The Smoky Mountains are a great place to spend time with your sweetheart. The memories will last when you take stunning pictures in the beautiful natural scenery. The best part? You don’t have to hike for long to see some gorgeous sights, including waterfalls! Here is a list of the best Smoky Mountain hikes for couples that are less than 5 miles roundtrip:
Big Creek Trail to Mouse Creek Falls
Roundtrip Length: 2.1 miles
A waterfall on the North Carolina side of the Smokies that you must see is Mouse Creek Falls. It is located on Big Creek Trail, and the waterfall stands at 45 feet tall. While it is not the tallest waterfall, it is tiered and very voluminous. It is even more beautiful in the winter when the water freezes in various formations.
When it is warmer, you can swim or soak your feet at Midnight Hole. You will see it at 1.5 miles from the trailhead before you reach Mouse Creek Falls. It has a 6-foot cascade that flows between two boulders. The water is emerald green or deep blue in color.
Grotto Falls
Roundtrip Length: 2.6 miles
A great beginner route to hike with your sweetheart is Grotto Falls. You will park at the Trillium Gap trailhead along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Snap some shots on the way to the namesake in the old-growth forest. It is even more beautiful in spring when the wildflowers are in bloom!
Hikers will get their first glimpse at the namesake at about 1.2 miles from the trailhead. The waterfall is 25 feet tall, and it will look great in the background of your photos. You can also take pictures behind it. Keep in mind that the rocks are wet and slippery, so sturdy shoes are a must-have!
Andrews Bald
Roundtrip Length: 3.5 miles
For a more moderate hike, the first part of the Andrews Bald trail is uphill, and then the terrain becomes downhill as you get closer to the namesake. You’re in for beautiful sights no matter when you visit. The springtime is when the azaleas bloom. These are stunning flowers in lots of vibrant colors. They reach their peak bloom in late June through early July.
In the fall, Andrews Bald is a beautiful showcase of the stunning fall foliage decorating the mountains. Come visit before the leaves fall in November!
Alum Cave to Alum Cave Bluffs
Roundtrip Length: 4.4 miles
Another one of the great Smoky Mountain hikes for couples is the Alum Cave Trail. There are lots of photo opportunities along the way, so it’s hard to pick a favorite. The first one you’ll see is Arch Rock. It has an impressive 20-foot opening to stand under. Inspiration Point is a bald nearby that boasts stunning mountain views. It is named because the fresh air can foster great ideas. The grand finale is the Alum Cave Bluffs. This is a rock overhang that is made up of rare minerals.
While the trail is short, it may take you longer than expected, partially because of the incline but also because you’ll be stopping and admiring the views!
More Short Hikes in the Smoky Mountains
Now you know about some of the great Smoky Mountain hikes for couples that are less than 5 miles roundtrip! Need more recommendations for short trails? Here is a list of short hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains that are perfect for family photos!
