5 Hiking Trails in the Smoky Mountains Near Our Campground
Want to go on a hike near our campground? There are several hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains you will want to explore that are close to us. You can see all kinds of cool features and enjoy being out in nature on these trails. Here are 5 hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains near our campground:
1. Mount Sterling Fire Tower
For a unique hiking trail in the Smoky Mountains near our campground, you should hike to the Mount Sterling Fire Tower. This trail is considered difficult and is 5.1 miles roundtrip. It is a little over half an hour from our campground. In the spring and early summer, you can see all kinds of wildflowers along the trail. There are also all kinds of old trees you’ll see along the trail that are more than 3 feet in diameter. Once you are closer to the end, you’ll start to have incredible mountain views. Then you’ll come up on the 60-foot-tall fire tower that was built in 1935. You can still climb to the top!
2. Big Creek Trail
Big Creek Trail is a moderate hiking trail that follows along an old railroad grade. After about 1 mile, you’ll come up on the creek. In the spring, you’ll see wildflowers and rhododendron along this portion of the trail. You’ll also see a ton of wooded views, and it is a possibility to see wildlife along the trail. There are several small waterfalls along the creek, but you’ll come up on Mouse Creek Falls. This waterfall is 45 feet tall and pours into a pool surrounded by a ton of moss-covered rocks. This trail is only about 20 minutes from our campground!
3. Hen Wallow Falls
Another hiking trail in the Smoky Mountains with a waterfall is Hen Wallows Falls. The roundtrip length of this trail is 4.4 miles, and it is considered moderate. You’ll make your way through old forest growth, seeing all kinds of trees and natural features. Once you’re nearing the end of the trail, you’ll come up on Hen Wallow Falls. This waterfall is 90 feet tall, and starts out at 2 feet wide at the top and spreads out to 20 feet wide at the base. It takes about 3 to 4 hours to go to and from the waterfall. This hike is only about 16 minutes from our campground!
4. Sutton’s Ridge
If you want to get out and enjoy being in the woods while getting some exercise, you should hike Sutton’s Ridge trail. This trail is 3 miles roundtrip and is considered moderate. You’ll cross creeks and go over bridges. Near the end of the trail, you’ll have breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains. This is a great trail to go on that’s near our campground. The Sutton’s Ridge trailhead is only a 13-minute drive from our campground.
5. Mt. Cammerer Fire Tower
Another fire tower hike you should go on is the Mt. Cammerer Fire Tower hike. You can get to the tower using Low Gap Trail. The roundtrip length is about 11 miles, and the trail is considered difficult, but it’s worth every step. This trail takes you to the summit of a 4,928-foot-tall mountain. Through the trees on this trail, you’ll have views of faraway mountains. You’ll also enjoy being up close with trees, native plants, and possibly wildlife. Once you reach the Mt. Cammerer Fire Tower, you’ll have an incredible 360-degree view. Exploring the fire tower is pretty neat too! This trail is only about 16 minutes from our campground.
Find out why staying at our Smoky Mountain campground is one of the best ways to enjoy the Smokies!
These are just a few of the hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains near our campground. If you’re planning on being in town in the winter, check out these best winter hikes in the Smokies! Since you have an idea of how you want to spend your time on your next camping trip, start planning it today! Look at our camping cabins and pick one out for your next trip!
