Top Trails: Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Must-Do Hikes for Everyone

422 Pages·2012·78.39 MB·English

by  Johnny Molloy

Top Trails Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Must-Do Hikes for Everyone
1st EDITION 2012
Copyright © 2012 by Johnny Molloy
Front cover photos (main and inset) copyright © 2012 by Johnny Molloy Interior photos by author,
except where noted Maps and elevation profiles: Johnny Molloy and Scott McGrew Cover design:
Frances Baca Design and Scott McGrew Interior design: Frances Baca Design Editor: Laura
Shauger
ISBN 978-0-89997-677-8
Manufactured in the United States of America
Published by:Wilderness Press
Keen Communications
PO Box 43673
Birmingham, AL 35243
Birmingham, AL 35243
[phone]
[email protected]
www.wildernesspress.com
Visit our website for a complete listing of our books and for ordering information.
Distributed by Publishers Group West Cover photo: (main) Gregory Bald (Trail 4); (inset) trillium
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form, or by any means
electronic, mechanical, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the publisher,
except for brief quotations used in reviews.
SAFETY NOTICE: Although Wilderness Press and the author have made every attempt to ensure
that the information in this book is accurate at press time, they are not responsible for any loss,
damage, injury, or inconvenience that may occur to anyone while using this book. You are
responsible for your own safety and health while in the wilderness. The fact that a trail is described
in this book does not mean that it will be safe for you. Be aware that trail conditions can change
from day to day. Always check local conditions, know your own limitations, and consult a map.
The Top Trails Series
™
Wilderness Press
When Wilderness Press published Sierra North in 1967, no other trail guide like
it existed for the Sierra backcountry. The first run of 2,800 copies sold out in less
than two months and its success heralded the beginning of Wilderness Press.
Since we were founded more than 40 years ago, we have expanded our
territories to cover California, Alaska, Hawaii, the U.S. Southwest, the Pacific
Northwest, New England, and Canada. And most recently, we have pushed our
boundaries into the Southeast.
Wilderness Press continues to publish comprehensive, accurate, and readable
outdoor books. Hikers, backpackers, kayakers, skiers, snowshoers, climbers,
cyclists, and trail runners rely on Wilderness Press for accurate outdoor
adventure information.
Top Trails
In its Top Trails guides, Wilderness Press has paid special attention to
organization so that you can find the perfect hike each and every time. Whether
you’re looking for a steep trail to test yourself on or a walk in the park, a
romantic waterfall or a city view, Top Trails will lead you there.
Each Top Trails guide contains trails for everyone. The trails selected
provide a sampling of the best that the region has to offer. These are the “must-
do” hikes, walks, runs, and bike rides, with every feature of the area represented.
Every book in the Top Trails series offers:
The Wilderness Press commitment to accuracy and reliability
Ratings and rankings for each trail
Distances and approximate times
Easy-to-follow trail notes
Map and permit information

Contents
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Regional Map
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Trails Table
Using Top Trails
Organization of Top Trails
Choosing a Trail
Introduction to Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Geography and Topography
Flora
Fauna
When to Go
Weather and Seasons
Trail Selection
Key Features
Multiple Uses
On the Trail
Have a Plan
Carry the Essentials
Food
Useful but Less than Essential Items
Trail Etiquette