Amazing Hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains for Your Family Vacation

Chimney Tops Trail – A Challenging Hike in the Great Smoky Mountains

The climb to the top of the Chimney Tops Trail is steep. But older kids should be able to tackle this 3.8-mile round trip hike with you easily. And don’t worry, there are stairs in place where the hike is considerably steeper!

You will find yourself gaining 1,500 feet in elevation during this hike in the Great Smoky Mountains. Therefore, take your time to adjust to all the altitude changes.

When you reach the new observation platform, you will be rewarded with incredible views of Mount LeConte, the slate crags, and the rest of the surrounding area.

If your family loves vacationing in the mountains, check out these other mountain vacation destinations.

Porters Creek Trail – An Easy Hike in the Great Smoky Mountains

Porters Creek Trail is very family-friendly and easy to conquer. It is even considered one of the best hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains.

The trail goes along a historic road and leads directly to Fern Branch Falls. It is best to hike this trail in the spring, because a section of the trail is covered in wildflowers. Allow time to stop at the historic structures and of course, the waterfall at the end.

I guarantee you will be able to take a lot of photos during this hike while on your family vacation.

Deep Creek Loop Trail

Does your family love waterfalls? If they do, then the Deep Creek Loop Trail must be on your hiking list in the Smokies.

This trail loops around and allows you to stop at three different waterfalls. Those waterfalls are Juney Whank Falls, Tom’s Branch Falls, and Indian Creek Falls.

Deep Creek Loop Trail is five miles long. But it offers the peace you may be craving while spending time with your family.

Does your family want to hike the Rocky Mountains? Click here to see my travel guide for planning an amazing family vacation in the Rocky Mountains. 

Rainbow Falls Trail

The Rainbow Falls Trail is 5.4 miles round trip. The entire trail goes along the creekside and leads you directly to Rainbow Falls. This waterfall is eighty feet high. It is considered the highest waterfall in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Families that are looking for longer hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains can continue on another 4.2 miles. The extra mileage will lead you directly to the summit of Mount LeConte.

Planning a dream family vacation in New Zealand? Click here to see the best places to go hiking. 

Clingman’s Dome Hike

Clingman’s Dome is the third highest mountain in the eastern states. There is a parking area up high on the mountain that offers extraordinary views. But the best panoramic views can be seen from the observation tower at the summit of the mountain.

The path to the summit is only half a mile long from the parking area. The trail is quite steep, but the reward is the views that reach one hundred miles in the distance.

Want to take a family vacation in the Southwest? Click here to see the best places for hiking there. 

Newfound Gap to Charlies Bunion on the Appalachian Trail

No one can spend time in the Great Smoky Mountains and not hike at least part of the Appalachian Trail! After all, that trail is the best hike in the Great Smoky Mountains.

The trail between Newfound Gap and Charlies Bunion is 8 miles round trip. During this hike, you will see the Ice Water Spring Shelter. You must have a permit to stay there, but that shouldn’t prevent you from stopping at the building to see it.

When you reach Charlies Bunion, you will see views so stunning you will never want to leave. It is best to do this hike during the late spring and summer because lots of snow is common in this area for the rest of the year.

These are some of the best hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains. There are a few others that are a little shorter and many more that are much longer. Let me help you plan your family vacation in the Great Smoky Mountains. We can include as many of these hikes as you wish, as well as everything else your family will love to do. The result will be those incredible experiences every generation of your family will love!

So, are you ready to have me create a personalized family vacation itinerary for your next trip for hiking the Great Smoky Mountains or another destination?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to click here to schedule a personalized family vacation planning session. When you click on this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

Not ready for a personalized family vacation planning session yet? Sign up for my newsletter and continue to receive all the travel information I share.

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Best Places to See During a Family Vacation in Arizona 

Antelope Canyon 

One of the most famous slot canyons in the west is Antelope Canyon. This canyon is actually two canyons that were created by erosion. Those two canyons are Upper Antelope and Lower Antelope. You must arrange for your visit to these canyons well in advance. There are only a limited number of people allowed to enter the canyons each day.  

