3 Picturesque Hiking Trails Near Gatlinburg Perfect For Winter Trekking
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As winter dusts the higher elevations, blankets of fresh snow enhance the curvature of the ridgelines and the sparkling frosts give ethereal life to the tree branches of Great Smoky Mountains National Park- It’s no wonder why winter hiking is such a popular activity in the Smokies. Winter hiking is a rewarding, yet calculated adventure. Though it is beautiful, it can be tricky to scale the mountain with ice, wind, and snow. Explore snow-capped mountains and frozen falls at these 3 picturesque hiking trails near Gatlinburg perfect for winter trekking.
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Rainbow Falls Trail
Rainbow Falls is known for being the highest single-drop waterfall in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and for the impressive prismatic rainbows that are produced in the mist from the late afternoon sun. Pairing this already wildly popular hiking trail with the chill of winter can make for an outstanding sight to see. When the temperatures drop below freezing, the flowing water will come to a standstill, creating a beautiful sheet of frozen water resembling the drips of melted wax on a tapered candle and sometimes a veil of lace fabric. The hike is about 5.4 miles from the trailhead to the waterfall and then back. You can continue the trail past the waterfall to hike to Mt. LeConte, though elevation becomes very steep and tricky.
Alum Cave Trail
Alum Cave Trail is one of the most rewarding hiking trails in all of Great Smoky Mountains National Park due to the many vantage points one can see along the way as well as from the top. After a 1.3 hike from the trailhead, you will come to “arch rock”. Arch rock is a unique formation created by intense warming and freezing temperatures that causes erosion to take away the soft center and bottom of the rock. There are steps you have to scale to climb under the arch rock to connect to the rest of the trail. Be careful here the steps do tend to stay nice and icy. Once you start to ascend from the arch, you will see Anakeesta Ridge to your left- Shortly after this obstruction, you will have a magnitude of expanse. You will see Inspiration Point to your left, Little Duck Hawk Ridge to your west, and Myrtle Point to the northeast. Atop Little Duck Rock you will be able to see a pinhole in the rock. This pinhole is called the Eye of the Needle. Roughly around mile 2.2 is where Alum Cave is. It’s more of an outcropping ledge and it has run-off water that trickles into icicles. Be very careful around this section, the icicles can dislodge.
Porters Creek Trail
Porters Creek is a lesser-known trail in comparison to hikes along Laurel Falls, Andrews Bald, or Rainbow Falls, for example. Porters Creek is far more easily accessed due to it being in the lower elevations of the national park compared to other trails. Hiking this trail provides you with an intimate look at Smoky Mountain history, as well as treats you to an outstanding surprise, a waterfall. Fern Branch Falls is a sight for sore eyes. Sitting at 40 feet tall, you can only imagine the intricacy of it frozen in time.
Lodging
As you plan your winter hiking itinerary, keep your lodging options in mind. Heartland Cabin Rentals offers premier, affordable, luxury cabins in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Wears Valley. Our cabins are all within a convenient drive to the Gateway to the Smokies providing our guests with a leisurely journey to and from. After an adventurous winter hike, guests can unwind by the hearth of a flickering fireplace or soak the soreness out of their newly found hiking muscles in a bubbling hot tub or jacuzzi tub. Heartland Rentals has a Wears Valley, Pigeon Forge, or Gatlinburg cabin with the perfect accommodations for you. Winter retreats are the new summer getaway! Take a chance on a winter stay in the Smokies. Off-season in the Smoky Mountains has particular perks that you simply can’t enjoy during the spring, summer, or fall! Enjoy discounted rates, limited traffic, easily navigated shopping malls, and more!
Hey, wait a second before you go! Be sure to check our Current Cabin Specials, Deals, and Discounts to see if your stay qualifies for a special discount! Book your cabin in Gatlinburg with Heartland Rentals for a memorable moment in the mountains.