Straddled along the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountains is one of the oldest mountain ranges in the United States. It is characterized by its old forests, diverse wildlife, and plant life, more than 1500 species of flowering plants, and exceptional natural beauty. In fact, the Great Smoky Mountains were designated as one of the first UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1983. One can easily enjoy a trip to this amazing destination through Capital Vacations.
Capital Vacations Points Out A Few Popular Hiking Trails In The Great Smoky Mountains
Having more than 800 miles of trails meandering throughout the park, the Great Smoky Mountains is widely recognized as one of the top hiking destinations in the United States.
There are many hiking trails to choose from in the region, including:
- Mt. Leconte: This hike takes 11.0 miles roundtrip via Alum Cave, and allows hikers to enjoy some spectacular views. In addition to the Alum Cave Trail, there are many other ways to reach the top of this summit, such as through the Rainbow Falls Trail, Boulevard Trail, Bullhead Trail or Trillium Gap Trail. Reaching an elevation gain of 2,763 feet, Mt. Leconte is among the more strenuous hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains. It is prudent for hikers to wear the right shoes, as a few stepping ways here can be dangerous. Mount Leconte is the third highest peak in the Smoky Mountains.
- Mt. Cammerer: To reach this 11.1-mile hike roundtrip, one should start at the Low Gap Trailhead. Even though this hike is also a bit challenging, it is quite popular due to its short length. Mt. Cammerer is pretty steep, having an elevation gain of 3,045 feet. Top of Mt Cammerer overlooks the Pigeon River George, and provides excellent views of the nearby areas, making the efforts put into the hike worth it.
- Charlies Bunion: This trailhead starts at the parking area of Newfound Gap. To enjoy the panoramic views of the rocky mountains, one should hike along the Appalachian Trail. While Charlies Bunion is 8.1 miles roundtrip, the trail can get a bit too steep. Having an elevation gain of 1,640 feet, this hike can be tricky for some, but the sights one can view while hiking on this trail are highly memorable.
- Andrews Bald: Being just moderately difficult, this hike has a roundtrip length of 3.5 miles. With an elevation gain of 899 feet, this hike is ideal for people desiring to experience blooming wildflowers beside them, as they walk between the leaves of the grassy meadow.
- Chimney Tops Trail: With a roughly 3.3 miles roundtrip, this hike is favored by many. However, it is also a very steep hike. One needs to remember that they have to climb more than 960 feet in the last mile to reach the summit. It is among the very few mountains that have a bare rock summit, along with an elevation gain of 1,487 feet.
Capital Vacations is a company that focuses on delivering memorable vacation experiences through its flexible travel programs. People can easily avail the assistance of any such company in order to visit the Great Smoky Mountains and enjoy an exceptional hiking experience there.
