Hiking in the smokies (Knoxville, Maryville: to rent, buy, living in)

[elp gonzalez]

This is going to be my first summer in the area, so looking forward to it..
Had a trip to the smokies yesterday and it was fabulous!!
I am planning on going back again on a regular basis during the weekends for day hiking and/or fishing
Wondering what would be the good areas that you experienced once would recommend. Also, what are the good areas to rent a cabin for the weekend and not feeling like living in Gatlinburg i.e. among the tourists.

[piedmont]

For a quieter alternative to Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge, you'll want to head to Townsend. It is an easy drive from Knoxville/Maryville and is just outline the western park boundary. Lots of great hikes and fishing spots are accessible from this side.

[creeksitter]

What distance do you want to hike? Be sure to say if that's one way or round trip. Steep or level?

[elp gonzalez]

Hi Creeksitter, I am looking for about 10 mlies roundtrip, which I think I can complete in a day. Moderate difficult terrains would be good to try.

[corvidae]

I agree that looking in Townsend is a good idea... Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are kind of crazy, with heavy traffic. Townsend is also very convenient to Cades Cove.

If you are up for some elevation gain you could hike from Cade's Cove up to Spence Field.

[creeksitter]

That will get you to Mount Leconte via Alum Cave Bluffs - although that is on the Gatlinburg side. Or Rich Mountain which can be acessed at the start of Cades Cove. Also Gregory bald is great for azaleas in early July.

You can get maps at the visitor center or the gift shop in Cades Cove.

[hiknapster]

The Mount LeConte Trail would be awesome. You could stay at the lodge there! It's only accessible by foot, very rustic.

I've used this guide in the past. When you get to the Sugarland's Visitor Center you can buy a hiking map, too. I have one.

Smoky Mountain Trails | HikingintheSmokys.com

[danielj72]

I agree with the others, If I thought I could do 10 miles in one day Id hike LeConte. There was just an article in the paper a few days ago about the lodge. They are using helecopters to get this years supplies up there before they open. If your interested in the lodge better check on availablility, they book up a year in advance sometimes. I want to hike that myself, but I need to get better conditioned first. Im not quite up to that level yet.

[elp gonzalez]

Thank you all for your helpful suggestions. LeConte sounds really good actually, I might try this..

[Badbird2000]

One of my favorite so far is Chimney Tops.. it's real short, only 2 miles, but that last mile is a bear! Worth the view at the top though, if you are brave enough.