108 SmokyMountainNavigator.com National Park Short Hikes (Distance is Round Trip) Abrams Falls • T-1 • Distance: 5.0 Miles – Difficulty: Moderate One of the most popular trails in the Smokies, Abrams Falls is in close proximity to Cades Cove. Beginning at the wooden bridge over Abrams Creek, the trail takes hikers along a pleasant and level course. The trail does become steep when you near Arbutus Ridge and climb into a gap in the ridge. The path then leads to Abrams Falls, one of the parks largest falls and a thing of absolute beauty. Alum Cave Bluff • T-2 • Distance: 4.6 Miles – Difficulty: Moderate Alum Cave Bluff is one of the finest short hikes the park has to offer. It includes the natural arching “Arch Rock” and three more amazing sites. First is Huggins Hell, named by settlers who were detoured by the areas rhododendrons and laurel. You will then reach Inspiration Bluff, which has a spectacular view of the Little Pigeon River’s upper basin. You finish the trek at Alum Cave Bluff, a massive ledge of black slate high above the trail. Andrews Bald • T-3 • Distance: 3.6 Miles – Difficulty: Moderate This trail follows the upper end of the Forney Ridge Trail, beginning where the paved path to Clingmans Dome Tower leaves the road. The trail ends at Andrews Bald, the highest bald in the Smokies. On a pleasant day the view can be breathtaking, offering an end- less landscape of mountains stretching all the way into North Carolina. Chimney Tops • T-4 • Distance: 4.0 Miles – Difficulty: Strenuous This hike is short and very steep. But, don’t let the quick ascent detour you from one of the Smokies finest views. Relatively easy for the first mile, you will endure a 600-yard climb to the Chimneys before experiencing a view that rivals any other. This trail is not particularly dangerous, but is not recommended for small children. Clingman’s Dome Tower • T-5 • Distance: 1.0 Mile – Difficulty: Easy This trail is a wide, paved course that is moderately accessible with a stroller. Rest room facilities and benches assist in navigating the path. When you reach the summit, you will be standing on the second highest peak east of the Mississippi River. The tower is reached via a wide ramp, making this trail an immediate favorite amongst families and groups with children. Grotto Falls • T-6 • Distance: 3.0 Miles – Difficulty: Moderate This trail is located off the Roaring Fork Motor Trail and offers the only waterfall that visitors are able to walk behind. Though the trail is primarily traversing a hemlock forest, it is a suitable trek for novice hikes. The distance to the falls is relatively short and the slope is easy to travel. Located close to Gatlinburg, Grotto Falls has long been a tourist favorite. Hen Wallow Falls • T-7 • Distance: 4.4 Miles – Difficulty: Moderate Located in Cosby, Hen Wallow Falls begins almost immediately with a steady climb up Snake Den Mountain. Although rugged, the trail passes through a lush, green forest of rhodo- dendrons and ferns, with hemlocks and polars as a canopy. At roughly 0.7 miles from the trailhead you will pass a social trail that leads right, stay straight. Again at 1 mile you will reach Messer Gap, another side trail, and again stay straight. At 2.1 miles you will reach the short and steep side trail that leads down to the Falls. Check out the small cave just to the right of the falls also. Laurel Falls • T-8 • Distance: 2.6 Miles – Difficulty: Moderate Laurel Falls offers the easiest waterfall access in the Smokies. Following a