The 3 Best Smoky Mountain Day Hikes with Mountain Views
If feeling like you are on the top of the world and being able to see for miles are things that you love, checking out the many amazing Smoky Mountain day hikes with mountain views may be right up your alley! The Smoky Mountains are full of many gorgeous mountain views that you can see by driving, biking, horseback riding, and, of course, hiking. However, hiking up a mountain to see these beautiful views can be the most rewarding thing you ever do. Here are a few of the best Smoky Mountain day hikes with mountain views for you to check out:
1. Chimney Tops
Chimney Tops is one of the most popular hiking trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This is due to the amazing mountain views at the end of the trail and the fact that the hike is not too long. Once you get to the top, you can climb over rock outcroppings to see some of the most beautiful views within the Smoky Mountains.
The trail gains 1,400 feet during the 2-mile climb to the top of the mountain. It is important to wear sturdy shoes when you are hiking this trail because it can get slippery when wet. Chimney Tops Trail is 3.8 miles round trip and is of moderate difficulty.
2. Charlies Bunion
Another one of the many amazing Smoky Mountain day hikes with mountain views is the Charlies Bunion Trail. Charlies Bunion is located on the world famous Appalachian Trail. Although the Appalachian Trail is obviously longer than a day hike, Charlies Bunion is the perfect way to enjoy a pristine part of the Appalachian Trail in only a day. You will feel like you are walking along the spine of the Appalachian Mountains with breathtaking mountain views on both sides of the trail. This trail is a steep climb and you will be hovering at about 6,000 feet during this hike.
Charlies Bunion is an 8-mile round trip hike and can be strenuous in difficulty. However, the difficult hike will be worth it after seeing some of the most amazing views in the Smoky Mountains.
3. Mount LeConte
Mount LeConte is located on the Alum Cave Trail. This trail is unmatched in interesting geological features, history, high adventure, and stunning mountain views. Along the way, hikers will get to enjoy Inspiration Point, Arch Rock, and Alum Cave Bluff. At the top of Mount LeConte, you will see gorgeous mountain views and have a chance to purchase a picnic style lunch at LeConte Lodge.
The hike to Mount LeConte is 11 miles round trip and is considered a difficult trail to hike. However, with stunning mountain views it is something that you are not going to want to miss out on.
These are just a few of the many amazing Smoky Mountain day hikes with mountain views. The Smoky Mountains are full of scenery that will take your breath away and are not something that you want to miss out on. Hiking isn’t the only thing you can enjoy in the Smokies, so check out our complete guide to things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park!