hiking easy moderate

The best spring and summer hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park lead to waterfalls with ample swimming holes, sun-dappled picnic spots and a limited number of visitors.

Laurel Falls and Abrams Falls are beautiful indeed, but any time after Memorial Day you're likely to find "standing room only" at these immensely popular destination points. The walks to Ramsay Cascades and Rainbow Falls are too long and steep for quite a few hikers.

Schools out!
Before long the kids will be complaining "there's nothing to do."

So take a day off during the middle of the week, pack them in the car and head for cool, refreshing Grotto Falls in the Smokies. To avoid the worst crowds, pack the night before and leave early.

This short, easy hike is a good way to introduce youngsters -- even energetic preschoolers -- to outdoor adventure.

Be prepared for some grumbling when you first suggest hiking. This doesn't sound like fun to many kids who aren't used to getting around without wheels.

Autumn's colors have come unusually late this fall, so even if you missed hiking in October you can still get more than a glimpse of nature's glory in the Smokies.

The West Prong Trail leads to one of the nicest back country campgrounds and picnicking spots in the national park and is ideal for late fall and winter hiking.