I never met a waterfall that I didn't like. We did a driving tour along Little River in Great Smoky…read moreMountains National Park to see if we could spot some wildlife. The Sinks is a lovely waterfall along the river. There is a small parking lot with about a dozen spaces where we found parking. An observation area is a short walk from parking. A sign describes the area and that the falls were manmade. During the late 1800's the river was used to transport logs/timber to the nearby town of Elkmont. After a storm, flood waters caused a jam in the river. Dynamite was used to restore water flow. The blast resulted in a twist in the river and creation of the waterfall. A set of stone steps leads up a hill, offering lovey views of the falls. There are dozens of waterfalls in the Park. Sinks is one of the few that is drivable, which is great for people that cannot hike. I picked up a Waterfalls map at the visitor center that I found interesting and informative. Parking passes are required to park in the lot. There are no amenities at the falls. Plan 15-30 minutes for a stop and photos.

We found a prime parking spot at The Sinks and looked at the area from above the bridge. People…read morewere cliff jumping from the cliffs using ropes, and just free jumping into the water below. Saw the waterfall, but we did not venture into the water. Very small parking lot, but worth a quick stop if you can find a spot to park the car.

This is a fun, minor hike (I believe it is about a half mile. Great views, peaceful, not very…read morecrowded normally.

The Smoky Mountains are the geese that lay Blount County's prolific supply of golden eggs. Look…read moreRock Tower is the perfect place from which to view them all at once! There's ample parking, a short paved trail, and a big pay-off at the end - a 360 view. Please be aware that the Foothills Parkway and the tower are on federal land, so mind your manners. Also, a parking pass is required.

Stay Away! I hate it here!! I'd like to keep these beautiful trails all to myself! Nothing to…read moresee here with your pups. The parking is terrible, the Rangers are not helpful at all, and the restrooms are the worst! Just let me come here alone and enjoy this splendor Mother Nature has created! But in all seriousness, I love it here! You should check it out.

Holy mole! This is a fabulous state park. Totally free parking, incredible restroom facilities - I…read moreknow that might sound dramatic but they had air conditioning in them! This is something Florida needs to jump on board with. And there was so many great spots for ground camping as well as areas for campers/RVs. We spent a couple hours at the park doing the hike to the waterfall. It was pretty leisurely and the grade is mild so it made for a comfortable trek. If you are planning to hike here, drive as faaaaaar as you can before parking. If you choose to park in the first lots you'll be walking about a mile just to get to the trail head. The trails were beautiful and the waterfall is so fun! You really can climb and explore it, I would suggest bringing plenty of water to drink and shoes that you can walk through the water in.

At 6643 feet, Clingmans Dome, now known by its Cherokee name, Kuwohi, is the highest point in the…read moreGreat Smoky Mountains National Park. My visit to Kuwohi was a highlight of my visit to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The drive up to the summit is breathtaking. There are several overlooks along the way to stop and enjoy the views. When we arrived, it was about 20 degrees colder than in Gatlinburg and it was very windy. Fortunately, we had dressed warm for the hike. The half mile trail is paved and accessible, however, the climb is straight up and was very difficult for some people. At the top of the trail we passed the Appalachian Trail. Then we found a fantastic Mid Century concrete spiral structure to climb. At the top, is an observation deck with placards describing the magnificent views of Tennessee and North Carolina. The modern observation deck was completed in 1960, replacing a wooden structure. Thomas Lanier Clingman was one of the early explorers that mapped the region in the 1850's. Kuwohi was (and still is) a sacred mountain of the Cherokee people. The mountain held Magic Lake that is believed to have healing powers for those who value the earth and its people. Parking permits are required to park in the large lot. Permits can be purchased on site for $5/day. Restroom facilities are available, but no running water. A nearby Visitors Center sells maps, shirts and other hiking gear. Kuwohi is a must visit on a trip to SMNP. Bring warm clothes (gloves, hat, etc). Cell tower reception is poor, so maps are helpful.

This stop has been on my list for awhile, and I'm not really sure how I hadn't made it yet…read moreconsidering the amount of times I've road tripped to the Smokies... but here we are! Got to see a bear on the way coming from Oconaluftee, which meant the day was perfect no matter what else happened. The weather was a little rainy, scattered storms here and there, and the cloud cover wasn't great for a great view from the overlook, but.... The parking lot view was still excellent, and the overlook itself was cool to see, and there was a Passport stamp station and Visitor Center, loads of camp style restrooms, with plenty of parking, so, absolutely worth the stop!

Today was our second time back to Alum Cave Trail, and we did the 2.3 miles to Alum Cave Bluff and…read morethen turned back, for a total of 4.6 miles. You can go on for a total of five miles to reach Mt. Leconte, but since the weather was turning and it was starting to rain we cut our hike short. Like others, I suggest getting to this trail head early, as at 7:30 am half the parking lot was full!! We love this trail in particular for its endless water features, lots of scenic spots to take pictures, unique bridges, and the breathtaking view from the top. Even with the bad weather today, it was something spectacular watching the fog lift above the golden trees. If you haven't been, this trail is definitely worth your time and attention. You will want to wear some sturdy walking shoes for this one and maybe even bring a walking stick!!

