Great Smoky Mountains National Park Sports & Outdoors

The trail to Clingman's Dome is paved but parts of it is very steep. The trail is 1/2 mile long but rises 330 feet in that distance. Combine that with the elevation and the trail should only be attempted if you are in pretty good condition. If you feel faint or short of breath stop and rest or slow down. The views along the way, depending on the weather/cloud cover are spectacular.

Equipment: Good walking shoes, water, sunscreen, a hat, insect repellant, a snack, weather appropriate clothing, don't forget your camera!

There are trails leading to many of the attractions in Cades Cove. Most of these are short and level.

Equipment: Good walking shoes, water, sunscreen, a hat, insect repellant, a snack, weather appropriate clothing, don't forget your camera!

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There are a few pullouts along the road that serve as trailheads for what they call "Quiet Walkways". These are short easy trails that lead into one of the last areas of wildlands in the east. They are a great way to experience the sights and smells of the wilderness without needing a backpack or even hiking boots. Walk as far or as little as you want.

Equipment: Good walking shoes, water, sunscreen, a hat, insect repellant, a snack, weather appropriate clothing, don't forget your camera!

D sure is a sport, hustling through this long hike in about 2/3rds the time alloted by the guides. We could barely walk by the time we got to Georgia!

Equipment: Even for short hikes its best to wear decent boots with good ankle support as well as at least carry some warm and/or rain gear. We were surprised at the families strolling around in sneaks and tank tops, obviously cold once the storm rolled in.

In a neighboring town of Knoxville, there is a phenomenon called Big Orange footall. At the University of Tennessee football is a religion not a sport!! On any given Saturday in the fall, you can enjoy some of the best tailgating in the country. If you are visiting the area, I highly recommend that you check out a game or a least some tailgating at its best!!!

Equipment: Be sure to bring some orange clothes and maybe a poncho!!!

Hike, Hike, Hike.

The Smokies are filled with well marked trails. Day hikes, afternoon hikes, week hikes, the options are endless.

Stop by a rangers office to get maps and information on trails.

Also check out the website:
http://www.nps.gov/grsm/

Equipment: Good walking shoes or boots. Make sure they are well broken to avoid getting blisters.

Always bring water and a snack for the trail as well.

More than 850 miles of hiking trails lace the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and give opportunity for anything from a half hour stroll to a week-long backpacking expedition. With more than a mile of vertical relief in the Park, from the highest point to the lowest, it should go without saying that many of the trails are steep and strenuous. Others follow old railroad grades from the days when narrow gauge logging railroads penetrated deeply into these mountains.

Some of the trails, such as the 1.3 mile paved footpath to Laurel Falls, can be crowded at times. However, those seeking a true wilderness experience and seclusion should have little trouble finding it in some of the more remote parts of the Park.

Equipment: The trails can be very rocky and wet. Good hiking boots are advisable for those contemplating more than a short hike on one of the easier trails. Hikers should always be prepared for rain. These mountains create their own weather and thunderstorms or showers occur frequently.