day to spend in the national park.  It is know for springtime wildflowers, old growth forests and cascading streams.  Ramsey Cascades is one of the highest Gatlinburg waterfalls in the national park and many people would claim it is the prettiest of all the falls. 

The trail is about 8 miles round trip and you should expect it to take about 5-6 hours to complete.

Difficulty: Moderate to strenous with quite a few steep sections

Best season to hike: It's best to hike this trail in the springtime to see the wildflowers along the way to the waterfall. 

To learn more about Ramsey Cascades click here.

5 Rainbow Falls

Rainbow Falls gets its name from the rainbows you can see on a sunny day, in the mist that is created from the falling water.  The waterfall is formed as LeConte Creek rushes over a hanging ledge and falls over 80 feet to the ground.  Rainbow Falls is a pretty popular hike, but keep in mind that it's not an easy hike to make. For kids and first time hikers, this is not recommended; there are other Gatlinburg waterfalls with less strenuous hiking trails that would be a better choice. 

This hike is about 5.5 miles and takes about 4 hours to complete.

Difficulty: Strenuous with many steep areas.  The trail is covered in rocks, so it makes for a bumpy hike to the waterfall. 

Best season to hike: This hike is also great in the spring months because it is covered in spring wildflowers.

Trailhead: The trailhead is the Rainbow Falls trailhead and it is located on Cherokee Orchard Road.  You turn at traffic light #8 in Gatlinburg onto Historic Nature Trail Road.  Stay to the right once you come upon an intersection, then follow the signs (the intersection can be a little confusing, so just remember to stay to the right!)

To learn more about Rainbow Falls click here.

The 8 Hardest Hikes in the Smokies

The Great Smoky Mountains, rising up along the Tennessee/North Carolina border, are home to some of the highest peaks in the Volunteer State.  And because the area they cover is so vast and diverse, there are just as many places to find a challenge as there is to find relaxation.  We've found nine strenuous hikes that cover the more difficult side of the Smokies, with quad-busting climbs, breathtaking views from fire towers, scenic waterfalls, and even a little history here and there.  But the best part of all? The sense of accomplishment (and the soreness) that lasts for days after you conquer any of these treks.

1.  Appalachian Trail - Great Smoky Mountains National Park section
Distance: 72 miles

It usually takes about seven days to hike the Great Smoky Mountains section of the Appalachian Trail.

Needless to say, the sheer distance alone could put the Great Smoky National Park section of the Appalachian Trail at the top of any hardest hikes list.  But it's not just the distance that makes this a tough option - the route is strewn with rocks to traverse and has plenty of grueling uphill and downhill climbs.  In fact, this section of the AT passes over the highest mountain in the entire 2,190 mile route from Georgia to Maine. 

Of course the entire trail is much longer, but if you want to undertake the Great Smoky Mountain section of the AT, you've got more than 70 miles of serious hiking ahead of you.  Keep your eyes peeled for the tow-by-six inch blaze markings that dot the trail and plan for about one week of hiking, which is how long it takes most experienced hikers to complete this epic adventure.

2. Rocky Top on Thunderhead Mountain

Distance: 13.9 Miles

The view from Rocky Top on Thunderhead Mountain is the best of the three summits.

The beauty of this trail is not only that it's a fun challenge to navigate - with more than 3,600 feet of elevation gain throughout, the hike up Thunderhead Mountain is a beast.  Beginning in the idyllic Cades Cove Picnic Area at the Anthony Creek trailhead, follow Abrams Creek and long stretches of rhododendron (if you're hiking in mid-June when they're in full bloom) up to Spence Field, one of the most beautiful spots on the Appalachain Trail. It's the perfect place to take a break and soak in the views of the North Carolina side of the Smokies. 

From here, you can turn around for a 10.3-mile hike, or make the last push to the Rocky Top summit.  On a clear day, you'll see Cades Cove, Fontana Lake and the surrounding mountains, stretching on as far as the eye can see.  The second and third summits are just a bit farther, but the best views are from Rocky Top, son most hikers head back down after enjoying the view. 

3. Mt. Sterling via Baxter Creek

Distance: 12.2 miles

The view of Mt. Sterling and the Smokies from the Appalachian Trail

There are a few trails that go up to Mt. Sterling, but by taking the Baxter Creek route, you'll rise a whopping 4,200 feet over six miles.  The trail is well maintained and pretty even throughout, but it's still far from easy.  As you walk through the old growth forest, look for a stone chimney, all that's left of an old lodge.  When you get to the 60-foot fire tower, (carefully) take the stairs up, and you'll get some of the best panoramic views around of the wildflower-laden mountain landscapes in the distance.

