Great Smoky Mountains National Park Celebrates Its 75th AnniversaryBy Emily Koss
PHOTO: WALDORF PHOTOGRAPHIC ART
The Smoky Mountains are any nature lover’s dream. Knoxvillians have a tendency forget the fact that we have some of the most beautiful natural attractions right in our own back yard. Why fly to Orlando when you can vacation just over the mountain? The Smokies offer a wide array of activities to choose from, including hiking, fishing, camping, or simply enjoying the serenity of the environment. The Smoky Mountains National Park will celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2009, so what better time to pack your bags and immerse yourself in the picturesque scenery of East Tennessee.
With several hiking and horseback riding trails, cabin rentals, and trout streams, is it any wonder that Cades Cove is the most frequently visited attraction in the Smokies? The cove lies nestled in the center of the Smoky Mountains and presents some of the most phenomenal views of Mother Nature’s work. Bask in the amazing colors of fall, when the entire forest is painted in reds, oranges, and yellows, or sit by one of the natural waterfalls that cascade down the mountains. Enjoy being away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The area offers activities to entertain most anyone.
Laurel Falls is one of the most popular trails in the park. The 2.6 mile round trip hike takes approximately four and a half hours to complete. It provides a paved pathway to a 75-foot waterfall, with several great stopping points to take pictures, eat lunch or just rest. It is open year round and is simple enough to bring your children along! Abram Falls is another ideal hike for beginners or a family. This trail is a five mile long round trip and will take about three hours to finish. Each of these trails will surround you with a beautiful setting for a great day hike and will certainly not intimidate the inexperienced hiker.
Similar to most, I typically fail to remember the beautiful retreat area of the Smoky Mountains. No longer will I make this mistake, and I encourage you readers to follow my lead. Next time you begin planning your vacation, save your gas money, because we have
one of the most beautiful natural attractions in the country right up the road.
Comments (1)
Christopher Hibbard
said:
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Let's get some facts straight Laurel Falls is no more than a 2 hour hike for anyone. While often crowed the falls are nice. Best time of the day to visit them is just at daybreak when it is deserted and you may get see a turkey, deer or even bear (this trail has an active bear warning right now) on the first half of the trail In the winter the fall become and ice sculpture. This tail is listed by the park as handicap accessible but is steep with no guard rails. Serious injuries have occurred on this trail and parents must keep their children under control at all times and no one should ever climb the falls. The best part of this trail is not the falls. Continue on the trail past the falls and within 25 minutes you are in one of the only old growth forests in the area. These are the largest group of huge trees in the park that were missed by the loggers and are a sight to see. You will feel as though you are walking into a primordial forest. I would not take small children, beginners or people very out of shape on the Abrams Falls Trail. It is moderate but climbs almost 2,000 feet and drops 2,000 feet through out the hike. A more suitable beginner’s waterfalls trail is Grotto Falls in the Roaring Fork section of the park just outside the city of Gatlinburg. Hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains national park will work out the body, clear the mind and invigorate the soul. It’s also a great way to work off a few pounds at the same time. Christopher Hibbard Smokies Hiker for YourSmokies.com |
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