ABOUT THE PARKS GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK NANTAHALA NATIONAL FOREST CHEROKEE NATIONAL FOREST PISGAH NATIONAL FOREST
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK Straddling the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is America s most-visited national park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its diversity of plant and animal life where 65 species of mammals including the most widely advertised, the black bear and 5,500 species of plants call home. Other popular residents include elk, deer, beavers, raccoons, squirrels, opossums, snakes, skunks, fox, otter, rabbits and wild hogs. In addition, there are more types of plant life in the 815 square miles of the park than the entire continent of Europe. This place is recognized as an International Biosphere Preserve, boasting one of the most complex ecosystems in U.S.
NANTAHALA NATIONAL FOREST The Nantahala National Forest covers much of the southwestern corner of North Carolina. It is the largest forest in the region, encompassing more than a half million acres of mountain land. Important: Hunting is allowed in the national forests at certain times of the year, so you should be sure to wear blaze orange during these times!
CHEROKEE NATIONAL FOREST Situated in the Southern Appalachian Mountains of east Tennessee, Cherokee National Forest is split into northern and southern sections by Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park stretches across 655,598 acres, making it the largest tract of public land in the state. Visitors can explore more than 600 miles of trails including 150 miles of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, hundreds of miles of cold water streams, seven whitewater rivers and three large lakes.
PISGAH NATIONAL FOREST Pisgah National Forest
HIKING THE TRAILS EASY TRAILS MEDIUM TRAILS DIFFICULT TRAILS ABOUT THE PARKS
EASY Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg/Mt. LeConte Area Grotto Falls (14 miles from Pigeon Forge) Baskins Creek Falls This is the only waterfall in the Smokies where you can stand behind the wall of water as it cascades down. Moreover, the Trillium Trail offers old -growth forests that include many large hemlocks trees. Complete with a short easy climb, small creeks and decent views of the mountains toward the west, this 3 mile hike is one of easiest in the region. Elevation Gain: 585ft. Elevation Gain: 953ft.
EASY Gatlinburg, Tennessee Bridal Veil Falls Wahyah Bald You barely have to get out of the car to see the falls here. Located in Macon County about 2.5 miles west of Highlands on Highway 64, Bridal Veil Falls is part of a tributary of the Cullasaja River. Though it s easy to spot this one from the car, visitors can get an intimate nature experience by walking under the massive boulders curling over the road. Take an easy walk to Wayah Bald for a 5,300 foot vantage point where, on a clear day, you can see the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee to the north and the rolling hills of Georgia to the south. Height of Falls: 210ft. Elevation Gain: 30ft.
EASY High Country & Blue Ridge Mountains, NC Appalachian National Scenic Trail #1 at Osborne Farm Rhododendron Trail #332 Bask in pastoral mountain views of Shady Valley. Want to see the world famous Ocoee River? This is your chance. This relaxing 0.5-mile hike is where Cross Mountain bridges Holston Mountain and Iron Mountain. The 1.6-mile hiking/biking trail runs along the river, connecting Ocoee Whitewater Center and Thunder Rock Campground.
MEDIUM Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg/Mt. LeConte Area Brushy Mountain (via Trillium Gap Trail) Husky Gap (via Newfound Gap Found) The path spans 6.8 miles toward the top elevation of 1,745 feet. Hikers follow a gentle climb along a wide, well worn path that passes through Grotto Falls on its way to Brushy Mountain. Elevation Gain: 1,745ft. Elevation Gain: 1,240ft.
MEDIUM Gatlinburg, Tennessee Whiteside Mountain High Falls The 2-mile loop takes hikers along the ridge of the mountain and grants breathtaking vistas to the east, south and west. As one of the favorite hikes in Nantahala National Forest, Whiteside Mountain rises more than After the initial 0.5-mile trail, the hike up to the falls is a fairly steady uphill trek. You can take a respite at Blue Cove Falls, which is about 40 feet high in two levels, before climbing to the 150-foot-tall High Falls. Elevation Gain: 600ft. This is a Medium/Difficult trail.
MEDIUM High Country & Blue Ridge Mountains, NC Indian Boundary Lake Trail #129 Pinnacle Tower Hike Indian Boundary Lake is regarded as the crown jewel of Cherokee National Forest s South Zone. Whether you want to hike or bike, the trail stretches just over 3 miles, serving up spectacular mountain views, glimpses of wildlife and a peaceful setting. Soak up some of the best views of the region s highest peaks at Pinnacle Mountain Fire Tower, located atop Buffalo Mountain at 3,520 feet above sea level. The tower has served as sentinel for nearby forests for the past 75 years.
DIFFICULT Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg/Mt. LeConte Area Mt. LeConte (via Bullhead Trail) Located along Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, LeConte is far-and-away the most strenuous in the area. Choose between the Rainbow Falls Trail or Bullhead. After taking an old gravel path, you ll continue straight on through the Rainbow Fall Trail Junction, with a tough hike to reach the top of Mt. LeConte. The payoff - besides a good workout - is astounding vistas. Elevation Gain: 3,993ft.
DIFFICULT Gatlinburg, Tennessee Upper Buck Creek Falls You ll hear Buck Creek before you see it. Although the hike is less than 0.5-mile, this downward trek is not meant for the average traveler. The descent is steep and the paths are full of overgrowth. The woods past the old road will open up to the top of the 100-foot cascade.
DIFFICULT High Country & Blue Ridge Mountains, NC Rock Creek Falls This path has a number of creek crossings, so plan on getting your feet wet. The 3-mile hike lies in the congressional designated Unaka Mountain Wilderness.
TRAIL ELEVATION CHART Mt. LeConte Brushy Mtn. Huskey Gap Baskins Creek Falls Whiteside Mtn. Grotto Falls Bridal Veil Falls Wayah Bald
Water Attraction Plant/Nature Attraction Floral Attraction Hemlock Trees Trail Roadside Attraction Bike Paths Available Multiple Paths Steep Climb Campgrounds Avaliable Wildlife Attraction Mountain Views Scenic Views Path May Not Be Clear Downward Climb ABOUT THE PARKS
Sources: fs.usda.gov/cherokee/ nps.gov/grsm/index.htm hikinginthesmokys.com/location.htm ncwaterfalls.com/bull_cove_high1.htm summitpost.org/great-smoky-mountains/210493 hikewnc.info/trailheads/nantahala-national-forest/ fs.usda.gov/recarea/nfsnc/recarea/?recid=48114 stayandplayinthesmokies.com/vendor/wayah-bald-lookout-tower/ fs.usda.gov/activity/cherokee/recreation/hiking/?recid=34864&actid=50