4. Gregory Bald via Gregory Ridge Trail

Distance: 11.3 miles

Visit Gregory Bald in the summer to see the blooming azaleas

If you've got a penchant for impressive natural color, you'll love this tough hike to Gregory Bald.  Each summer spectacular flame azaleas burst into full bloom and their colors are exactly what you'd imagine them to be: popping pinks and searing yellows standing out against a backdrop of green, with some splashes of red and white mixed in. While the flowers ae delightful, the trail itself is demanding, rising an average of 535 feet each mile for a total of 3,020 feet of elevation gain throughout. 

5. Mt. Cammerer

Distance: 11.1 miles

Summiting Mt. Cammerer may call for a quick snooze

Eventually topping out a 5,054 feet, scaling Mt. Cammerer is a challenge for those who like a little history with their strenuous hiking.  While gaining about 550 feet per mile, you'll get a good view from the summit, but the best views are from the stone fire tower at the top.  The tower was built by the Civilian Conservation Corp in the 1930s using hand-cut stone, and the worker lugged these heavy slabs of rock (witghing in at about 600 pounds each!) up to the summit from the quarry about 100 yards bleow.

6. Ramsey Cascades

Distance: 8 miles

Ramsey Cascades is the tallest waterfall in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The trail to Ramsey Cascades is a tough one.  But for many, the reward of seeing the tallest waterfall in the Smokies makes it worth the trip.  Tucked away in the beautiful Greenbrier area of the mountains, some of the oldest trees in the park will line your path up to the cascades at 4,269 feet.  The final mile is the most difficult - it's rocky and steep - but when you feel the spray of 100 feet of water rushing over the mossy boulders, you'll forget all about it.  This one will remind you why you love to hike in the first place.

7. Balsam High Top

Distance: 7.6 miles

The hike to Balsam High Top is the least trafficked of the bunch, so those seeking solitude and silence will be supremely happy here among the tall trees.  The constant climb up the Benton MacKaye Trail has more than 600 feet of elevation gain per mile, so get ready to work your glutes.  The best way to access this trail is from Cherokee, North Carolina along Big Cove Road.  There are no views from the summit, so the main draw for this one is the solitude through the hardwood and evergreen forestland. 

8. Shuckstack Fire Tower

Distance: 7.2 miles

The view of the Smokies from Shuckstack

Also nestled into the North Carolina side of the Great Smoky Mountains, the hike to Shuckstack Fire Tower is the shortest on our list, but don't let the distance fool you - you'll gain a little more than 2,000 feet in elevation throughout.  You'll also have stellar views of the Smokies and see colorful wildflowers along the way (if you make it in the spring and summer). Park at the Fontana Dam, the highest dam east of the Rockies, and follow the Appalachian Trail north inot the mountains until you see the tower in the distance.

If you want to turn this into a three-day backpacking trip, there's also a 32-mile loop option to the Shuckstack Fire Tower.  This route has about 20 creek crossings and is one of the best ways to fine solitude (and wildlife) in the popular Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Hen Wallow Falls

The trip to Hen Wallow Falls is a pleasant walk through hemlock and rhododendron forest. A signed side trail leads to the base of the falls by way of steep switchbacks.  Hen Wallow Creek, only two feet wide at the top of the falls, fans out to 20 feet at the base.  The waterfall is 90 feet high.  If you look carefully in the water at the base of the falls, you can often find salamanders.

During very cold winter weather, the waterfall can freeze into a beautiful icy column.

The hike to the falls is 4.4 miles round trip and considered moderate in difficulty.  Hikers continuing on the Gabes Mountain Trail beyond the falls can enjoy an impressive old-growth forest.

Trailhead:  Park in the designated hiker parking area at the Cosby Picnic Area (near the entrance to the Cosby Campground).  then backtrack on foot approximately 100 yards along the road to the signed start of the Gabes Mountain Trail. 

Trail Notes: The round trip distance to the waterfall is 4.4 miles and the hike is generally considered moderate in difficulty.  It takes about 3-4 hours to hike to the waterfall and back.

The waterfall is located on a short side trail off the Gabes Mountain Trail.  there is a wooden sign posted at the turn for this side trail.  the short trail down to the waterfall is very steep-sturdy hiking shoes are recommended.  Carry drinking water with you.  

