John Sides

John Sides

Photograph Noccalula Falls

04/28/17

Noccalula Falls is located in the middle of a park, so it's not going to have the same feel as finding a place like this in the backcountry. But views from the top are quite impressive, nonetheless, and the waterfall certainly won't disappoint! The best way to experience the falls is to hike down to the base and behind the falls.

5.0

John Sides

Andrews Bald

04/28/17

This hike is easily accessible from Clingman's Dome, which makes it a great add-on if you're making the drive out to the lookout. We did this as a quick hike before the sunset. The open views from the bald are awesome, but I think I actually enjoyed hiking through the very scenic spruce-fir forest to get there, the most. One of my favorite features of the southern Appalachians.

5.0

John Sides

Hike to Artist's Paint Pots

04/28/17

Artist Paint Pots includes a variety of geothermal features along its boardwalk trail, including small hot springs, steam vents, and of course the paint pots themselves, which are essentially boiling mud (a warning sign on the boardwalk reads "Caution: hot flying mud!"). I'd recommend making this stop for a quick hike when driving the main loop through the park.

5.0