Pack the hiking shoes and head for the mountains this fall with these four trails offering beautiful scenery, history and adventure.
CADES COVE, Tenn. (Smokies.LIVE Adventure Center) — Fall is one of the best excuses to pack the family into the car, head for the mountains and spend a day exploring the Great Smoky Mountains.
The leaves begin their annual transformation, the temperatures become more comfortable for hiking and the scenery around Cades Cove seems to change around every bend.
You don’t have to tackle a difficult backcountry adventure to experience it.
Cades Cove offers several shorter hikes that can fit nicely into a family getaway — whether you’re looking for an easy stroll, a waterfall or a little Appalachian history along the way.
Here are four trails to consider when planning your next fall trip.
1. Cades Cove Nature Trail
If you’re looking for an easy introduction to hiking in Cades Cove, the Cades Cove Nature Trail is a great place to start.
The trail is about 2 miles round trip and follows relatively flat terrain, making it an approachable option for families.
The trailhead is located about 7 miles into the 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Road, giving you an opportunity to enjoy the scenic drive before even beginning your hike.
One of the highlights is the creek crossing. A bridge with a handrail allows hikers to safely cross without having to navigate slippery rocks.
And in the fall, the trail becomes another great place to take in the changing colors of the Smokies.
2. Wet Bottom Trail
For another short adventure, check out the Wet Bottom Trail.
The roughly 1-mile route has little elevation gain and can be paired with a visit to the historic Elijah Oliver Place.
The trailhead is near the Missionary Baptist Church on Cades Cove Loop Road. Hikers can start from the Cooper Road Trailhead or use the access trail near Elijah Oliver Place.
Along the way, keep an eye out for the historic cabin and springhouse — reminders of the families and communities that once called Cades Cove home.
For families, it’s a hike that combines a little walking with a little Smoky Mountain history.
3. Crooked Arm Cascades
Want to add a waterfall to your fall adventure?
The hike to Crooked Arm Cascades is just over a mile, but don’t let the short distance fool you.
This is the most strenuous hike on this list because portions of the trail are steep.
The adventure begins near the Cades Cove Information Kiosk, where hikers start along the Rich Mountain Loop Trail. After about a half-mile, you’ll reach the junction with Crooked Arm Ridge Trail.
Continue on and you’ll reach the namesake cascade, which drops about 25 feet.
Early spring and late fall can be particularly good times to see the waterfall because less foliage can make the cascade easier to spot.
4. Ace Gap Trail
If your family is ready for a longer adventure, the Ace Gap Trail offers a different kind of experience.
The trail is a little more than 5 miles one way, but the terrain is relatively flat with little elevation gain.
The trailhead is located where Rich Mountain Road meets Old Cades Cove Road. The parking area is small, so arriving early is a good idea.
Along the route, hikers can discover Bull Cave, which is 924 feet deep and considered the deepest cave in Tennessee. While visitors cannot enter the cave, they can explore the area around its entrance.
You’ll also encounter Ace Gap, an old railroad bed associated with the Little River Lumber Company.
There’s even a bit of Smoky Mountain history tucked into the name. Ace Gap was reportedly a popular card-playing spot for lumber workers.
Make the mountains your fall destination
A fall trip to the Smokies doesn’t have to be complicated.
Pick a scenic drive. Pack a lunch. Lace up the hiking shoes and find a trail that matches your family’s pace.
From an easy creekside walk to a waterfall adventure or a longer trek through the mountains, Cades Cove offers plenty of ways to turn a weekend getaway into a memory the whole family can share.
And don’t forget to leave a little room in the schedule to simply stop, look around and enjoy the mountains.
Fall in the Smokies is about more than the leaves — it’s about getting outside and making memories together.
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