Do not climb on rocks around the waterfall.  Over the years, several people have fallen to their deaths and many others have suffered serious injuries from climbing on rocks near waterfalls or along the riverbanks.  

Black bears are sometimes active in this area.   

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

The narrow, winding, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail invites you to slow down and enjoy the forest and historic buildings of the area.  the 5.5-mile-long, one-way, loop road is a favorite side trip for many people who frequently visit the Smokies.  It offers rushing mountain streams, glimpses of old-growth forest, and a number of well-preserved log cabins, grist mills, and other historic buildings.  Please note the road is closed in the winter. 

An exuberant mountain stream gave this area its unusual name.  Roaring Fork is one of the larger and faster flowing mountain streams in the park.  Drive this road after a hard rain and the inspiration behind the name will be apparent. 

Before entering the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, a stop at the Noah "Bud" Ogle self-guiding nature trail offers a walking tour of an authentic mountain farmstead and surrounding hardwood forest.  Highlights include a stream side tubmill and the Ogle's handcrafted wooden flume plumbing system.

Just beyond the Ogle farmstead is the trail head for Rainbow Falls, one of the park's most popular waterfalls. The hike to the falls is 5.4 miles round trip and is considered moderately strenuous. Your reward is the 80-foot high waterfall, the tallest single-drop waterfall in the National Park. If you plan to attempt this hike, be sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots and carry plenty of water and snacks. 

The entrance to the motor nature trail is located a short distance past the parking areas for Rainbow Falls.  Several homes and other building have been preserved in this area.  The trail head for Grotto Falls, another of the park's most popular waterfalls, is located along the route. Grotto Falls is the only place in the Smoky Mountains where you can stand behind the falls as the water cascades to the pool.  And a "wet weather" waterfall called Place of a Thousand Drips can be reached by car, find it at stop 15, it provides a splendid finale to your journey. An inexpensive booklet available at the beginning of the motor nature trail details landmarks along the route.

Directions

To access Roaring Fork, turn off the main parkway in Gatlinburg, TN at traffic light #8 and follow Historic Nature Trail Road to the Cherokee Orchard entrance to the National Park.  Just beyond the Rainbow Falls trail head you have the option of taking the one-way Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.  

**Insider Tip**

Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of the scenic turnouts or to eat it at the waterfall after hiking.  There are no Visitor Centers along the motor trail and no-turning back once you start, so packing a cooler with water and snacks is advisable.

Cades Cove

Cades Cove is a broad, verdant valley surrounded by mountains and is one of the most popular destinations in the Great Smokies.  It offers some of the best opportunities for wildlife viewing in the park.  Large numbers of white-tailed deer are frequently seen, and sightings of black bear, coyote, ground hog, turkey, raccoon, skunk, and other animals are also possible.

Touring the Cove

An 11-mile, one-way loop road circles the cove, offering motorists the opportunity to sight see at a leisurely pace.  Allow at least two to four hours to tour Cades Cove, longer if you walk some of the area's trails.  Traffic is heavy during the tourist season in the summer and fall and on weekends year-round.  While driving the loop road, please be courteous to other visitors and use pullouts when stopping to enjoy the scenery or view wildlife.

An inexpensive self-guiding tour booklet available at the entrance to the road provides a map and information about the cove.  

Only bicycle and foot traffic are allowed on the loop road until 10:00 am every Saturday and Wednesday morning from early May until late September.  Otherwise the road is open to motor vehicles from sunrise until sunset daily, weather permitting. 

History

The valley has a rich history.  For hundreds of years Cherokee Indians hunted in Cades Cove but archaeologists have found no evidence of major settlements.  The first Europeans settled in the cove sometime between 1818 and 1821.  By 1830 the population of the area had already swelled to 271.  Cades cove offers the widest variety of historic buildings of any area in the national park.

Scattered along the loop road are three churches, a working grist mill, barns, log houses, and many other faithfully restored eighteenth and nineteenth century structures.  Pick up the self-guiding tour booklet for information about the buildings you'll see in the cove and the people who lived here.

Wildlife Viewing

White-tailed deer, black bears, coyotes, turkeys and other wildlife are frequently spotted in the open valley of Cades Cove. 

