by Julie Dodd
Join the Classic Hikes of the Smokies in 2020.
Explore new trails.
Meet others FOTS hikers.
Learn about the history and the wildlife of the park.
Help fund FOTS Trails Forever program that restores trails in the park.
The Classic Hikes are the second Tuesday of the month, from March through December. The leader for each hike is an experienced hiker who shares insights about that particular hike.
Pre-Registration is required
You must register in advance. After completing registration, you will receive an email the Friday before the hike with carpool specifics, directions and more information.
All hikes begin at 9 a.m.
The cost is $20 for current FOTS members. Renewing members and non-members pay $35, which includes membership and one hike.
Hike schedule for 2020
March 10
Elkmont Loop
5.1 miles | Easy
Features – historic community and wildflowers
Register
Photo at the top of the blog post is FOTS hikers at Spence Cabin in Elkmont.
April 14
Porters Creek to Fern Falls – Bring a Friend for FREE Day
3.6 miles | Easy
Features – wildflowers and cascades
Register
May 12
Chimney Tops
2.8 miles | Moderate
Features – wildflowers and trail restoration
Register
June 9
Sugarland Mountain
10.9 miles | Moderate
Features – high mountain vistas
Register
July 14
Catalooche Divide Trail
6 miles | Moderate
Features – high mountain vistas and the Appalachian Highlands Science Learning Center
Register
August 11
Boogerman Loop
7.4 miles | Moderate
Features – Cataloochee Valley history, old growth poplars, and elk
Register
September 8
A.T. to Mt. Cammerer
11.6 miles | Difficult
Features – historic fire tower and mountain vistas
Register
October 13
Andrews Bald
3.6 miles | Easy
Features – high mountain vistas, lake views, and early fall colors
Register
November 10
Lost Cove Loop
11.8 miles | Difficult
Features – Fontana Lake and the Appalachian Trail
Register
December 8
Smokemont Loop
6 miles | Moderate
Features – Forest walk and a holiday celebration
Register
2020 Classic Hikes Series Discount
Register for the whole series at the discounted rate of $180. This includes all 10 hikes, which means one hike is FREE!
(Offer ends 3/10/20)
Select Whole Series Special: Register
Restoration of GSMNP trails
The Trails Forever program funds a full-time trail crew to reconstruct and rehabilitate some of the park’s most used trails. In November 2018, the crew completed the two-year restoration of Rainbow Falls Trail and now is restoring Trillium Gap Trail. Other trails restored by Trails Forever include Alum Cave Trail, Chimney Tops Trail and Forney Ridge Trail.
Thanks to sponsors of Classic Hikes of the Smokies
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