2015 Classic Hikes of the Smokies Schedule Released
Friends of the Smokies just released their 2015 Classic Hikes of the Smokies Schedule and we have all the details!
Friends of the Smokies will be leading guided hiking tours with hiking expert and author, Danny Bernstein. Friends of the Smokies is requesting a $10 donation for current Friends of the Smokies members and $35 for any non-member. All registration donations benefit the trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park through the Friends of the Smokies Trails Forever fund.
2015 Classic Hikes of the Smokies Schedule
March 10: Smokemont
- Distance: 6.1 mile loop
- Time It Takes to Hike: Approximately 3 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- What You’ll See: In early March, it is likely that this trail will be lined with wildflowers. You will be able to see Bradley Cemetery around 5 miles into the hike.
April 14: Caldwell Fork
- Distance: 9.4 miles
- Time It Takes to Hike: Approximately 5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- What You’ll See: Wildflowers, the Steve Woody House, rock walls, old cemeteries
May 12: Lake Shore Trail
- Distance: 9.5 miles
- Time It Takes to Hike: Approximately 5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- What You’ll See: Great views of wildflowers along the entire length of the trail
June 9: Hemphill Bald
- Distance: Total trail length is 13.6 miles, but only 8.8 will be hiked for this event
- Time It Takes to Hike: For the entire 13.6 miles, approximately 7 hours, but for the 8.8 miles, approximately 4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- What You’ll See: This is the best season to see the wildflowers along the trail.
July 20-21: Overnight at Mount LeConte
- Distance: The Boulevard trail: 8 miles, Trillium Gap Trail: 6.5 miles
- Time It Takes to Hike: Approximately 7 hours, staying overnight
- Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
- What You’ll See: Different forest types, the LeConte Lodge, sunset and sunrise in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
August 11: Big Creek
- Distance: Approximately 10.6 miles
- Time It Takes to Hike: About 5 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
- What You’ll See: The hike takes place along an old motor road built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. You will see Mouse Creek Falls and you will hike creekside with a possibility of wildflowers.
September 8: Boogerman
- Distance: 7.4 miles
- Time It Takes to Hike: Approximately 4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- What You’ll See: Various trees including hemlocks (if still alive) and poplars. You will also see the Carson Messer Cabin and the possibility of elk.
October 13: Purchase Knob
- Distance: 7.5 miles
- Time It Takes to Hike: Approximately 3.5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- What You’ll See: Stunning views of the national park, Appalachian Highlands Science Learning Center
November 10: Chimney Tops & Elkmont
- Distance: 4 miles
- Time It Takes to Hike: About 3.5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
- What You’ll See: Trails Forever restoration project, historical areas of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
December 8: Noland Creek
- Distance: 4 miles
- Time It Takes to Hike: Approximately 2.5 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
- What You’ll See: Bryson City Visitor Center, old homes
For more details about the hikes, you can take a look at the Friends of the Smokies’ detailed 2015 Classic Hikes of the Smokies schedule. To register for any of these classic hikes of the Smokies, contact: AnnaLee@FriendsOfTheSmokies.org or call (828) 452-0720.
This year is going to be a great year of classic hikes of the Smokies. Join us for a fun way to experience the Smokies Mountains and learn inside information about the trails.
Don’t forget to book your cabin for your trip to the Smoky Mountains. Look at all of these great deals on Smoky Mountain cabin rentals to find a relaxing getaway for you and your group.