Biking

Experience the cove by bike! You can rent a bike at the Cades Cove Campground Store.  The State of Tennessee requires that children age 16 and under wear a helmet.  We strongly recommend that all riders wear helmets, use rear view mirrors, and ride properly fitted and well-maintained bicycles.  Please obey all traffic  regulations. 

Hiking

Numerous trails originate in the cove, including the five-mile round trip trail to Abrams Falls and the short Cades Cove Nature trail.  Longer hikes to Thunderhead Mountain and Rocky Top (made famous by the popular song) also begin in the cove.  

Visitor Center

Located half-way around the loop road in the Cable Mill historic area

Open daily except Christmas

Restrooms

Bookstore/Gift Shop

Elkmont Ghost Town of the Great Smoky Mountains

If you’ve ever been to the Elkmont campground in the Great Smoky Mountains or hiked on the Little River Trail, then you’ve seen the remnants of the Elkmont “ghost town,” the area where numerous old homes stand in various states of disrepair.

Located next to the former logging town of Elkmont (where the Elkmont Campground now stands), this old “ghost town” had its start as the” Appalachian Club” vacation community. The land was once owned by the Little River Lumber Company. Around 1910, the company began selling the land to individuals, mainly hunting and fishing enthusiasts, for the purpose of creating a private social club. The Appalachian clubhouse itself was used as a lodge but within a few years many members began building their own vacation cottages. In 1912, the Wonderland Park Hotel, a 50-room resort lodge was also constructed nearby.

However, with membership in the Appalachian Club becoming more difficult to obtain, in 1919, a group of Knoxville businessmen purchased the Wonderland Hotel and created the “Wonderland Club”. Around 10 or more cottages were also constructed on the hill near the hotel. The Appalachian Club and the Wonderland Club became favorite vacation spots for wealthy east Tennessee families to come and socialize and escape the summer heat.

On November 15, 1992 the Wonderland Hotel saw its last day of operation. In 2006, the entire Elkmont district including the Wonderland Hotel was placed on the "11 Most Endangered Places" list by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Elkmont soon became home to the birth of the national park movement. In 1920, soon after a visit to Yellowstone, Willis P. Davis, a cottage owner at Elkmont, began to suggest the idea of a national park in the Smokies. Another Elkmont land owner, David C. Chapman, soon took up the cause and helped advance it. Realizing the benefits of a national park, several influential Knoxville businessmen began lobbying federal and state governments.

The U.S. government eventually agreed to establish the national park if the states of Tennessee and North Carolina purchased the land. Once again, the Knoxville businessmen strongly lobbied the Tennessee State legislature and in 1925, Chapman hosted a group of the legislators at Elkmont in order to help convince them of the plan. The following year Colonel Wilson B. Townsend, the founder of the Little River Lumber Company, made the initial sale of 76,000 acres. While most everyone else within the park boundaries were forced to sell their properties and relocate, the Elkmont cottage owners were able to sell their cottages at half price in exchange for lifetime leases.

Most of the leases for the cottages and the Wonderland Hotel expired in 1992, with two more expiring in 2001. Upon expiration ownership of the properties reverted back to the National Park Service and in 1982 the park called for all structures to be removed and to allow the area to return to its natural state. In 1994, however, the Wonderland Hotel and many of the cottages were placed on the National Register of Historic Places which protected them from being destroyed, so a debate raged on what to do with the structures.

In 2009 the National Park Service announced the intention of restoring the Appalachian Clubhouse and 18 cottages in the Appalachian Club section. 17 of the 19 structures to be renovated are located in what was known as the “Daisy Town” section of the Appalachian Club. The other two structures to be preserved are located in the “Millionaire’s Row” and “Society Hill” sections of the Appalachian Club. All other buildings are to be documented and removed.

To get there, use the maps and directions for the park, and make your way to the Elkmont Campground. Camping registration is not required to visit the ghost town. Turn left onto a side road 200 feet before the campground entrance station. Follow the side road around the east edge of the campground and across the Little River. After crossing the river, take the second right onto a gravel road to get to the Society Hill section. However, to get to the Millionaire's Row section, continue straight following the river, park at the Little River trail head, step around the gate, and follow the gravel road a bit further on foot.

Feel free to drive along any road not blocked by a gate. You may drive or walk anywhere along the roads of the ghost town. No trespassing signs are posted to warn you to stay out of the buildings.

Note: The road up to the Levi Trentham Cemetery is steep and will require 4 wheel drive; and the road from the ghost town up to the Jakes Creek trailhead may flood during or after a heavy rain.