Best Hiking Trails near Wears Valley

"Although Abrams Falls is only 20 feet high, the large volume of water rushing over the sandstone cliff more than makes up for its lack of height. In fact, Abrams Falls is the most voluminous waterfall in the park, easily making this the most scenic waterfall in the Smokies. As a result, the moderate 5.2-mile roundtrip hike to the waterfall is one of the more popular hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains."

"This is one of the more popular hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park due to the sheer beauty of the waterfall. Abrams Falls is only 20 feet (6 meters) in height, but it is the most voluminous waterfall in the park. The trail begins by passing over Abrams Creek by bridge and then turning left to head towards the waterfall."

"Abrams Falls was named after a Cherokee chief who lived just a few miles downstream. Although only 20 feet in height, it is the falls’ massive volume of water that makes it an incredible sight. The deep, long pool at the falls’ base is also picturesque."

"At the 25-foot-high Grotto Falls, you can enjoy the unique experience of walking behind the falls, which can be a welcome refreshment on hot, humid summer days. The trail leading to the falls is beautiful as well, as it passes through old-growth forests and ecosystems and gives visitors opportunities to see animals such as black bears, elk and deer. To access the falls coming from Gatlinburg on the parkway, turn onto the Historic Natural Trail at traffic light #8, which will lead to Great Smoky Mountains National Park."

"Grotto Falls is the only waterfall in Great Smoky Mountains National Park that a person can actually walk behind. The 25-foot high waterfall offers a cool, shady, and moist retreat for summer hikers. This same environment also provides ideal habitat for salamanders as well."

"Grotto Falls is one of the more unique waterfall hikes in the Smoky Mountains. The trail starts out on Trillium Gap Trail, and with a roundtrip of 2.6 miles, it is considered moderate. To get to the waterfall, you’ll have to cross some small streams."

"If you're reading this in time, make this next destination an immediate, top priority. During the first few weeks of July, a dazzling sunflower display explodes at Forks of the River Wildlife Management Area . This seasonal sea of yellow swaying in the breeze is one of Knoxville's most stunning unsung sights."

"A few more Sunflower photos because they are in bloom and looking spectacular right now. You might like to see this Adorable Sunflower and dog photo session"

"Reduce your stress and help your health along the 10 miles of greenways, trails, and pathways around Sevierville. As part of an initiative to improve communities and improve open spaces, the Sevierville Greenways project continues to expand and develop more paths."

"Unlike the other venues on this list, whose comedy nights are likely found by people on the Facebook events tab, shows at the Bijou Theatre are advertised on marquee signs. The theater has a seedy past, once acting as a place to see pornographic films, but has since classed up. It now hosts a variety of major comedy acts including Fred Armisen, Aziz Ansari and Michelle Wolf, all within the past six months."

"But inside is a 700-seat auditorium that is one of Knoxville’s premier performance spaces, with big-name musicians and comedians selling out shows in the historic theater."

"Built in the 1920s, the Tennessee Theatre was once an old cinema, but today, it’s something that really shines – a restored theater with actors, lights and bows at the end. As it’s very popular and offers a varied run of plays, make sure you book your tickets online; otherwise, you might be disappointed at the door. One of the prettiest buildings in Knoxville, it’s worth visiting for its interiors alone."

"Check out one of Knoxville’s famed theaters, which host movies, symphonies, stage plays, operas, and more contemporary musical performances. The beautifully restored Tennessee Theatre is one of the best, as it’s home to the Knoxville Symphony and opera company and shows classic movies. It was built in 1928 and was considered Knoxville’s first skyscraper."

"The Iris Theater at the Gatlinburg Space Needle is another wonderful destination for live entertainment in Gatlinburg. The Iris is currently hosting Impossibilities: An Evening of Magic, Mindreading, and Mayhem."

" It’s a fitting slogan for Magpies­, reflecting the decadent goodness in their locally-sourced, from-scratch baked goods available at the shop in Happy Holler. Owner Elizabeth Smith and baker Peg Hambright create some delectable pies, like the apple, cherry, and pecan offerings you see here."

"Magpies Bakery is a well-known full-time cake bakery that specializes in making celebration cakes and cupcakes fresh every day using the finest ingredients. They also make custom wedding and groom’s cakes, as well as custom celebration cakes."