The first major National Park visited on the journey. After days of rain to get here we enjoyed some beautiful weather that allowed us to hike as well as enjoy the scenic drives. While Cades Cove is the most famous and popular drive we skipped it and enjoyed the drive around Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. The following highlights the four hikes that we enjoyed.
Clingmans Dome: At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We felt the change in temperature at the higher elevation and were surprised to find black ice on the trail that made us hike it slow and cautiously. The other reason we hiked it slowly was that, despite the fact that it is a short half-mile hike, it is at a steep 13% gradient with a 332 foot gain in elevation. We got to step onto the Appalachian Trail as we neared the top and then climbed to the top of the observation area. Glad we did it first while we were fresh and enjoyed the view. If the steep hike scares you, still worth driving up to enjoy the views from the trailhead parking lot.
Following the steep hike up to Clingmans Dome, we really enjoyed our second hike of the day through the woods to Laurel Falls. This is a moderate difficulty hike that is a 2.6 miles out and back hike. Do the shorter length and how beautiful the waterfall is, it is very popular hike and lots of competition for parking. As there were lots of people on the trail and no bathrooms at the trailhead, we rushed off to a nearby picnic area to find the facilities as well as enjoy lunch by the river. We then continued to an exit of the park that allowed us to enjoy antique shops in Wears Valley on the way back to Pigeon Forge.
Another day and another waterfall. We enjoyed the 3 mile out and back hike to Grotto Falls. The 25 foot high waterfall falls in a way that allows you to continue on the trail behind the waterfall. Another enjoyable hike of moderate difficulty through thick woods to the waterfall. Also very popular hike but a more established parking lot area at the trailhead with restrooms.
The last hike and our favorite hike was the hike to Rainbow Falls. It was the longest hike we did (5.4 miles out and back) and the highest waterfall (80 foot). There were bridges to cross, lots of variety in vegetation through the woods, and a smaller waterfall before you reach Rainbow Falls (almost thought we were there but continued on). After this one we left like seasoned hikers. It was a perfect one to end with.
