weekend in the smokies (Townsend: school, cabin, swimming)

[nbourbaki]

Hi all,

I am spending two nights this weekend in a cabin in Townsend, and am looking for recommendations.

We are not all that interested in Gaitlinburg or highly crowded sites, rather quieter and more remote areas and long loop hikes (2-4 hours). are there any swimming holes in a lake or river nearby?

many thanks

[piedmont]

You are probably aware of the Townsend Wye (junction of 73 and Laurel Creek Rd). That's a nice, but busy, swimming/lounging area.

2-4 hours isn't really long enough to get very remote or to do a big loop hike, but here are some ideas:

Laurel Creek Falls Trail (paved + busy to the falls, but above the falls there is a lovely old growth hardwood forest that is very quiet. Rt hike to junction with Little Greenbriar Trail is 6.1 miles/less than 4 hours, but you could turn around earlier).

The Tremont area has some great hikes, including Spruce Flats Falls (less than 3 mi in and out) and Middle Prong trail (which follows beautiful cascades and can be taken to Indian Flats Falls).

If you like quiet woodland loops, Turkey Pen Ridge/Schoolhouse Gap/Finley Cove is nice and pretty quiet.

Abrams Falls is always really busy, but you might one of the other quieter trails from near the Abrams Falls trailhead off the west end of Cade's Cove.

Starting at the Sinks off Laurel Creek Rd, Meigs Creek Trail is quiet and pretty. This is also a popular deep swimming hole.

This is a helpful site for trip planning. It doesn't not include all hikes, but has nice descriptions:
Hiking in the Smoky Mountains - Detailed hiking trail information

Baskin Creek Falls is also considered nice (and not too busy), off of Roaring Fork Motor Way.

Enjoy!

[piedmont]

You are probably aware of the Townsend Wye (junction of 73 and Laurel Creek Rd). That's a nice, but busy, swimming/lounging area.

2-4 hours isn't really long enough to get very remote or to do a big loop hike, but here are some ideas:

Laurel Creek Falls Trail (paved + busy to the falls, but above the falls there is a lovely old growth hardwood forest that is very quiet. Rt hike to junction with Little Greenbriar Trail is 6.1 miles/less than 4 hours, but you could turn around earlier).

The Tremont area has some great hikes, including Spruce Flats Falls (less than 3 mi in and out) and Middle Prong trail (which follows beautiful cascades and can be taken to Indian Flats Falls).

If you like quiet woodland loops, Turkey Pen Ridge/Schoolhouse Gap/Finley Cove is nice and pretty quiet.

Abrams Falls is always really busy, but you might one of the other quieter trails from near the Abrams Falls trailhead off the west end of Cade's Cove.

Starting at the Sinks off Laurel Creek Rd, Meigs Creek Trail is quiet and pretty. This is also a popular deep swimming hole.

This is a helpful site for trip planning. It doesn't not include all hikes, but has nice descriptions:
Hiking in the Smoky Mountains - Detailed hiking trail information

Baskin Creek Falls is also considered nice (and not too busy), off of Roaring Fork Motor Way.

Enjoy!

[hiknapster]

Originally Posted by piedmont

You are probably aware of the Townsend Wye (junction of 73 and Laurel Creek Rd). That's a nice, but busy, swimming/lounging area.

I've never heard of this place?

[piedmont]

Originally Posted by hiknapster

I've never heard of this place?

If you've ever driven from Townsend towards Cades Cove, you went by it. Parking lot is on the left. There are always lots of folks hanging out in the river in summer +/or tubing through this section.

[NJDevil]

Maybe you would enjoy Fontana Village or Nantahala Forest, but you'd have to deal with the dragon. Cherokee has their huge Festival of Native Peoples this weekend - I wouldn't miss that!! (but I am unfortunately)