Details
Distance
3.45 miles
Elevation Gain
1168 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
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Lead Cove Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Townsend, Tennessee.
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Running
Hiking
Forest
Scenic
Wildflowers
Wildlife
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Nearby
Backpack to Spence Field
Start your hike at Anthony Creek Trailhead (elevation 1,800 ft), in the Cade’s Cove area. The trailhead is located at the far end of the day-use picnic area near Cade’s Cove campground. There are a few parking spots right at the trailhead, but note that the picnic area closes at dusk (a gate closes the road), so be prepared to park .5 miles away at the main campground parking lot if you arrive ...
Rocky Top
Rocky Top is known to be the spot that inspired the famous fight song of the University of Tennessee, which is also an official song for the state of Tennessee.
The trailhead for this hike begins in the Cade’s Cove picnic area parking lot towards the back side. There are a few parking spots right at the trailhead, so arrive early in the day to ensure a spot. To begin, follow the Anthony Cree...
Whiteoak Sinks
Whiteoak Sinks is an out-and-back trail that provides a good opportunity to view wildlife located near Townsend, Tennessee.
Spruce Flats Falls
To get to Spruce Flats Falls, you will want to drive down 2.2 miles down the scenic Tremont Road to the Great Smoky Mountains Institute and park in the visitor center parking area. You will then want to ascend up the gravel road past the sign that says restricted to unrestricted traffic (meaning cars). Once you have climbed a very short distance you will see a trail sign and map to your right w...
Hike to Indian Flat Falls via Middle Prong Trail
One of the best trails in the Smokies is the Middle Prong Trail. The trail passes three major waterfalls, in addition to numerous smaller falls, cataracts and cascades.
Once you've parked, you'll start at the trail head and immediately see your first cascade. From the trailhead hikers will cross a metal footbridge over Lynn Camp Prong. Over the course of the first couple of miles you should ...
Cade's Cove Loop
Cade's Cove is a valley located smack in the middle of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Feel free to drive the 11 mile loop in the day, but if you're really cool, you'll schedule your trip around a full moon so you can bike under the light of night! Allow yourself a few hours to explore around off the loop!
There is camping nearby. Just make reservations! 159 sites are open year round ...
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