Hiking, White Water Rafting, and More!
Now that we have covered the fun hustle and bustle of Chicago, it’s time to time to switch to an area that you can really get out into nature and relax! This special place is called The Great Smoky Mountains. The Smoky Mountains are nestled in Gatlinburg, Tennessee and have been a staple when traveling with my family over the years. Whether you are someone who loves to hike, loves amusement parks, or just loves to simply walk around downtown, The Great Smoky Mountains has something for everyone!
My Connection
I should start with explaining why The Great Smoky Mountains are so special to me. Growing up, I have many fond memories here. My family and some of our closet friends would always plan a weekend trip in the summers, pack up the car, and just head up here for a fun weekend together. From days at Dollywood, to hours spent white water rafting on the Ocoee River, The Great Smoky Mountains has been the catalyst for some of my favorite family memories. Although this is a great place to travel with families, it can also be the perfect place for younger people. Last summer, my college roommates and I did a 4-day hiking trip to The Great Smoky Mountains. We “glamped” in a fancy tent (still a great price) and did a few beautiful hikes throughout the mountains. A quick little aside about myself, I love to hike and do anything outdoors. So, this week’s area of interest is something that I love, and I can’t wait to share some activities that I enjoy doing with you!
My Favorite Activities!
The first activity that The Great Smoky Mountains offer is, you guessed it, hiking! The views of the mountains and the fresh air is something that can’t be beat. Below you will find some of my favorite hikes I have done throughout the years.
- Clingman’s Dome
- Clingman’s Dome is a family favorite. The views of the mountains at the top are unreal. As well, the nice thing about Clingman’s Dome is that it’s physically doable for many people. You can drive up the mountain to get to the base and see amazing views. From there, if you so choose, you can hike up about 1 mile to an observatory to see an even more elevated view of the mountains.
- Alum Cave Trail
- Alum Cave Trail is a very unique and beautiful hike. I do have to put a warning out there that this hike is definitely more on the challenging side. Although it is very challenging, the views you see at the end make it so worth it! The main hike up to the Alum Cave is about 4 and a half miles. Once you hit that point, you see a cave that almost looks like it is an umbrella over the landing point. It is hard to describe in words, so you should experience it for yourself!
The second activity I would like to highlight is white water rafting. I must say, as much as I love to hike, white water rafting may take the cake when it comes to my favorite activity in The Great Smoky Mountains. I have white water rafted with the same company multiple times and have been very happy with my experience each time. Below you will find the company and some of my pointers when enjoying this activity.
- Raft Outdoor Adventures
- This company is fantastic. I have rafted with them for years and the tour guides just can’t be beat! A few tips when planning your rafting excursion: bring sunscreen (a lot of it), wear shorts or a swim shirt that you don’t mind getting wet, wear shoes that secure on your feet (Chacos are my personal favorite), and bring a snack for afterwards (trust me, you will be thankful you did).
Talk to you soon!
Those are just a few reasons why I love traveling to The Great Smoky Mountains. I truly believe that people of all ages can enjoy a trip here and find activities that interest them. Stay tuned for another blog post later this week about how do all of this on a cheap budget! Talk to you soon!