When you travel to the Smoky Mountains area, it’s always a worthwhile adventure to visit the national park. Take some time this winter to explore the hiking trails while you’re in town for a fun and unique experience in our beautiful mountains. Below we will give you 3 great hiking trails to explore during the winter, given that the weather cooperates.
If you plan to hike during the winter, make sure to prepare properly and use hiking safety tips to ensure you are properly prepared. You can find more information on food, water, layers, etc and other hiking safety procedures at this link: https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/hikingsafety.htm
#1. Laurel Falls
Laurel Falls is a beautiful paved hike that leads to a magnificent waterfall. It’s a great choice during the winter because you can see the waterfall crystalize at certain temperatures, which is really unique and memorable. This paved hike is a great choice for beginner hikers or those that aren’t interested in a more strenuous hike as well.
#2. Alum Cave Trail
Alum Cave Trail is another great winter hike because of the magnificent views. If you enjoy a longer and more strenuous hike, Alum Cave Trail is a great choice. This hike is considered moderately difficult and is 1.3 miles from the trailhead. This hike features many prominent landmarks along the way for your viewing pleasure.
#3. Rainbow Falls
A 5.4 mile round trip hike, Rainbow Falls is a great choice for more experienced hikers that want to view a beautiful waterfall during the winter. The waterfall itself produces a rainbow on sunny days, hence the name of the trail. It is a gorgeous view that hikers get to see when traversing Rainbow Falls, and winter is a great time to take this hike since the colder temperatures will turn the water into crystals.