The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is scenic and beloved. It is the single most-visited national park in the United States. At over 800 square miles, it’s one of the largest protected areas in the country as well. The Smoky Mountains are in the southern part of the larger Appalachian mountain range and are known for their misty mountains, white water, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. 

Visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park typically involves plenty of hikes and scenic drives, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, fly fishing, and numerous other historic and natural features. 

There is even a species of synchronous fireflies that put on quite the show of synchronized lights in late spring every year, but whatever time of year you decide to visit, this national treasure has something for you.

Cataloochee Valley has several enjoyable trails to hike. The most popular are The Boogerman Trail and The Little Cataloochee Trail. The Boogerman Trail is a 7-mile loop, and this moderate hike takes in groves of old-growth forest and is the home place of Robert “Booger” Palmer. The Little Cataloochee Trail follows an old road past old cabins and a church. This trail is 6.1 miles long and considered to have moderate hiking conditions. Cataloochee is a great place to bring the whole family. Families from all over come here to see the Elk and explore the historical landmarks. Don’t forget your picnic lunch!

Directions

Take I-40 West to Exit 20 onto 276. Follow 276 for 1/4 of a mile, and turn right onto Cove Creek Road (NC 284). Travel 5.8 miles on this narrow, steep, winding, mostly gravel road to the entrance of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Go slow and be careful! Continue another 1.7 miles to a paved road and turn left. Follow the road another 3.5 miles until you see several old buildings and a meadow on each side of the road.

Max Patch Mountain is part of the famous Appalachian National Scenic Trail (or A.T.), located near Hot Springs. In the 1800s, this 4,600-foot mountain was cleared and used as pasture. Today, it’s a 350-acre tract of open land on a high knob with 360-degree views. Just below the knob, you will also find the Max Patch Pond. This stocked pond is the perfect place to sit back, relax, and fish. Two easy loop trails lead you to, and around, the summit. The 1.4-mile short loop crosses the summit. The 2.4-mile loop circles the mountain for outstanding views from all sides. From the parking lot, follow the marked trail to the left. You will ascend through a forest and then reach the top for some incredible views. The rest of the hike is on the grassy bald. You can also hike north or south on the Appalachian Trail as far as you want.

Directions

Take I-40 West to exit 7 (Harmon’s Den). Take a right on Cold Springs Road, and the road almost immediately becomes gravel. This usually well-graded road climbs steadily but never steeply 6.2 miles to SR-1182 (Max Patch Rd). 4WD is recommended in winter and wet weather. Turn left and drive 1.5 miles to the Max Patch parking area on the right. Allow an hour to drive.

Graveyard Fields is a very popular hiking spot on the Blue Ridge Parkway (Milepost 418.8). The Yellowstone Prong is the water source for two waterfalls in a mile-high valley filled with wildflowers and surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains with 6,000-foot peaks. How did the area get its name? Years ago, the name derived from the tree stumps and surrounding trees that looked like gravestones in a graveyard setting. Several hundred years ago, the trees were toppled by a massive wind. Then in 1925, an intense fire burned the recently logged area, and the forest has been slow in recovering since.

Graveyard Fields Loop is a stunning 4-mile hiking trail. You will be starting from the overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway. A map is located on the sign at the parking area. Take the trail at the lower end (right side looking away from the Parkway) of the parking area. This descends a paved path through a thick patch of rhododendrons, down some steps, and to a bridge. Cross the bridge, turn right along the trail until you come to the first trail intersection to the right, and descend a long flight of steps to the viewing platform for Lower (or Second) Falls. You can get a closer look from the boulders at the base of the falls. You can even slide down part of the waterfall!

Directions

Take the Blue Ridge Parkway south to Milepost 418.8.

There are so many excellent hiking options near Buffalo Creek Vacations. And the waterfalls! We have some of the most magnificent waterfalls in our area, which are a must to check out during your visit. Check out the complete list by contacting us. 

Lake Junaluska is your choice lake getaway in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. This 200-acre manmade lake is a prime destination for kayaking, boating, fishing, swimming, and general marine recreation. Being just a hop, skip, and jump away from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it’s an ideal location for outdoor fun.

In addition to having the benefits of both a lake and mountain park, Lake Junaluska is also right next to beautiful Asheville, the San Francisco of the East, a quirky and artsy destination that’s also full of history and life. If boating and hiking in the mountains aren’t enough to keep you busy, Asheville will surely provide you with never-ending options. 

Lake Junaluska is just an 8-mile drive from Buffalo Creek Vacations. It’s a beautiful spot all year long!