When you think of the Great Smoky Mountains, most people think of tree covered mountains shrouded in mist as far as the eye can. The vision is accurate and a big appeal for those who visit. If this is all you see during your stay in the mountains, you have only explored part of this amazing place. The Great Smoky Mountain backcountry is my favorite part of the park.
Great Smoky Mountain backcountry footbridge
There is much more to the Great Smoky Mountains than what can be seen from the roads
Many who come to the Smoky Mountains stick to the roads and scramble down paved walkways to waterfalls and overlooks. They also camp in Cades Cove and drive the scenic 11 mile loop and then go home. They may also swim or fish in one of the many gorgeous mountain streams. All of these are worthy activities, but one misses the most spectacular part of the park.
Related: Cades Cove Great Smoky Mountains Scenic loop
Great Smoky Mountain backcountry – Rhododendron bloom over a mountain stream
Don’t forget the Great Smoky Mountain backcountry
Even the more adventurous that come to hike the Appalachian Trail (AT) miss one of my favorite parts of the park. I really enjoy the backcountry. I define the Great Smoky Mountain backcountry as any section at least a mile away from a parking lot and any trail off of the Appalachian Trail.
Related: My first bear encounter in the Great Smoky Mountains
Related: Smoky Mountain bear encounter number 2, 3, and 4
If you do not get off the road and get off the Appalachian Trail, you are missing the rhododendron stands (in full bloom in the summer), the gushing mountain streams, and the beautiful forested ridges. The Appalachian Trail is beautiful too, but since it follows the top of the ridge, you miss the majority of the mountain streams found in the lower elevations.
Backcountry trail heading up to the Appalachian Trail
Great Smoky Mountain National Park backcountry photo essay
There are hundreds of miles of trails in the Great Smoky Mountains. I hope this photo essay convinces you to do at least a short loop or stray off the Appalachian Trail into the rest of the park. Another perk of getting off the beaten path is finding solitude. Hard to believe how easy this is to find even in one of America’s most visited park. On my latest trip, I stayed at Russell Field shelter with 8 other people on the AT and then hiked down to a backcountry campsite where I stayed by myself. I hiked 20 miles this day and hardly saw anyone.
Related: Best day hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains
Beautiful mountain stream
Rhododendron bloom along a Great Smoky Mountain backcountry trail
Close up of a Rhododendron bloom
Flower petals fall on a Great Smoky Mountain backcountry trail
I felt rather kingly hiking over flower petals
Another footbridge over a Great Smoky Mountain backcountry trail
A beam of light penetrates a rhododendron bush along a mountain stream
Hiking up the Parsons Branch Road near Cades Cove
Fording a river along a Great Smoky Mountain backcountry trail
Approaching Abrams Falls in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great blue heron fishing along Abrams Creek
One last Great Smoky Mountain backcountry footbridge
Related: Great Smoky Mountain fall photo essay
Adventure on!
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I’ve heard how beautiful it was to hike in the Great Smoky Mountains, but this really shows me. I don’t blame you for feeling like a king!
Erin – The World Wanderer recently posted..15 Inspiring Travel Quotes.
This was my first time hiking in the summer in a long time. It was great to see such vibrant vegetation.
The mountains of the south certainly have a different look than the ones in colder climes … love the flower petals on the trail!
Penelope recently posted..The Natural Wonders Of Paraguay
Yes, no snow covered craggy peaks, but they are beautiful just the same in their own way.
Ted, I’m a big fan of hiking so this place would be perfect for me. I love the view!! It’s so green and lovely!
Agness recently posted..Dublin For Less Than $25 A Day
The Great Smoky Mountains is probably the best hiking area in the Eastern United States.
All your photo essays should have a fanny-pack image… Actually love the image of the Blue Heron…. nice capture there.
Stay Hiking America, Craig
Craig Zabransky recently posted..Xoximilco-A Different Night Out in Cancun, Mexico
If you get lonely for a fanny pack, just scroll up and check out my cartoon logo.
Great photos of my favorite place in America! Reminds me of my 28 day back country trip I took not too far from Crosby, TN in the Smoky’s – best time of my life!
JP recently posted..A Place of Fairy Tales & Magic – The Biltmore Estate
Hi JP,
That is quite an epic trip. Was this all on the Appalachian Trail?
I really want to see the Great Smoky Mountains in the fall. I hear the changing of the leaves is one of the most spectacular sites around. But your photo essay makes me think that a summer trip is in order as well. Hmmmm….
Leah recently posted..A World of Color: Paris’ Montmartre in Green
You really can’t go wrong visiting the Smokies at any time of the year.
Great images