Smoky Mountain NP
So my family and I are going to be down in Smoky Mtn NP the first week in April. We have a campsite booked, but are curious what the best trails, views, etc inside the park. My wife and 2 daughters ...
Forum Discussion
We have gone down to the SMNP every year we have been married at least one time a year ( 31 ) and sometimes two times.
When our kid were that age we hiked stuff less than 3 miles RT, anything over and you loose the magic.
they always loved car touring though, there are some really nice places to drive too or almost too the good stuff.
stop at the Sugarlands visitors center to make sure the things on your list are open.
1. 10 miles up the BRP is Heintogga Ridge RD ---A must do as Elk are regularly seen on the road, and the picnic spot at the end is super awesome, take a lunch this day.
2. right off the turn around at the end of Heintogga rd is Balsm Mountain rd, a 22 mile one way old rail road bed that takes you back to Cherokee, very cool to be in the heart of the mountains in your car.
3. Cataloochee Valley---A must in the evening time as the Elk come out to graze on the fields and it is just flat out cool in that valley.
4. already mentioned Max Patch is a great place for 360* views, head on to Hot Springs and eat at the Smoky Mountain Diner, it on the Appalachain Trail.
5. Oconaluftee visitors center.
6. Cades Cove, make sure to go as early as you can because in the middle of the day it can be bumper to bumper.
7. Greenbrier Rd is a good place to get away from the people and play in the creek or drive down Ramsey prong.
8. Newfound Gap.
9. Abrams falls just before the visitors center/mill in Cades cove is a short hike to a nice fall.
your key word inside the park, I kept everything inside the park.
The Cherohala Skyway is a really nice road outside the park that maybe you can get to before you leave or on a rainy day.
Dar
When our kid were that age we hiked stuff less than 3 miles RT, anything over and you loose the magic.
they always loved car touring though, there are some really nice places to drive too or almost too the good stuff.
stop at the Sugarlands visitors center to make sure the things on your list are open.
1. 10 miles up the BRP is Heintogga Ridge RD ---A must do as Elk are regularly seen on the road, and the picnic spot at the end is super awesome, take a lunch this day.
2. right off the turn around at the end of Heintogga rd is Balsm Mountain rd, a 22 mile one way old rail road bed that takes you back to Cherokee, very cool to be in the heart of the mountains in your car.
3. Cataloochee Valley---A must in the evening time as the Elk come out to graze on the fields and it is just flat out cool in that valley.
4. already mentioned Max Patch is a great place for 360* views, head on to Hot Springs and eat at the Smoky Mountain Diner, it on the Appalachain Trail.
5. Oconaluftee visitors center.
6. Cades Cove, make sure to go as early as you can because in the middle of the day it can be bumper to bumper.
7. Greenbrier Rd is a good place to get away from the people and play in the creek or drive down Ramsey prong.
8. Newfound Gap.
9. Abrams falls just before the visitors center/mill in Cades cove is a short hike to a nice fall.
your key word inside the park, I kept everything inside the park.
The Cherohala Skyway is a really nice road outside the park that maybe you can get to before you leave or on a rainy day.
Dar
