Our Favorite Hiking Trails in Wears Valley
Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a wide variety of hiking trails. It is also the best place in the country for viewing fall colors. The timing of the peak fall foliage depends on the area you are in, the elevation, and the diversity of the tree population. The best time to see colors in the Smokies is usually from mid-October to early November.
Elvira’s Cafe is conveniently tucked in the heart of Wears Valley, one of the most scenic and relaxing areas in the Smokies. Here, you can find breathtaking views, see the colors and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of a day hike.
For our restaurant guests, we’ve handpicked a list of trails worth visiting this fall:
Metcalf Bottoms
This relatively easy hike is a brief 1.2 miles roundtrip that starts at the popular Metcalf Bottoms picnic area. It begins at a 1,700-ft elevation and gains only 100 ft from start to finish with a few spots of an uphill climb. This trail is perfect for families with children who will enjoy exploring old home sites and settlements.
Curry Mountain
Curry Mountain Trail is a 6.4 mile lightly trafficked and moderate trail located just minutes from the cafe. It features beautiful foliage and wildlife. You may even spot a black bear if you are lucky! You’ll come across two 3,000-foot peaks on this hike – Curry He and Curry She and will also find a small cemetery that once served the community that lived in the vicinity of the trail.
Little Greenbrier
This little nature trail is a fairly moderate hike to its main sight, Laurel Falls Trail. The trail covers 4.3 miles from the start at Wear Cove Gap Road to its meeting with the Laurel Falls Trail. You’ll climb through mixed hardwoods and see plenty of wildflowers and majestic scenery. The Little Greenbrier Trail is also known for the surplus of blueberries making it a great summer/fall trail!
Lumber Ridge
The Lumber Ridge Trail is the perfect hike if you're looking for a quiet walk in solitude. The trailhead is located along the gravel road just beyond the parking area at the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont and climbs 1,524 feet in elevation. You’ll pass through pine forests, stands of oaks, huckleberries, and other trees that make it a popular place for animals to find food.
Laurel Falls
Laurel Falls is an extremely popular destination with travelers visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This paved trail makes it an easy, 2.3-mile hike for those who travel with children. You will climb roughly 314 feet in elevation before reaching the 80-foot waterfall. Laurel Falls is very photogenic and is widely considered one of the best waterfall hikes in the Smokies.
Day hiking is a perfect activity for those looking to get away from the city and visit nature. And what can be better than enjoying scenery combined with a nice breakfast or lunch in the Smokies? Stop by Elvira’s Cafe for a crepe or a sandwich before heading to the trail or grab one to go. You won’t be disappointed!