Madison & Jacob
Things To Do
Alum Cave Trail
This hike is a Haiman Family favorite! This was also the first hike that Maddi ever did in the Smoky Mountains and where she first felt how magical the area is. It is 5 miles round trip and offers beautiful views of the valley at the top! It would be considered a moderate trail (based off of the rating found on hikinginthesmokies.com). We recommend it for any family willing to try it out!
Laurel Falls Trail
This hike is another favorite of ours! It is 2.3 miles round trip, paved, and at the top you get to see a stunning waterfall! It is an easier trail (based again off of the rating found on hikingthesmokies.com).
Other Hiking Trails
If neither of the recommended hikes are floating your boat we recommend looking on hikingthesmokies.com (link attached) to find a hike that fits exactly what you are looking for! The Smoky Mountains are beautiful and we are sure that you will be able to find something that you like!
Newfound Gap Drive
On this drive you will go from Tennessee to North Carolina and back going up 3,000 feet in elevation. There are plenty of scenic overlooks to stop at to see some beautiful views, and in Cherokee you have the opportunity to see elk! If you are driving from Atlanta, you are able to drive this route to get to your hotel, which we recommend. Directions: From Pigeon Forge, head to the Sugarlands Visitor Center. From here, simply follow the signs to Cherokee, NC and enjoy the scenic route and plentiful overlooks.
Cades Cove Drive
This is a scenic one-way loop with options to see wildlife, mountain views, and wildflowers. It is incredibly popular and can take anywhere from 2-4 hours to complete due to traffic. Directions: Immediately after the Sugarland Visitor Center (on your right), make a right on Little River Road. Stay on this scenic road for about 25 miles of winding, beautiful roads. The road dead-ends into Cades Cove.