Travel & Leisure magazine list the Smoky Mountains as one of America's Best Family Getaways. In the article "15 Can't Miss Adventures from Sea to Shining Sea" (March '10), author Kathryn O'Sha-Evans gives easy hikes as an example of why the Smokies is a great family getaway.
Here's 6 family friendly hikes, each 1 mile or less:
1. Clingman's Dome Tower, 1 mile, easy
+ paved and accessible with wheelchair or stroller
+ climb to TN highest peak (6,643 ft) for view
2. Cosby Nature Trail, Gatlinburg, TN, 1 mile, easy loop
+ virgin forest
3. Cove Hardwoods Nature Trail, Gatinliburg, TN, 1 mile
+ old growth hardwood forest and flowers
4. Elkmont Nature Trail, 0.8 mile
+ changing landscape
+ clues to human activity from long ago
5. Noah Bud Ogle Trail, Gatlinburg, TN, 0.7 mile loop
+ easy access to historic structures
+ connects to streamside trail
6. Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail, Gatlinburg, TN, 0.5 mile
+ easy for persons in wheelchair
+ interpretive plaques
+ tactile exhibits & audio tapes (available at visitor center) for visually challenged
Of these 6 trails, which one is your family's favorite and why?
For more information on the trails, read Falcon Guide Best Easy Day Hikes: Great Smoky Mountain National Park Guide Book by Randy Johnson.
What are your favorite hikes in the Smoky Mountains and why? Please leave a comment. For full Best Family Getaways article, visit Travel & Leisure website:
http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/americas-best-family-getaways-2010/10
