Welcome to a family friendly hiking guide, ideal for all ages for the USA’s most visited national park; The Great Smoky Mountains (North Carolina and Tennessee), Nantahala National Forest, Cherokee National Forest and Pisgah National Forest. After extensive research regarding hiking routes before arriving in the USA and advice from the parks information centre, the following hikes are the ones I selected as having the best views whilst also being most family friendly. All hikes listed vary in level and are rated according to the National Park Service. Most hikes are relatively short as we chose to explore more areas. The following hiking recommendations will be grouped based on hikes within the same area and their allotted approximate drive times from Weaverville, North Carolina. You may even find yourself on parts of the Appalachian trail, as it passes through North Carolina. So here's my hiking guide so you do not have to trawl through google for hours on end like I did.
(Waterfall 1: Mingo Falls, Waterfall 2: Graveyard Fields, Waterfall 3: Grotto Falls, Waterfall 4: Linville Waterfall)
Day / Area 1 - Drive time 1 hour:
Head to Oconaluftee Great Smoky Mountain visitor centre, named after the river valley in which it is based. On your way make sure to stop off at viewpoints, then continue onto the centre, to pick up maps of the trailheads and viewpoints within the park. Now you’re set to explore. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the USA’s few free remaining NP’s. It also attracts the most visitors per year of all NP’s, however, do not be worried, a large proportion of the trails we were on, there were very few people, aside from day 2. Compared to the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Zion or Arches the Smoky mountains did not feel as busy, from my experience. Take the opportunity to head into Cherokee National Forest, Nantahala National Forest and Pisgah National Forest for more hikes, including chances to see yet more waterfalls. Mingo Falls and Graveyard Fields are featured at the top of this blog.
Mingo Falls is located on the boundary of both The Smoky Mountains National Park and Cherokee National Forest in the Cherokee Reservation. The Cherokee Nation and Oconaluftee Cherokees had their land more than halved by forced migration, read about the 'Trail of Tears' and educate yourself on their history. Before they were taken over the Cherokee Nation were some of the most culturally and technological advanced people in the country. As you're near by visit the town of Cherokee at the heart of the Cherokee Nation and support this indigenous tribe. Take a trip to their living museum to learn more, along with other business' in the reservation, they rely on tourism for most of their income. To the Cherokee this land is known as "sha-cona-ge" the land of the blue mist.
Top view points close by;
Bunches Bald Overlook
Richard Balsam Overlook (Highest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway and one of the best panoramic views)
Cowee Mountain Overlook
Thunderstruck Ridge (The BEST!)
Day / Area 2 - Drive time 2 hours:
Again head out along the Blue Ridge Parkway, take in the scenic views along the way through the Great Smoky Mountains. A unique spot is Clingmans dome, a massive (maybe somewhat ugly) concrete structure on a summit, offering panoramic views of the mountains.
Note: Chimney Tops is one of the top rated hikes in the area, and one I really wanted to do whilst out there it is a steep 4 mile round hike ascending 1400 feet quickly, deemed strenuous. Unfortunately it was closed due to fire damage so I didn’t get the chance to do this, however, this shows the importance of checking whether trails are open! and even more importantly no wild camp fires, no dropping cigarette buts, don't do anything that can potentially lead to wild fire, especially in the summer when it takes very little for one to take hold.
Top view points close by:
Newfound Gap (a very popular viewpoint with lots of parking)
Day / Area 3 - Drive time 1 hour:
Today head in a different direction, and head into Pisgah National Forest for some more hiking. This area had a lot of bear warnings so make sure you are bear aware before heading off.
Top view points close by;
Looking Glass Falls Viewpoint
Devils Courthouse Viewpoint
Day / Area 4 - Drive time: 2 hours into Tennessee
The Great Smoky Mountains span multiple states, so prepare for a long drive as you head over to Tennessee. Head towards Gatlinburg but make sure you stop at multiple roadside viewpoints along the way to today’s hike. Gatlinburg can come across quite gimmicky but there are areas worth going for. Hike nearby Grotto Falls and walk behind the waterfall itself, and take your waterfall count to 4, or take the aerial tramway in the centre. Grotto Falls is featured at the top of this blog.
Area 5 - If you are roadtripping the route from my travel guide be sure to detour 30 minutes between Weaverville and Seven Devils and stop off on your route along Blue Ridge Parkway.
Linville Falls is not to be missed and was my favourite waterfall of the whole trip, with each viewpoint making it look even better. The best view of Linville Falls is featured at the top of this blog, from the highest viewpoint.
Top view points close by:
Table Rock Mountain Overlook
Socks and Sandals