JiminMD
Trail Wise!
Unrepentant Smartass
Posts: 955 
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Post by JiminMD on Mar 15, 2016 11:50:35 GMT -8
I'll be in the Pigeon Forge area in a few weeks. I would like to take my 9 year old daughter into GSMNP for some lite hiking and sight seeing. Without having to pack heavier equipment than our Camelbaks, can someone give me some insight? I have never been in the park at all.
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Post by Coolkat on Mar 15, 2016 12:04:29 GMT -8
I've only done one trail there and it was the Chimney Tops trail. It's an in & out at 4 miles total if I remember correctly. The views at the top are worth the steep hike up. I was going to try to dig up my pictures but apparently I haven't posted them online yet.
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FamilySherpa
Trail Wise!
Tangled up in Rhododendron
Posts: 1,791
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Post by FamilySherpa on Mar 16, 2016 5:48:13 GMT -8
Chimney Tops trail would be a good one. Could be strenuous for a 9 year old though. Also can get very crowded on the weekends.
The hike to Rainbow Falls might be a good option close to where you'll be.
Something that is often overlooked is the calendar of events at the Sugarlands Visitor center.
There is almost always something going on there.
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Post by packdad on Mar 16, 2016 9:15:21 GMT -8
There are so many options. I think you should stop by the Sugarland Center and pick up some of their free hiking guides and a park map. Laurel Falls is nice but popular
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Post by hikingtiger on Mar 16, 2016 9:39:02 GMT -8
In addition to Rainbow Falls (located along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail), you'll find Grotto Falls (3'ish miles RT, easy enough). That one can get crowded on a weekend. Just past Rainbow's trailhead, when the road turns into the Motor Nature Trail, there's a trail heads off left to Baskins Creek Falls. About the same distance as Grotto (and downhill all the way to the falls--uphill back), but you may see no one else on the trail. Lovely falls on a spur trail. I'll see if I have photos.
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Post by ashepabst on Mar 17, 2016 14:16:32 GMT -8
it could be a good time to catch the spring wildflowers. Porters Creek and Ramsay Cascades are two good ones in that regard.
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null
Trail Wise!
Posts: 578
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Post by null on Mar 18, 2016 8:43:41 GMT -8
Abrams Falls is nice. You drive to the "end" of the Cades Code Loop. There's a great swimming hole about 2-3 miles in.
Steve
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