Are you planning a trip to Yosemite National Park but unsure if May is the time to visit? Don’t worry, in this blog post you will find everything you need to know about visiting Yosemite in May. Get ready to see more wildlife, beautiful wildflowers, and magnificent waterfalls! Plus, the weather is perfect for outdoor activities in May.
Grotto Falls is a unique waterfall hike located within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Trillium Gap Trail takes you through an old-growth hemlock forest and continues behind the 25-foot waterfall. This 2.8-mile roundtrip hike is a great adventure for you and your family!
Hike one of the most popular trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Chimney Tops! The panoramic views at the end make the tough uphill trek worth it. Be aware, the last 0.25 miles of the trail are closed due to fire damage which resulted in hazardous conditions. Thanks to a newly built observation point, you will have amazing views of the summit of Chimney Tops along with Mount LeConte. Add this iconic hike to your bucket list!
Located in Cades Cove within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Abrams Falls is a 20-foot waterfall with a large volume of water rushing over and a deep pool at the base. Hike 2.5 miles one-way to Abrams Falls and enjoy the picturesque scenery. It’s the perfect little day hike for everyone of all ages!
Sitting at 5,920 feet, Andrews Bald is the highest grassy bald in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This trail used to be quite treacherous until major improvements were made by Friends of the Smokies. Thanks to them, this hike is now accessible for adventurous people of all ages!
Escape the crowds of Clingmans Dome and find peace at one of the most beautiful grassy balds in the Smoky Mountains. Take the short hike to Andrews Bald and enjoy the amazing views of the southern Smokies and Fontana Lake. Set up a nice picnic on a warm, sunny day, capture the picturesque scenery, or simply breathe in the fresh mountain air and enjoy being in nature.
Clingmans Dome is a very popular touristy spot. But why? Well, sitting at 6,643 feet, it is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park AND in Tennessee! A short yet steep paved path leads to a 54-foot observation tower which offers beautiful 360-degree views.
Get there early, watch a stunning sunrise (if you’re lucky), and capture a few awesome shots. Make sure you are prepared for the steep incline (almost a 13% grade) and check the weather conditions prior to your trip. If you are in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Clingmans Dome is an adventure you don’t want to miss!
Bearfence Mountain Loop trail is one of our favorite hikes in Shenandoah National Park! This short hike involves a challenging rock scramble to 360-degree views and continues on to another viewpoint with 180-degree views. This is definitely the perfect hike to add to your hiking bucket list!
Are you looking for a short, easy hike to some of the most beautiful views in Virginia? Check out Stony Man! This is a great hike for beginners and is family-friendly. The Stony Man Lookout is an amazing spot to relax, watch sunset, and spend time in nature.
If you’re a beginner hiker and/or rock scrambler, I’d recommend reading my How to Hike Old Rag in 2024: The Ultimate Guide! This guide explains everything you need to know about the hike, how to be prepared, and how to safely complete this hike. Old Rag is my favorite hike in Virginia, and I know you’ll love it, too!
Wouldn’t it be magical to be able to hike a trail where you could see 8 beautiful waterfalls? Oh wait… you can! Take a hike on the Cedar Run and Whiteoak Canyon Loop Trail in Shenandoah National Park. This 8-mile hike is absolutely worth every step! This is probably the best waterfall hike in Virginia… in my personal opinion.