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For those who will be spending time in Cherokee, NC or passing through the Great Smokey Mountains National Park, the Oconaluftee River Trail is a fantastic trail to check out.

The Ocanuluftee River Tail is easily accessible, quite flat and well maintained for easy walking or biking. First. the trail starts at the Welcome Center and passes along the outdoor museum (which is a must see, by the way). As you walk along the beginning of the trail, the edge of the museum will be on your left and on your right will be a beautiful meadow. Perhaps you may get lucky and see some wildlife such as elk or deer in the meadow! Following the meadow the trail hugs the beautiful river the rest of the way.

Along the way you will see many mini trails down to the rivers edge for great photographs and/or just to splash your face with cold mountain river water for refreshment. Then, at the halfway point is a bridge. This is a great spot to take a break as there is easy access to the river and can provide shelter if inclement weather pops up (like it did on us). Finally, at the end the trail is a small loop that will transition your walk back to the beginning of the trail.

Some Do’s:

1. Do be prepared for wildlife as it is abundant in the park.

2. Do swing by the museum at the welcome center

3. Do be prepared for puddles as the climate here can be quite wet in the summer

Do Not’s:

1. Do not feed the wildlife or try to touch them or even get close. Just be smart!

2. Do not walk this trail if you have a problem with tiny pebbles getting in your shoe.

Check out the trail on the Alltrails App here: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/oconaluftee-river-trail-ea4b47f

Looking for a beach bike trail? Check out the Jekyll Island Bike Trail