Visiting the Smokies this Spring? The Great Smoky Mountains are full of hiking trails for beginners and advanced hikers. Check out these five easy and beautiful hikes to consider this Spring.
Abrams Falls:
If you love taking a stroll down an easy hiking trail with that special person in your life and experiencing the beauty of nature, check out the Abrams Falls trail in the Great Smoky Mountains. Just an easy 5.2 mile round trip hike with a gentle slope, the trail is located at Cades Cove and follows along Abrams Creek. Surrounded by hemlock forests and thick rhododendron, the highlight of the trail is Abrams Falls, a 20 foot waterfall that gently cascades over sandstone cliffs, falling into the river below. This is a very romantic, scenic walk through nature.
Andrews Bald:
When you are looking for an easy hike, the Andrews Bald trail will provide you with a short 3.5 mile round trip hike while providing you with amazing scenic views of the surrounding area. Located near Clingman’s Dome outside of Gatlinburg, TN, the Andrews Bald trail will lead you to the top of the trailhead at 1.7 miles and open out into a large meadow overlooking the spectacular Great Smoky Mountains. The trail is a bit of a rise and fall as you walk down the trail, but overall it is an easy trail to enjoy with family.
Spruce Fir Forest:
When you’re looking for more of a quick, easy way to get out in the forest, but don’t necessarily want to walk a long way, check out the Spruce Fir Forest with your partner. The Fir forest trail is only a third of a mile round trip, but you will feel like you are out in nature away from everything. Located off Clingman’s Dome Road outside of Gatlinburg, TN, the trail is lined with blackberries and mountain ash as well as yellow birch and red spruce. Even though it’s a short hike, the Spruce Fir Forest is an amazing trail.
Oconaluftee River Trail:
If you enjoy hiking down easy historic trails, try the Oconaluftee River Trail. This pleasant 3 mile round trip stroll takes you along an historic area of the Smoky Mountains with the Mountain Farm Museum and the historic Davis House located along the trail. This easy stroll through the Tennessee countryside is lined with Eastern Hemlock trees and more than 40 different types of wildflowers. Following the Oconaluftee River, this incredible trail is a great place for a romantic stroll or for those who enjoy walking along some of America’s historic trails.
Curry Mountain Trail:
When you want a hike that is a bit longer, but still an easy and romantic stroll through natural surroundings, check out the Curry Mountain Trail near Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Encompassing a 6.4 mile round trip, the trail follows along through quiet, peaceful forests and gives you glimpses of the Sugarloaf Mountains and Wears Valley. There is plenty of amazing scenery along the trail with incredible quiet surroundings, broken up only by the sound of birds or local wildlife. This is a great trail to explore with friends or family. Or even if you just want to get alone for a while.