
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has more than 2,900 miles of streams as well as some amazing swimming holes! One spot you might have heard of is Midnight Hole, but do you know where it’s located? Keep reading to learn more about this Smoky Mountain hidden gem and how to find Midnight Hole on the Big Creek Trail:
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Hikers that come to the Smokies love the popular trails, such as Abrams Falls or the Gatlinburg Trail. The whole national park is 522,427 acres, so there is a lot more ground to cover! Want to follow the path less traveled? Read on to learn about new places to explore on your next visit, specifically a few underrated hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains:
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Do you want some help navigating the expansive landscape of the Smokies? Do you want to learn more about the area during your visit? If you answered “yes” to either or both of these questions, let us tell you about a fun activity. Here are the perks of booking guided tours of the Smoky Mountains:
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The Appalachian Trail is a famous hiking route that spans multiple states, and while many AT thru-hikers have completed this incredible feat, anyone can hike a portion of the trail when they visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Read on to learn about the trail’s rich history and find out more about hiking portions of the Appalachian Trail in the Smoky Mountains:
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If you’re planning to explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park and access the park from the Gatlinburg entrance, make your first stop at the Nantahala Outdoor Center! This outdoor superstore sits right outside the entrance and has everything you need to prepare for an active day of hiking, including the best selection of outdoor gear, apparel, and equipment in the area! You’ll also find a unique shopping experience that is fun for all ages! Here are the top 4 reasons to start your National Park visit at the Nantahala Outdoor Center in Gatlinburg:
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The Laurel Falls Trail offers one of the most popular hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, as the 2.3 mile roundtrip trail leads to a spectacular 80 foot waterfall. The waterfall consists of an upper and a lower section, divided by a walkway which crosses the stream at the base of the upper falls. The National Park Service has announced that the trail will close for 18 months starting in January of 2025 as crews make improvements to the trail and parking areas. Here are the top 5 things to know about the major rehabilitation of the Laurel Falls Trail:
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Did you know that the Smoky Mountains have a total of 150 different trails scattered across the one-of-a-kind natural landscape? That can make it difficult to decide exactly which trails you want to explore. If you’re looking for a shorter hike, you’re in luck! There are plenty of trails that offer the perfect balance of adventure and accessibility where you can get an up-close look at all the things that make the Smokies so special. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just getting started, here are 5 Smoky Mountain trails under 5 miles:
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Many visitors to the Smokies love hiking, and this activity is a great way to enjoy the fresh air and stunning scenery. Of course, a successful hike involves proper planning to ensure it will be both fun and safe, so keep reading to learn how to set up a rewarding hike and have a memorable day exploring and hiking in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
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The Alum Cave Trail is one of the most beloved hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains, and for good reason. This scenic route is packed with breathtaking views, some fascinating history, and one-of-a-kind natural wonders that make every step an adventure. Whether you’re an experienced hiker, a first-timer or a nature enthusiast, this trail offers plenty of surprises along the way. Here are 5 unique spots along the Alum Cave Trail:
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One of the most popular things to do in the Smokies is to take a hike. The national park has over 850 miles of trails which means that every visitor will be able to find a route that is just right, whether they are a beginner or expert hiker. Read on to learn more about some of our top recommendations of Smoky Mountain hikes for every skill level:
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Fall is the perfect time to enjoy the trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park! In addition to delightfully crisp daytime temperatures, you’ll be treated to the stunning show of colors from the autumn leaves! Before heading out on that hike, remember that the fall is one of those seasons where you expect a little bit of everything in one day! Mornings are generally chilly while afternoons can be warm, but it is not out of the question to see snow flurries at high elevations on some days in late fall! Therefore, the best way to keep comfortable for a fall hike is to dress in layers! Keep reading to find out how to layer your clothing for fall hikes in the Smoky Mountains:
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Hiking is a widely beloved activity at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. If you love the area and want to stick around after your hike, there is much more to experience. Read on to learn more! Here is a list of 3 fun things to do after hiking in Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
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One of the best parts of being in the Smokies is enjoying nature. A popular way to do so is by setting out on a relaxing hike. If you're planning your first hike here, we want it to be the best time. Follow these helpful tips in our guide to planning a hike in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
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One of the benefits of visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park during the summer months is that you can enjoy long days of daylight, giving you plenty of extra time to hit the trails! While the summer temperatures in the Smokies are generally moderate, especially at higher elevations, there can still be heat waves where you’ll want to be extra careful on the trails! If you happen to visit the Smokies when it’s a bit warm outside, check out these top 4 ways to keep cool while hiking in the Smoky Mountains this summer:
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Hiking in the Smoky Mountains is always an adventure, and you never know what you’ll encounter while exploring the trails! Some of the things that you may discover are footbridges, narrow bridges that lead over small creeks and streams to connect trails. You’ll also find several unique pedestrian bridges that are fun to cross, including one that is directly behind a waterfall! Here are 3 unique Smoky Mountain bridges to experience during your hike in the national park:
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