Smoky Mountain Hiking

So it was our last full day in the Smokies and we were driving the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail just outside of Gatlinburg. We came up on the Grotto Falls trailhead and, even though it was sprinkling very lightly, I convinced my wife that we should hike up to the falls and back. My son was all about it.

So we hopped out of the van, I strapped on my CamelBack and we were on the trail. This trail is very wide and easy aside from a few rocky spots and some places where there are lots of roots. This is the trail that is used once a week to re-supply Leconte Lodge by Llama.

The hike to the falls is only about 1.3 miles, and is a gradual elevation climb of 500 feet or so. It is your typical Smokies trail, following the ridge of the mountain slope, crossing small streams and creeks along the way. As we got closer to the falls, the rain got heavier and by the time we arrived at the falls, it was a steady rain, although it was partially blocked by the canopy.

All in all, it was a great family hike and even though the weather could have been better, we still had a great time. Check out photos from the hike on my Flickr Photostream.