Arizona Scenic Trail 

There are only a few scenic trails in the United States that are worth mentioning. The Arizona Scenic Trail is one of them. This trail goes all the way from the border of Utah to Mexico. This means you pass through the entire state if you decide to follow it.  

Kartchner Caverns 

Kartchner Caverns is an underground cave system that is more than two miles long. If you decide to check out these caverns, you will see some of the biggest stalagmites and stalactites in the world. The main spaces that are open to everyone include the Big Room and the Throne Room. Just make sure you keep an eye out for the bats that live within these cavern walls. They usually fly out unexpectantly.  

Saguaro National Park 

Have you ever seen a saguaro cactus? If you haven’t, you must visit Saguaro National Park. The cacti are incredible on their own. However, when you pair them with the sunset, you get quite the view.  

Oh, and it is important to understand that it is illegal to cut down a saguaro cactus in Arizona. If you are caught, you can face a fine and jail time. Not that you would do this, but I thought I should share the warning.  

Havasupai Waterfalls 

The Havasupai Waterfalls can be found all along Havasu Creek. Some of the more popular ones are New Navajo Falls and Beaver Falls. Don’t discount the other waterfalls you see along the way, though. They are all mesmerizing in their own way. Plus, they are all perfect for those family vacation photos! 

Horseshoe Bend 

If you can manage to sneak away from the kids for a little bit, you can find some romance at Horseshoe Bend. This romantic destination is downstream from Lake Powell. You can easily hike there right before sunset. Then watch the colors change in the sky as things heat up on the ground.  

Superstition Mountains 

You will need to travel about an hour outside of Phoenix to reach the Superstition Mountains. This is an excellent place to go hiking in Arizona. As you hike, you can see if you can find gold and prove that the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine really did exist in this area.  

Devil’s Bridge 

Devil’s Bridge is right outside the town of Sedona. It is a natural rock bridge. Most people hike to this bridge to photograph it. I recommend doing the same, as it is a wonderful place to make memories with your family.  

The Wave 

You will find The Wave inside the Coyote Buttes North Special Management Area. That area is on the border of Arizona and Utah. It took centuries for the land to erode in a way to create this spectacular masterpiece. If you want to see this landscape up close, you will need to be one of the lucky few who gets to secure a permit to visit.  

These are the best places to see during a family vacation in Arizona. There are many others, and we can add as many of them as you want, as I am planning your Arizona vacation.  

So, are you ready to book a family vacation in Arizona and check out a few of these amazing places?  

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to schedule a planning session with me by clicking here. When you click on this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.  

Not ready to book a family vacation in Arizona? Sign up for my newsletter and always receive the exciting travel information I share.  

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Flower Lovers Rejoice with a Visit to the Red Butte Garden

Gardens Within the Red Butte Garden

As you wander around these gardens, you will see that each one has a theme. A few of the theme gardens include: 

• Fragrance Garden 
• Four Seasons Garden 
• Herb Garden 
• Children’s Garden 
• Water Pavilion Garden 
• Rose Garden 
• Wildflower Meadow 

As for plants, the Red Butte Garden is filled with those as well. The conifer collection and ornamental grass collection both offer a way to appreciate plant life without flowers present.  

Best Time to Visit the Red Butte Garden

You can easily visit the Red Butte Garden throughout the year. However, you will find the number of flowers blooming changes throughout the seasons. While you can simply walk from garden to garden, I recommend taking to the trails if you have the time. Each one of the trails will lead you to something amazing. You will also spot many different animals as you are walking along the trails. Some of the animals you will see include coyotes, bobcats, rabbits, deer, and birds.  

I recommend planning your visit for when a summer concert or their Poetry in the Garden series is being held. Each one offers a wonderful look at how much better music and poetry sound when you are listening to it while surrounded by flowers and nature.  

Do you love being outdoors during your family getaways? I can easily add a stop at Red Butte Garden for your next southwest family vacation. Your family won’t mind this stop either because they will have plenty of other exciting adventures to enjoy in the area!  

Are you ready to plan a family vacation in the Southwest?  

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to schedule a planning session with me by clicking here. When you click on this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.   

And if you are not ready to plan a family vacation in the southwest, you can sign up for my newsletter. This will ensure you continue to receive all the travel information I share.  

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