Smoky Mountain Hiking With Kids

Traditional vacations with kids may include a theme park or a beach.
We think vacations can be about spending time together and learning more about the world around us, which is why we are huge advocates of visiting national parks! Admission is fairly inexpensive and it's a trip that both adults and kids will enjoy without having to race around and keep an unrealistic, exhausting pace.
Tennessee has 13 national parks and the most visited one (actually it's one of the most visited national parks in the country) is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
This national park is on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina and the Appalachian Trail crosses through the center of the park and its very popular for hikers traveling through the different states. There are two entrances in Tennessee, one in Gatlinburg and one in Townsend. The Giving Cabin is less than 30 minutes away from the Gatlinburg entrance.
The park has a variety of outdoor activities and of course there are amazing views of the mountains! There really is something for everyone including auto tours, Bicycling, Backpacking, Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Visit Historic Buildings, Horseback Riding, Picnicking, Visit Waterfalls, Wildlife Viewing, and more. Spotting animals native to the area is exciting for the kids and American Black Bears are frequently roaming the area.
The beauty of visiting a national park with the family is that you can set your own pace. You aren't trying to keep up or beat the crowd to the next attraction. You can pack a lunch instead of spending a fortune on a meal that your kids will barely eat. But most of all you are giving your kids an experience and they are learning about nature and seeing the beauty that naturally exists in the world, not the things that are man made.
So here is a challenge for your family - visit one national park a year with your kids. If you are willing to take this challenge we think you should start with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and stay at the Giving Cabin. We would love to host your family and help you create new memories with your family!

Brandie