Smoky Mountains - Day Hikes?

“Hi All,
Thinkbubelz & I are travelling back from Atlanta through the GSMNP tomorrow afternoon/evening....

Was wondering if there were any shorter day hikes you'd recommend? We are not going to have more than about 1 day and plan to car camp this time around.....

I'm not going to have much online access after Sunday morning, so any advice you'd give would be greatly appreciated!

(We are most likely going to car-camp at a KOA, but if there are any car-camping campgrounds you'd recommmend, let us know!)”

“What part of the park are you in? It's probably 2 hrs from one side to the other so location will depend on recommendation.

I'd recommend camping at Cades Cove outside Townsend, TN. If so, you can dayhike Anthony Ck to the AT to Russell Tr. It has a good bit of elev gain and is 12 miles. This would be strenuous. I'll be in the office til about 9:30 CDT and will check back in case you post.”

“Elkmont -Hike Little River Trail to Cucumber Gap Tr and return.

If time permits, continue on Cucumber Gap Trail to Jakes Creek Trail and out.
last edited: 7/31/05 7:26:05 AM”

“Yeah, that's a good loop. 5 miles or so and you get to go through the ghost town.”

“The following are a couple of nice dayhikes.. not so secret or secluded but they fit your criteria.

The A.T. from Newfound Gap to Charlie's Bunion (8 miles r.t.), easy ridgeline hiking, fantastic view.

Forney Ridge Trail to Andrews Bald (3.6 miles r.t. from Clingman's Dome parking lot) another great view.”

“Stay at Elkmont or Cades Cove campgrounds; I'd recomend the Abrams Falls dayhike off of Cades Cove, it's about 5 miles round trip. ANother nice dayhike is out of Elkmont; but darned if I can find my map at the moment to tell you the trail names. I'll post them a little later.”