If you want to hug a giant tree from Cataloochee National Forest and wrap your hands around it you better bring some friends. In fact you'll probably need 3 or 4. These mammoth trees are truly worth the hike. They are documented as the largest trees east of the Rocky Mountains. Stop by the ranger station and get more information about the trails leading to these natural wonders. Directions: Follow 276 toward interstate 40 and turn left 1/10 of a mile before the interstate onto Cove Creek Road (NC 284). Travel 5.8 miles on this narrow, steep, winding, mostly gravel road to the entrance of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Go slow and be careful! Continue another 1.7 miles to a paved road. Follow road another 3.5 miles until you see several old buildings and a meadow on each side of the road. Just A Few of the Mammoths
Located in beautiful Maggie Valley
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