Want to go hiking this summer while you are in the Smoky Mountains? There are several summer hikes in the Smoky Mountains you should try! From waterfalls to mountain views, you have plenty of features to choose from on various trails. Here are 5 summer hikes in the Smoky Mountains you should go on:
1. Laurel Falls
One of the most popular summer hikes is Laurel Falls. This trail is 2.6 miles roundtrip and is considered easy. It is one of the trails in the Smokies that is paved, preventing people from tripping over rocks and tree roots. There are parts of the trail with a steep drop off, so be careful as you’re hiking up and down the trail. Once you get to the top, you’ll see the 80-foot-tall waterfall. There’s a ton of water that gushes over the rocks, and it is split into two tiers. You can take pictures in front of the top tier.
2. Clingmans Dome
Clingmans Dome is another great summer hike in the Smoky Mountains. This trail is considered easy at 1 mile roundtrip with a paved trail. The trail is pretty steep, so it’s not a good idea to bring strollers and wheelchairs. There are benches along the trail where you can stop and enjoy the wooded view. Once you reach the top of the observation tower, you will see incredible mountain views. On a clear day, you should be able to see about 100 miles away. Clingmans Dome is the tallest point of elevation along the Appalachian Trail at 6,643 feet. It is the tallest point on the Tennessee side of the national park.
3. Andrews Bald
Another great hike you should go on is Andrews Bald. This trail is considered moderate and has a roundtrip length of 3.6 miles. A bald is a meadow at the top of a mountain. You’ll hike through old forest growth and alongside streams a good portion of the way to the top. Once you reach the bald, you will have incredible views of the Smokies. Many people will bring a picnic to enjoy at the top or just hang out and look out at the mountains.
4. Rainbow Falls
Another great waterfall summer hike in the Smoky Mountains is Rainbow Falls. The roundtrip length is 5.4 miles, and it can be considered moderate to difficult. It takes about 3 to 5 hours to hike up and back. You’ll make your way over log footbridges that cross creeks and through old forest growth. Once you reach the falls, you’ll be amazed by how tall Rainbow Falls is. It is the tallest single drop waterfall in the national park at 80 feet tall.
5. Charlies Bunion
If you’re looking for unique features and mountain views, you should hike to Charlies Bunion this summer. This trail is considered difficult and is 8 miles roundtrip. You’ll hike through a ton of forest, across creeks, and see mountain views all along this trail. Once you reach the rock outcropping known as Charlies Bunion, you’ll have absolutely beautiful mountain views.
These are just a few of the summer hikes in the Smoky Mountains you can enjoy on your next trip. Are you ready to book your next stay? Look through our Smoky Mountain cabin rentals and pick one out for your next trip!
