Top 4 Trails for Groups to Go Hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains
When you visit the Smokies, you can’t go to the national park without checking out at least one hiking trail! You’ll find there are a ton of places to go hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains. We want to share some of the best ones for groups to take! Look at these top 4 trails for groups to go hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains:
1. Alum Cave
If seeing mountain views is important to you guys, then you should hike to Alum Cave. You’ll start out crossing creeks on foot bridges, which is fun, especially for teenagers and kids. Most of the hike is through old forest growth, where you may see all kinds of native plant life and huge trees. You’ll eventually come up on a bald where you’ll see mountain laurel and rhododendron during the spring and early summer. Along this trail, you’ll come across many steps made of rock to help you climb. The main point of this hike is the Alum Cave Bluffs. It’s a huge cave-like feature that will make all of you feel small. You will be able to look out and see beautiful views of the mountains. If you keep going along the trail, you’ll come to the summit of Mt. LeConte. This trail is about 4.4 miles roundtrip.
2. Gatlinburg Trail
A great place to take your group hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains would be on the Gatlinburg Trail. It’s a moderately hiked trail that has a roundtrip length of 3.8 miles. You’ll walk across bridges over creeks, where many might want to stop and get in the water. This trail is nice since you really get to immerse yourself in nature. While walking along the trail, you might spot some wildlife. You will also see old sites of homes built a very long time ago. This is the only trail in the park that allows dogs.
3. Abrams Falls
Did you group decide they wanted to go to Cades Cove and drive around the loop? About halfway around, you will come up on the trailhead for Abrams Falls. This waterfall hike is 5 miles roundtrip and considered moderate. You’ll walk through old forest growth, seeing all kinds of pine and oak trees. Since Cades Cove is known for being full of wildlife, you might see some creatures while you hike this trail. When you get to the waterfall, you’ll be impressed by the amount of water falling over the side even though it’s only 20 feet tall.
4. Clingmans Dome
A popular place to go hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains is at Clingmans Dome. The path to the lookout tower is paved, making it easier than other trails to hike. Although this trail is paved, its steepness may prevent strollers and wheelchairs from being able to make the climb. There are many benches along the path where people can stop and rest. Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Smokies, providing you with incredible views of the mountains.
Ready to hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains since you have plenty of trails to choose from? We hope you’re excited to get going! Start planning your trip today by browsing through our group cabins for your next trip!
