2017 Pigeon Forge Travel Guide Jan. 2017 | Page 9

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK HIKING TRAILS JUNIOR RANGER PROGRAM GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS Kids from 5-12 years old can become Junior NATIONAL PARK HAS TRAILS SUITABLE FOR EVERYONE, Rangers through a special program offered at national parks. Pick up a booklet ($2.50 at any park visitor center) or download a WHETHER YOU’RE A NOVICE booklet at gps.gov/grsm and complete the HIKER OR A SEASONED activities to earn a Junior Ranger badge. TREKKER. SOME POPULAR TRAILS INCLUDE: Laurel Falls Trail – 2.6 miles, paved and highlighted by the 80-foot-high Laurel Falls found at the 1.3-mile mark. Chimney Tops Trail – 4 miles round-trip, steep with beautiful rock steps; known for outstanding panoramic views at its peak. Clingmans Dome – The highest point in Tennessee at 6,654 feet. A steep half-mile paved trail takes you to an observation tower, where you can see for hundreds of miles on a clear day. Alum Cave Trail – 5-mile round trip trail leads hikers through an old-growth hardwood forest, CADES COVE log bridges cross creeks. Mount LeConte - Several popular hiking routes lead to the top of Mount LeConte, including Alum Cave Trail (a 5-mile hike up the mountain), the Boulevard Trail from the Appalachian Trail (8.3 miles), Rainbow Falls Trail (6.5 miles) and Bullhead Trail (6.8 miles). Cades Cove is one of the most popular destinations inside the national park. The area is a lesson in mountain history, where visitors can view cabins, barns, mills, stores and other buildings used by people who lived on the land that became Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s a great place for hiking and biking. Pet lovers - can take dogs hiking on two park Wednesday and Saturday, early May until late trails—Gatlinburg and Oconaluftee Trails. Aside September 6-10 a.m., the 11-mile, one-way loop from those two areas, pets are allowed in the park road known as Cades Cove Loop Road is open only in campgrounds and picnic areas. to bicyclists only. Bicycles are available for rent at the Cades Cove Campground store. 9