GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS 13
NATIONAL PARK
Hiking Trails foothills parkway
Whether out for a quiet stroll or outfitted for a day-long Drive or bike along the Foothills Parkway for some of
hike, Great Smoky Mountains National Park has a trail the most incredible views Great Smoky Mountains
for you. Here are some of the most popular. National Park has to offer. The final section of roadway
has been a long time in the making, but certainly
LAUREL FALLS TRAIL – 2.6 paved miles; 80-foot- worth the wait! The Foothills Parkway allows you to
high Laurel Falls is found at the 1.3-mile mark. It is the admire the Smokies from a whole new perspective,
longest of four paved trails in the park. as it travels the western and northern perimeters of
the park for a total of 72 miles.
CLINGMANS DOME – At 6,643 feet, this is the
highest point in Tennessee. An observation tower is at
the end of a steep half-mile paved trail, where you can
see for hundreds of miles on a clear day.
ALUM CAVE TRAIL – Creeks are crossed on log
bridges along this 5-mile round-trip trail that winds
through an old-growth hardwood forest. It leads to
Alum Cave Bluff, an 80-foot-tall concave cliff, and
Arch Rock, one of the park’s most unusual geologic
formations.
SUGARLANDS TRAIL – Great for beginners, this
trail is an easy walk and located directly behind the
Sugarlands Visitor Center. It’s 0.9 miles long with only a
slight elevation of 93 feet.
PET LOVERS – Dogs are allowed on two park hiking
trails – Gatlinburg Trail and Oconoluftee River Trail. Cades Cove
Outside those two areas, pets are allowed in the park Cades Cove is a lesson in Smoky Mountain history.
only in campground and picnic areas. Park visitors can view cabins, barns, gristmills, stores
Wheelchair
Accessible Trail
and other buildings constructed by early settlers,
before the area became a national park. The cove is a
special place to see via car, on foot or by bicycle. From
Located near Sugarlands Visitor Center, the early May until late September on Wednesday and
Sugarlands Valley Trail is wheelchair accessible. Saturday, 6-10 a.m., Cades Cove Loop Road is open
Partially paved and nearly level, the half-mile path is to bicyclists only. Bicycles can be rented at Cades
good for all skill levels and is highlighted by a waterfall. Cove Campground store.
The self-guided nature trail features numbered
interpretive signs along the route.