Fishing in the Great Smoky Mountains is a fantastic experience, with a variety of streams, rivers, and lakes to explore. The park is known for its clear, cold mountain streams teeming with fish like rainbow trout, brook trout, and brown trout. Here are some of the best spots for fishing in the Smokies:
1. Little River
- Location: Near the Townsend entrance.
- Fish species: Rainbow trout, brook trout, brown trout.
- Details: One of the park’s most popular streams for fly fishing. It’s accessible and offers both easy and challenging fishing opportunities.
2. Cataloochee Creek
- Location: In the Cataloochee Valley (eastern part of the park).
- Fish species: Brook trout, rainbow trout, brown trout.
- Details: A beautiful area with less foot traffic. Great for fishing and also offers a chance to see wildlife like elk.
3. Tremont (Middle Prong of Little Pigeon River)
- Location: Just outside the park’s Elkmont area.
- Fish species: Brook trout, rainbow trout.
- Details: Popular for anglers who enjoy a more secluded, peaceful experience. The trail to the creek is picturesque.
4. Elkmont Area
- Location: Near the Elkmont campground.
- Fish species: Rainbow trout, brook trout.
- Details: A top spot for fly fishermen, this area has well-maintained access and beautiful surroundings.
Important Considerations:
- Fishing License: You’ll need a North Carolina or Tennessee state fishing license, depending on where you’re fishing in the park.
- Catch and Release: Some streams require catch and release fishing, especially for native brook trout.
- Seasons and Regulations: Make sure to check the seasonal regulations and specific rules for each area before heading out.
This represents only some of the fabulous areas to fish in the Smoky Mountains.
Hiking is another very popular activity in the Smokies. There are many hiking trails in the Smokies and we recommend you visit www.gsmnp.org to learn all about the many opportunities there are for recreational hiking in the Smokies. Here we are recommending a few popular hikes.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers some incredible hiking opportunities. Here are four popular and beautiful hikes you can enjoy:
- Alum Cave Trail
- Length: 5 miles (round trip)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: Stunning views of the mountains, a natural rock arch, and Alum Cave Bluffs. The hike offers a mix of forest and rocky terrain, with a rewarding view at the top.
- Clingmans Dome Trail
- Length: 1 mile (round trip)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Highlights: The highest point in the park, offering panoramic views from the observation tower. The paved trail is short, but it provides an accessible way to take in the scenery.
- Ramsey Cascades Trail
- Length: 8 miles (round trip)
- Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
- Highlights: This hike leads to the park’s tallest waterfall, Ramsey Cascades. It’s a beautiful, challenging trail with diverse scenery and lush, moss-covered trees.
- Grotto Falls Trail
- Length: 2.6 miles (round trip)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: A lovely hike to Grotto Falls, where you can walk behind the waterfall. It’s one of the few trails in the park where you can get close to the falls in such an intimate way.
Each trail offers a unique experience, so depending on how much time and energy you have, you can pick one that suits your preference!