June 2024 | Moore Cove Falls Trail at Pisgah National Forest, 5 hours east of Nashville

This 1.2 mile trail is rated easy and very family friendly. Parking is along the Blue Ridge Parkway. I recommend arriving early or checking this trail out on a weekday for greater chances of finding parking.

This is a popular hike to a 50’ tall waterfall. The trail ends directly at the waterfall but you can leave the trail and go under the falls if you choose.

June 2024 | Max Patch Loop at Pisgah National Forest, 4 hours east of Nashville

This 1.5 mile loop is rated easy and very family friendly. It does require about a 30 minute drive down a gravel/dirt road - so be extra prepared if conditions are wet. 

The trail features birds, butterflies, and wildflowers. There were also warnings about rattlesnakes. I did not come across any but be mindful and aware while on the trail.

The summit offers 360 degree views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is a perfect spot for a picnic.

June 2024 | Devil’s Courthouse Trail at Blue Ridge Parkway, 5 hours east of Nashville

This trail is only about 1 mile long and rated easy. There are steps you have to climb at the end but a portion of the trail is paved. There is ample parking at the bottom of the trail. The summit features 180 degrees of Blue Ridge views. 

June 2024 | Balsam Nature Trail to Mt. Mitchell at Mt. Mitchell State Park, 5.5 hours east of Nashville

This 1.5 mile trail is rated easy and very family friendly. The trail is a loop and can be started from the parking lot or from the paved path up to the summit. The trail is shaded and features ferns and fungi.

August 2023 | Andrews Bald Trail, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 3.6 miles, moderate, 4.25 hours east of Nashville, TN

This trail is near Bryson City, North Carolina and is located off the parking lot for Clingmans Dome. The parking lot is likely to be crowded, as it’s a great look out spot for tourists.

The trail itself wasn’t too crowded and it’s a wide enough path to let other hikers easily pass. I highly recommend hiking poles. This trail had running water from a recent rain that crosses the trail. There are quite a few steps to climb as well.

The lookout was very cloudy (i.e. Smoky) and hard to see the mountains but the journey there was beautiful. If you’re allergic to bees, be warned that there are many at the start of the trail. There’s a lot of bee balm growing which attracts them. They weren’t aggressive at all, but be mindful. 

The trail is very well marked and easy to follow. The park requires a parking permit which can be purchased in advance online or at visitor’s centers. Additional treks in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park can be found under Tennessee Treks.

Lodging - Best Western Cades Cove, Townsend, TN

Eateries - 

Sevierville, TN - Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant 

Townsend, TN - Elvira’s Cafe

Townsend, TN - Apple Valley Mountain Village (cafe, general store, coffee shop) 

Townsend, TN - Good Vibes On the River

Townsend, TN - Trailhead Steak and Trout House

June 2023 | About 5 hours east of Nashville

I did a number of hikes along the Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP). There are tons of pull-offs along the BRP and you really can't go wrong with choosing any number of hikes but these are the trails I explored this trip. All are located south of Asheville and clustered together, making it easy to visit them all. I highly recommend hitting the tails early. Parking can be difficult to find at a few of these.

Skinny Dip Falls - 1.0 miles, Easy

This trail leads you through a forest to a small waterfall. The trail is easy and mostly flat. It's a great add-on to a more moderate hike.

Black Balsam Knob via Art Loeb Trail - 1.4 miles, Moderate

While this trail isn't overly long, it is mostly uphill. The climb takes you over rocks, into meadows with great overlooks, and up to the knob lookout. This hike was quite windy. Don't forget to take a jacket.

Sam Knob Trail - 2.5 miles, Moderate 

This trail has a slow climb up to the knob. The trail is narrow so you do brush up against quite a bit of plant life. I recommend using bug spray beforehand. The lookout is beautiful at the knob.

Graveyard Fields - 1.3 miles, Easy

I both loved and felt anxious on this hike. It's an easy path. You're in a tunnel of sorts, through trees and other plant life so seeing wildlife (like bears) would be difficult. There are signs about active bears in the area so be sure you take precautions. I hiked this trail very early in the morning. It was so dewy it felt like a rainforest. Be prepared but don't miss this one!

Looking Glass Falls - 0.3 miles, Easy

Another great add-on to a more strenuous hike. You can practically drive right up to this waterfall. A short walk down stairs and you're right at the base of the waterfall.

Grandfather Mountain - Located about 1.5 hours northeast of Asheville

Reservations are required so be sure to book tickets in advance. There are short hiking trails at the top but the real draw here is the Mile-High Swinging Bridge and the switchbacks to get to the top of the mountain. 

Eateries - 

Chestnut - Upscale, seasonal menu, located in downtown Asheville

Copper Crown - Casual but innovative dining, located in East Asheville 

Laughing Seed Cafe - Vegetarian cafe with incredible mocktails, located in downtown Asheville.