Hiking Trip

Day One

What did you do? Being as this was the first day, we decided to start with a few easier trails. We had a light breakfast and headed towards Baskins Creek Trail. This trail is only 2.7 miles, is an easy hike, and we got to see a waterfall, cemetery, and the remains of a lumber company steam engine wreck from the 1920’s-which the history buff in me loved. For lunch we got a quick bite at Tennessee Jed’s then went to the Laurel Falls Trail. This trail is 4 miles and has an 80 foot waterfall about a mile in. This trail is very popular, though, so prepare for it to be busy. After this hike we went to Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies– very cool place-to get out of the heat. For dinner we had Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Q.

What was your favorite part of the day? The trails were beautiful and a great start to our hiking adventure.

Tips/Wish I would have known: Laurel falls is very popular, so expect the waterfall to be busy if you’re going later in the day.

Day Two

What did you do? We, again, started with a light breakfast and packed a lunch to enjoy during our hike for the day. We did the Rainbow Falls Trail, which took the entire day.  While this trail isn’t necessarily difficult, but it is a longer trail with a decent elevation gain so it can be difficult for those who don’t hike much. The waterfall is about 2.5-3 miles into the trail, and where most people stop. The trail continues for another 3-3.5 miles and gives you a great view at the top. We saw a lot of the damage caused by the 2016 wildfires, and it made you appreciate the beauty that was left. We ate our lunch at the top of the summit, then headed back down. For dinner we went to Big Daddy’s Pizzeria.

What was your favorite part of the day? Hiking Rainbow Falls was a great time, with some great views.

Tips/Wish I would have known: The waterfall is very popular, so it gets busy fairly quick.

Day Three

What did you do? We were going to hike the Trillium Gap Trail, which is a difficult hike that takes about 8-10 hours roundtrip. We woke up early, ate a light breakfast, packed our lunch, and left for the trail. Grotto Falls is the first stop on the trail, where we got to see the waterfall before it got busy since we started early. The next big stop is Brushy Mountain Trail, which is another turnaround spot/resting spot for people. Once we reached the summit we ate lunch with the beautiful view of the mountains, and then headed back down. By the time we got back we were exhausted, so we had a small dinner at the cabin and went to bed.

What was your favorite part of the day? Reaching the summit on the Trillium Gap Trail.

Tips/Wish I would have known: This trail is not easy and you’ll be tired afterwards, but the views are 100% worth it.

Day Four

What did you do? We actually went out to breakfast this day, and decided to try Pancake Pantry in Gatlinburg- was not disappointed. We decided to do the Old Sugarlands trail, which is an easy trail that follows along a mountain stream. After that hike we decided to hike the Chimney Tops Trail, which is another easy hike but you climb about 1,600 feet in elevation in two miles. The 360 view at the top is pretty great, but not as good as the view we had the day before. For dinner we gave Ole Red a try, which was pretty good but a little pricier than other places.

What was your favorite part of the day? Hiking the trails was fun and the easier trails were much appreciated after the strenuous hike the day before.

Tips/Wish I would have known: Every trail is what you make of it, so go into every trail with an open mind and really take in the nature that’s all around you. Also, Ole Red can get a little busy, but the wait wasn’t terrible.