smokies in snow
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Best Winter Hikes in the Smoky Mountains

Wintertime hiking in The Great Smoky Mountains National Park can be challenging, but with the proper clothing and gear, winter hikes can reward you with lots of unique sites that you won’t see at other times of the year. From frozen water falls to snow dusted mountains, the Smokies are beautiful in the winter months. With snow on the ground you can find animal tracks much easier and with the leaves off of the trees you have a better chance at spotting the wildlife in the park. Here are 5 of the best winter hikes in the Smoky Mountains order of easiest to extreme:

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Ramsey Cascades water fall in the Smoky Mountains.
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The 4 Best Smoky Mountain Swimming Holes and Waterfalls

Summertime is a great time to visit the Smoky Mountain swimming holes and waterfalls. On average, June, July, and August are the hottest months of the year. These warm and humid conditions make it the perfect time to put on your swimsuit and take a dip in the pristine waters of the Smokies! There are numerous areas inside the national park to spend the day cooling off in the 65-degree waters. That’s right, 65 degrees! On a day when the temperature is 90 and the humidity level is 90%, you won’t want to get out of the water. Check out a few of the most popular waterfalls and swimming holes in the Smokies:

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man holding a trout
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Great Fishing Hole and Park for Families and Kids

Herbert Holt Park, located on the right, as you are coming into Gatlinburg, is a subtle quiet park hidden away from the bustling city. It features a pavilion, play area, walking trail, and free fishing for kids under 12 in the river! The pavilion can be reserved, please call the Gatlinburg Community Center for reservations.  The city of Gatlinburg is the only city in Tennessee which stocks the rivers weekly with Rainbow Trout to provide the experience of trout fishing for visitors and locals alike. There are very few cities in the nation that spend resources to stock animals for the enjoyment of the population, and Gatlinburg is one of them. Gatlinburg also provides many children’s fishing areas to allow children to participate in one of the great outdoor traditions of the Smokies. The trout-stocking project began in 1980 and continues strong today. In 2005, Gatlinburg ordered a large upgrade of their trout farm, ensuring a steady supply of trout for city waters.  Anywhere from 35,000 to 45,000 fish ranging from 8-14 inches long are placed in Gatlinburg streams annually. The trout hatchery is located at Herbert Holt Park, just past the Gatlinburg entrance from Pigeon Forge.