Gorgeous trail with diverse beauty. We did the medium length hike to the bluff and loved it. Once…read moreyou pass the cave the whole hike is pretty much going uphill so come prepared to get a workout in and wear proper shoes and bring some water. The views are great from the bluff and totally worth it. We came during the week around noon and parking lot was full so we had to park further out and walk about a half mile or so to the trail so be prepared for that or plan your time. Totally worth it! One of my favorite hikes that we did in the area. Loved being by the creek, the log crossings, the cave, the moss, the trees, and the Mountain Views. the scenery was so pretty. There is a bathroom on-site at the start of the trail in case you are wondering.

Beautiful and scenic. A bit more strenuous than I'd thought it would be. Still, quite lovely and…read morecool

Laurel Falls is a great starter trail for Families that are introducing their children to hiking in…read moreGatlinburg. There are plenty of interesting facts to be shared, different types of plants and wildlife along the trail. This time we didn't see many animals but the trail was a bit more crowded that day. I would not recommend taking a stroller or wheelchair on this trail. It is barely paved and there are many roots. Parts of it are very steep as well. It's a great place to practice mindfulness on the way up. There are enough roots and rocks on the path to force you to focus on being present and walking carefully. It's a peaceful trail that gives you a great view of the forest. The falls are still there but not as deep as they used to be. The rocks are very slippery! I definitely recommend water shoes if you have them. The way down is a bit harder than the way up. If you have issues with your legs or balance, I recommend using a support of some kind. There are no benches but you should be able to find large boulders to rest on.

I tried coming here during summertime and it was a mad house and not one parking spot left. So I…read morewent by to check it out. There was a sign I forgot to take a picture of a ton of rules and regulations. Unsure if you could even bring a floatie because literally says no to everything else. They do have a dock you can walk on but the water is dark and murky. Just looks creepy and I don't think I would want to swim here in the summertime.

If you want to bring your own paddle board without having to spend money.. dont. Ive always seen…read morepeople with their own paddle boards/kayaks (i have asked) and i thought it was allowed. Some of my friends have even done it there as well. I went there for my first time paddleboarding and was kicked out because it was "prohibited" even tho people were walking past us with their own paddle boards. Just a money grab. I wont lie they have pretty views so if you just want to float or relax there with your kids it is a great place, but if your wanting to paddle board or kayak with your own stuff, they will kick you out.

The signage and sights at Seven Islands make it one of Tennessee's best state parks. You can see…read moreboth mountains and marshy coastline in a relatively small state park. Cedar trees, cattails, and berry bushes are all in close proximity. The main walking path to the island is ADA compliant. If you'd like elevation, this park is on the edge of the Appalachian mountains allowing you to hike up and view the Smoky Mountains. I prefer short hikes and found many trail options. If you're a bird watcher or a novice, you're sure to learn something from the educational bird exhibits near the parking lot. Check the park's social media for educational events. This park isn't too crowded and requires back roads through neighborhoods. Indoor restrooms are available near the parking lot.

Such a beautiful place to take a walk and also have pictures done! We had our engagement photos…read moredone here. There's multiple trails to walk and a lot of photo ops. If you're staying in Sevierville and need a peaceful quick walk-this is your place.

Grotto Falls was such a fun family adventure! We hiked it with our three kids, and everyone had a…read moregreat time. The trail was beautiful, the waterfall was awesome, and the kids did surprisingly well on the hike! And we got a bonus Smoky Mountain experience before we even reached the trailhead and we saw a mama bear with her cubs along the drive! Talk about setting the tone for the day! Beautiful scenery, a fun hike, and memories the whole family will be talking about. Definitely one of our favorite adventures in the Smokies!

Grotto Falls is a beautiful hike and definitely worth seeing. Walking behind the waterfall is a…read moreunique experience, and the trail is shaded with gorgeous scenery along the way. The biggest challenge is getting there. There are only about 10 parking spots on a one-way road, with very few pull-off areas along the entire route. We actually drove there twice and couldn't find parking either time. We ended up having one person drop us off and pick us up later at an agreed-upon time since cell phone reception on the trail was very spotty. The hike to the falls is mostly uphill for about 1 mile, and I had to take several breaks. I wouldn't consider it toddler-friendly. The hike back is much easier since it's downhill, but you still need to be careful. The trail is full of roots, rocks, and slippery terrain that blend into the dirt, making it easy to slip, trip, or twist an ankle. One member of our group was injured, so I highly recommend wearing quality hiking boots with good traction and ankle support. Despite the parking challenges and moderately difficult hike, the waterfall is beautiful and worth the effort if you're prepared and arrive early.

Sharp's Ridge Memorial Park Trails are located in the heart of north Knoxville and run along Sharps…read moreRidge Memorial Park Drive. Just a hop, a skip and a jump from the Broadway exit off I-40 is the road that leads you up Sharp's Ridge. Beneath the radio/television towers located on the ridge are 4.7 miles of trails, a picnic area and breath taking views of the Knoxville skyline. The trails are nicely maintained and good for beginners. I highly recommend checking out this local treasure one any warm sunny day.