Hiking in the Smokey Mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina offer so much adventure for those who love the outdoors. Hiking can be enjoyed during all of months of the year and each has its different advantages. Winter time hiking is free of the leaves and presents a different landscape of the mountains and unobstructed views. Springtime hikes offer the wild flowers while the summer hikers can find cooler areas in the Spruce and Fir forests. The fall hikers have the cooler weather along with the beautiful autumn foliage.
The Great Smokey Mountains National Park offers over 500,000 acres of land and over 800 miles of trails to enjoy. The park offers nine different trails and maps of each trail are available. There are short hikes of one to five miles while the day hikes range from eight to 15 miles and can be rated as easy, moderate or strenuous.
While this is a fun outing, one should be prepared for the rugged terrain and weather changes that can occur. Hiking boots to protect your feet and ankles would be preferred over tennis shoes and temperature changes can vary ten or more degrees in the mountains. The Smokey Mountains can also get over an average of 85 inches of rainfall each year in the higher elevations. Carrying light rain gear and a sweater is a word to the wise.
Bears have been sighted but usually they are running away from you if you see them and as long as you don't try to tease them, you will have no problems with them. There are also hiking clubs that you can hook up with and they offer many organized activities throughout the year. For a fun filled adventure, come to the Smokey Mountains and enjoy the great outdoors.
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