Have you ever thought about a family vacation to the Great Smoky Mountains?

Imagine this for your family vacation in the great smoky mountains. The fall brings a slight coolness to the air, even in the southeast. It is also the time of the year when you can go explore that part of the country with your family to see the leaves changing color. If you are working from home and the kids are learning from home, what a great way to work and learn but in the great outdoors.

Have you been yearning to get away from it all this year? Are you ready to spend some quality time with your family, as you experience new things together and have a good time?

If you answered yes to both those questions, and love autumn, the southeast is the perfect destination for your next family vacation!

When you decide to take a family vacation in the southeast, you have many destinations to choose from. There are the entire states of Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, and even Tennessee. Choosing one is going to be difficult. However, a little family meeting will have you all agreeing on the one that is the best for your next family vacation.

One of my favorite places to visit is the Great Smoky Mountains. There is so much to do in this area, and it is perfect for making those amazing family memories you will cherish forever.

I recommend taking a little time to go hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains. It is a spectacular way to see most of the entire area while appreciating nature at the same time.

I have compiled a few of the best hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains. This will allow you to start planning your hiking goals for your family vacation in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Best Hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains

Chimney Tops Trail

The climb to the top of the Chimney Tops Trail is steep. But older kids should be able to tackle this 3.8-mile round trip hike with you easily. And don’t worry, there are stairs in place where the hike is considerably steeper! You will find yourself gaining 1,500 feet in elevation during this hike. Therefore, take your time to adjust to all the altitude changes. When you reach the new observation platform, you will be rewarded with incredible views of Mount LeConte, the slate crags, and the rest of the surrounding area.

Porters Creek Trail

Porters Creek Trail is very family-friendly and easy to conquer. It is even considered one of the best hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains. The trail goes along a historic road and leads directly to Fern Branch Falls. It is best to hike this trail in the spring because a section of the trail is covered in wildflowers. Allow time to stop at the historic structures and of course, the waterfall at the end.

Deep Creek Loop Trail

Does your family love waterfalls? If they do, then the Deep Creek Loop Trail must be on your hiking list in the Smokies. This trail loops around and allows you to stop at three different waterfalls. Those waterfalls are Juney Whank Falls, Tom’s Branch Falls, and Indian Creek Falls. Deep Creek Loop Trail is five miles long but is offers the peace you may be craving while spending time with your family.

Rainbow Falls Trail

The Rainbow Falls Trail is 5.4 miles round trip. The entire trail goes along the creekside and leads you directly to Rainbow Falls. This waterfall is eighty feet high and is considered the highest waterfall in the Great Smoky Mountains. Families that are looking for longer hikes in the Smokies can continue on another 4.2 miles. The extra mileage will lead you directly to the summit of Mount LeConte.

Clingman’s Dome Hike

Clingman’s Dome is the third highest mountain in the eastern states. There is a parking area up high on the mountain that offers extraordinary views. But the best panoramic views can be seen from the observation tower at the summit of the mountain. The path to the summit is only half a mile long from the parking area. The trail is quite steep, but the reward is the views that reach one hundred miles in the distance.

Newfound Gap to Charlies Bunion on the Appalachian Trail

No one can spend time in the Great Smoky Mountains and not hike at least part of the Appalachian Trail! After all, that trail is the best hike in the Great Smoky Mountains. The trail between Newfound Gap and Charlies Bunion is 8 miles round trip. During this hike, you will see the Ice Water Spring Shelter. You must have a permit to stay there, but that shouldn’t prevent you from stopping at the building to see it. When you reach Charlies Bunion, you will see views so stunning you will never want to leave. It is best to do this hike during the late spring and summer because lots of snow is common in this area for the rest of the year.

These are some of the best hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains. There are a few others that are a little shorter and many more that are much longer. Let me help you plan your road trip to Tennessee and your family vacation in the Great Smoky Mountains. We can include as many of these hikes as you wish, as well as everything else your family will love to do. The result will be those incredible experiences every generation of your family will love!

So, are you ready to have me create a personalized family vacation itinerary for your next trip to the Smoky Mountains or another destination?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to click here to schedule a personalized family vacation planning session. When you click on this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

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