Hiking in the Smokey Mountains

Whether you enjoy the outdoors, shopping, local attractions, or Hollywood trivia, there is something in the smokey mountains that will please the most picky of people. If you enjoy hiking and are looking for a fun vacation where you can enjoy the wilderness, hiking in the Smokey Mountains is a perfect choice for you. While hiking the trails in and around Gatlinburg, Tennessee, you can enjoy nature, take photographs and create lasting memories. The Smokey Mountains have over 800 miles of hiking trails in the Smokey Mountain Forest alone, and there are many trails for all levels of hikers.

No matter how experienced a hiker you are, there is a trail that will be as comfortable or as challenging as you like. Because there are so many known trails and hikes available, a trail map is always available that can tell you the difficulty of the trail as well as the important points of the trail that you may also enjoy. For those that may never have hiked in the Smokey Mountains, here are a few tips that may help you enjoy your hike all the more.

Be prepared for all kinds of weather. Trails move through different elevation levels that can make you feel warmer or cooler. Packing a light sweater as well as a rain poncho is always a safe bet as the Smokey Mountains have some of the wettest woods in the South. Often getting 90% precipitation in the higher elevations, a sudden downpour is always possible no matter the season, so be prepared.

Stay on the trail. If you are not a seasoned hiker, or even if you are and have never been to the Smokey Mountains for a hike, it is advisable by every forest ranger to stay on the trail to ensure that you do not get lost. You are easily spotted on the trail if someone has to go looking for you if you are hurt or lost. Venturing off into the woods alone is not advised as there are real forest creatures that live in the woods such as cougars, bears, and other wild animals.

Bring a camera with you. You never know what you may see that you want to capture on film and take home with you. Not only will you create memories of your hike that will last forever, taking a picture will leave nature untouched so that the next person can enjoy it as well.

Find cozy and charming great Gatlinburg cabins online. Terry is a travel writer for Avenue180 Publishing - visit the website for more luxury Gatlinburg cabins and to find pet friendly lodging, places to get married, discount hotel rooms and other vacation fun.