Smoky Mountains

[doctorres112]

We are in the process of traveling to our new assignment (Ft. Bragg) and will be crossing through the Smoky Mountains for a night. Can anyone suggest a trail or nice road we can take to see some amazing sites?

We will be staying at one of the resorts for the day, but would love to explore a little while we are there.

Thanks,
-Chris

 

[NCFJ]

Look up Max Patch, you'll get a great view of the Smokeys

 

[JohnJB]

When you say Smokies, where exactly are you referring to? It's a pretty big area. If you're talking about the actual National Park area:

You'd be remiss to not at least drive up to the top of Clingmans Dome. If you can, make the trip at night if it's clear, it's some of the best star gazing in the SE due to elevation and lack of light pollution. If it weren't for damn Bryson City, it'd be even better.

If you're there during the day, you can catch the AT at the top of Clingsman and hike in either direction. I'm not familiar with the AT as it goes south from the summit. If you head north, it runs the spine of the ridge but you quickly end up in alpine forest so you won't have long range views.

If you're talking closer to Asheville then I can make several suggestions like Max Patch Bald mentioned above.

 

[doctorres112]

When you say Smokies, where exactly are you referring to? It's a pretty big area. If you're talking about the actual National Park area:

You'd be remiss to not at least drive up to the top of Clingmans Dome. If you can, make the trip at night if it's clear, it's some of the best star gazing in the SE due to elevation and lack of light pollution. If it weren't for damn Bryson City, it'd be even better.

If you're there during the day, you can catch the AT at the top of Clingsman and hike in either direction. I'm not familiar with the AT as it goes south from the summit. If you head north, it runs the spine of the ridge but you quickly end up in alpine forest so you won't have long range views.

If you're talking closer to Asheville then I can make several suggestions like Max Patch Bald mentioned above.

Good point, we are driving from Nashville to Ft. Bragg, and our trip has us staying the night here: Google Maps

That said, my kiddos range in ages from 2 - 9 years old, so a driving trail is preferred over one that requires a lot of hiking.

Also, We are not opposed to hitting a driving trail on the way out of our resort, on our way to our final destination.

Thanks again to all those who are offering suggestions.

-Chris

 

[JohnJB]

Hmm, if you continue on through the National Park, there's not much in the way of driving trails since it's a NP. It's a great drive though and you'll be able to drive the out 'n back spur up Clingsman.

Edited

 

[Willy beamin]

I'd avoid the tourist trap and check out some of the back roads in and around Townsend. Simple but fun is to pull off and mess around in one of the creeks, middle prong, still cool even though its cold, kids love that stuff. Clingmans dome for sure. My pops use to hang-glide off that rock. You're headed to a great part of the east coast hope you enjoy what will be around you.

just to mention a few​

Fly Fishing Great Smoky Mountains National Park Middle Little River
Whitewater Rafting & Premier Adventure Outfitter | Nantahala Outdoor Center
French Broad River|Blue Ridge Mountains|Outdoor Activities | Blue Ridge National Heritage Area and the Ocoee river

 

[clint m]

Look up Hurricane Creek just outside of Asheville. That might satisfy the trail desire. Or ride out to Cataloochee and look for elk.

 

[yonah]

First off, welcome to Bragg. It will be good to see another 200 around these parts.

Hurricane Creek is a good choice.

I would also recommend the Blue Ridge Parkway - as you mentioned driving>hiking for this trip. I'm not sure where you're coming from, but it's very scenic for the east coast.

Mount Mitchell is a cool day trip. You can get there via the BRP and it's about a 10 minute hike to the top of the tallest mountain this side of the country. 6k+ IIRC.

 

[doctorres112]

First off, welcome to Bragg. It will be good to see another 200 around these parts.

Hurricane Creek is a good choice.

I would also recommend the Blue Ridge Parkway - as you mentioned driving>hiking for this trip. I'm not sure where you're coming from, but it's very scenic for the east coast.

Mount Mitchell is a cool day trip. You can get there via the BRP and it's about a 10 minute hike to the top of the tallest mountain this side of the country. 6k+ IIRC.

Thanks, we are looking forward to the journey. Bragg should be my second to last stop via the Army if I have any say in the matter. If you or anyone else has any trips planned out of Bragg in the coming months, give me a shout.

-Chris