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october 201 3
Want something even quicker and
easier? The park’Äôs numerous ’Äúquiet
walkways,’Äù sprinkled along Little River
and Newfound Gap roads, are only
about a quarter of a mile each, and
all traverse level terrain. You’Äôll find
only a few parking spots near these
trailheads, because the idea is to give
you a chance to slip into the woods
for a quick but quiet opportunity to
commune with nature.
Need advice on which trail to
choose? Ask the rangers at any of the
park’Äôs visitor centers. They can also let
you knowwhat ranger-led hikes are
scheduled for that day. If you’Äôd rather
do your own planning, the nonprofit
Great Smoky Mountains Association
sells hiking books, maps, and guides
in the park (at all three visitor centers
plus the relatively new shop near the
base of the Clingmans Dome trail),
in the surrounding communities (at
the GatlinburgWelcome Center, the
Sevierville Visitors Center, and the
Townsend Visitors Center), online (at
over
the phone (888-898-9102). GSMA also
sells hiking sticks, trail patches, and
outdoor clothing (many with park
logos). Every purchase from GSMA
helps the national park, with all the
profits going to support educational,
scientific, and historical projects in the
Smokies.
If it’Äôs gear you’Äôre after, a number
of retail stores and outfitters can
help you get ready to hit the trail.
The largest and most comprehensive
include Bass Pro Shop (865-932’Äì5600;
d Smoky
Mountain Knifeworks (865-453’Äì5871;
th in Sevierville,
and NOC Gatlinburg (865-277-8209;
ar
the entrance to the national park. All
offer a wide variety of clothing and
equipment for the outdoors.
To whet your hiking appetite, we’Äôve
come up with five popular hiking
categories, listing one simple but
stellar recommendation per category.
These are all either easy or moderate
hikes, although some have optional
add-ons if you want a bit more of a
challenge. See you at the trailhead!
T
hanks to its combination of fiery foliage and cooler weather
,
fall has always been one of the best seasons to go hiking in the Great
Smoky Mountains National Park.With more than 800 miles of trails, the
park offers seemingly endless options for great day hikes. But what if you don’Äôt
see yourself as a hardcore hiker? No problem! While the Smokies certainly has its
share of trails that would leave the majority of the populace huffing and puffing
(Alum Cave Bluffs, anyone?), you can find
plenty
of easy trails, too. On some of the
easiest, you’Äôre not even likely to break a sweat!
The park’Äôs collection of self-guiding nature trails and historic walking tours are a
perfect example’Äîmost are short loop trails that range from just under half a mile
to one mile long. The trails feature numbered posts that correspond to information
in pamphlets that you can buy for a dollar either at any visitor center or in special
boxes at the trailheads (on the honor system), whichmeans these trails were
designed with several stops inmind. The Sugarlands Valley Self-Guiding Nature Trail
off of Newfound Gap Road is even paved, making it ideal for those in wheelchairs or
pushing regular strollers (no need for an all-terrain stroller here).
in the
By Katy Koontz
Falling for