The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has what seems like endless miles of trails. Need help choosing one of the nice and easy Smoky Mountain hiking trails for your next visit? We have a recommendation with a bit of everything. Here are a few things you'll love about the Fighting Creek Nature Trail:
1. Anyone Can Do It
The Fighting Creek Nature Trail is a 1.2-mile trail with flat terrain. Anyone can do it! While the hike is well-suited for beginners, experienced hikers will love it if they just want a low-maintenance trek! Keep in mind that the trail is flat but unpaved. Look out for tree roots and rocks as you’re wandering along. A quality pair of hiking boots will be a big help in maintaining your balance. You can also bring a pair of trekking poles to hold onto. You should also take a water bottle and some type of sun protection, such as a hat or sunglasses!
The beauty along this Smokies hike changes with the seasons. There are wildflowers in the spring, vibrant leaves in the fall, and the possibility of snow in the winter. While there is no wrong time to visit, you should plan accordingly depending on the season.
2. See Historical Structures
The Smoky Mountains are a place of rich history. Lots of European settlers came here to live off the land, and the National Park Service has worked hard to preserve many of the homesteads that they built. The John Ownby Cabin can be seen near the end of the Fighting Creek Nature Trail. The Ownby family first settled in the area after the Revolutionary War. What would become the John Ownby Cabin was built in 1850 by a descendant of the Ownby family.
The framework consists of pine and poplar logs that are secured by dovetail notching. You can see where the boards fit together as you walk around the house. Visitors can stand on the covered front porch. What’s more? The door is open, so visitors can peek inside too. There is a single room with a fireplace. It provided warmth and heat for cooking. Use caution when exploring, as the materials are very old.
3. Begins Near a Visitor Center
Another thing to love about the Fighting Creek Nature Trail is that it begins near the Sugarlands Visitor Center. The trailhead is behind the building near the restrooms. The visitor centers around the park are a great resource. Talk to park rangers and knowledgeable volunteers about trails and the park as a whole. Get your Smoky Mountain parking pass and other essentials like first-aid, water, and snacks. You should also take time to explore the exhibits and educational resources. At the Sugarlands Visitor Center, you can watch a short film about the park and take a look at the natural history exhibits.
More Easy Smoky Mountain Hikes
We hope you enjoyed learning about the Fighting Creek Nature Trail, one of our favorite easy hiking trails! Want more recommendations? Read up on similar nature trails in the Smoky Mountains!
