Hiking the Smoky Mountians

[QDOG5]

My wife and I are going hiking in the Smoky Mountains in two weeks for the first time. We would like to do three long hikes. We are planning on hiking Alum Cave trail to Mt. LeConte, Rainbow Falls trail, and Ramsey Cascades trail. I am looking for suggestions/advice for the trip. In addition we will be rafting the Nantahala river on our way to Asheville. We are looking for any advice on that, too. We are still considering rafting the Ocoee but since this will be our first rafting trip we think the Nantahala is probably more our speed.

 

[bfs3]

My wife and I are going hiking in the Smoky Mountains in two weeks for the first time. We would like to do three long hikes. We are planning on hiking Alum Cave trail to Mt. LeConte, Rainbow Falls trail, and Ramsey Cascades trail. I am looking for suggestions/advice for the trip. In addition we will be rafting the Nantahala river on our way to Asheville. We are looking for any advice on that, too. We are still considering rafting the Ocoee but since this will be our first rafting trip we think the Nantahala is probably more our speed.

If you are staying at a hotel or motel you better book it now. A couple weeks ago every lodging place within two hours drive was completely booked

 

[Kitaman]

Never hiked just picknicked in the Mountains. But I can offer that you should try and save a couple of days for nearby Gatlinburg TN and Pidgeon Forge for recreation, fun and amusements. Its Disneyworld without the commercialism and massive crowds.

 

[Hoophound]

Wear boots and watch out for copperheads and rattlers. It is infested with snakes, those two being the poisonous ones. Fortunately, neither is aggressive. Still, when I go up that way I keep my eyes peeled. While I don't personally know people that were bitten, I've known a few dogs that got hit in the Smokies. Obviously, going off trail is a bigger risk, thus dogs getting bit.

 

[McLovin]

Never hiked just picknicked in the Mountains. But I can offer that you should try and save a couple of days for nearby Gatlinburg TN and Pidgeon Forge for recreation, fun and amusements. Its Disneyworld without the commercialism and massive crowds.

Yeah but the size of the people at Dollywood means that even though it’s not as crowded, it’s still just as crowded...

 

[StrawChewer]

I'm not a fan of pigeon forge unless you have small kids with you.. just my opinion. Gatlinburg is like a weird ski town but in the summer.. enjoy the pancakes and moonshine lol. Another nice thing about Gatlinburg is that it is very close to at least two of the hikes you have picked out. I would highly recommend downloading the alltrails app for other ideas.. I'm planning on doing Newfound Gap, Charlies Bunion, Dry Sluice, and Kephart Prong. I'm about 3 hours away and am too lazy to get there early, but there are plenty of elk that are by the visitor center parking area first thing in the morning. White water rafting on the nantahala is awesome... my wife and I purchased a groupon with paddle inn.. it's self guided so way more adventure. Bring warm clothes to change into afterwards and enjoy a beer at the outdoor center. Have fun

 

[ConnHuskBask]

My wife and I are going hiking in the Smoky Mountains in two weeks for the first time. We would like to do three long hikes. We are planning on hiking Alum Cave trail to Mt. LeConte, Rainbow Falls trail, and Ramsey Cascades trail. I am looking for suggestions/advice for the trip. In addition we will be rafting the Nantahala river on our way to Asheville. We are looking for any advice on that, too. We are still considering rafting the Ocoee but since this will be our first rafting trip we think the Nantahala is probably more our speed.

I went on a trip down there and used the company below to do a raft trip on the Ocoee. I would probably recommend the Nantahala as it's a rapid class less (as you note). I had a fun time on the Ocoee but I think everyone was dumped overboard at least one time and while it never felt like things were ever in danger there definitely was urgency to grabbing whoever fell overboard out of the rapids.

Best White Water Rafting & Kayaking School in North Carolina

North Carolina's premier white water rafting & kayaking school. Nantahala, Ocoee & Cheoah Rafting, Fly Fishing, Ecuador adventure travel.

www.endlessriveradventures.com

 

[Pinnacle]

If you are staying at a hotel or motel you better book it now. A couple weeks ago every lodging place within two hours drive was completely booked

I own three log homes in Sevierville, TN and they are completely booked well into August,

 

[storrsroars]

Oh, to be young again with knees. I miss both AT hiking and whitewater.

Sounds like a great trip.

Be sure to check each other for ticks!

 

[temery]

@diggerfoot has hiked the globe. He may have something to add.

 

[QDOG5]

If I'm lucky the rattler will bite into a tick on my body. Cabins are sold out. Still some hotel availability. Entire trip is three days staying in Gatlinburg hiking the Smokies, then rafting the Nanhatala on the way to two days in Asheville. Then driving to Wilmington NC where my buddy is building a house in some community down there. He wants us to consider doing the same. Probably not going to happen but it doesn't hurt to look.

 

[Northbound]

Trashville is like any other town that’s in a geographically desirable place - perhaps a bit over hyped.

Friends that live in WNC tell me “glad all you northerners go there and don’t really venture beyond there”

My wife thinks many in ashville are simply trying too hard - you’ll decide that for yourself.

 

[Adios]

Trashville is like any other town that’s in a geographically desirable place - perhaps a bit over hyped.

Friends that live in WNC tell me “glad all you northerners go there and don’t really venture beyond there”

My wife thinks many in ashville are simply trying too hard - you’ll decide that for yourself.

I knew a juggalo from Ashville. So, yeah...