At Thousands of Years Old, Some Of The Oldest Trees In The World Are Found In Tennessee
By Meghan Kraft|Updated on April 28, 2023(Originally published April 23, 2023)
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Meghan Kraft
Author
Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. She holds a degree in English, and has worked in the digital marketing realm with companies such as Apartments.com, USA Today and HarperCollins Publishing.
The beauty of an old-growth forest is a beauty all its own, a magical step back in time that’s only available to the few most driven to find it. The Albright Grove in Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known as one of the most beautiful enclaves of old-growth trees, and it is accessible only by a few mile hike into the wilderness. If you’re looking to see the world as it once was, preserved for hundreds and thousands of years, home to undisturbed plant life and wildlife in tandem, then you may want to set your compass to Tennessee’s Albright Grove. Take a step back in time with a hike through this old-growth forest in Tennessee.
An old-growth forest is known also as a primeval forest, a primary forest, and a virgin forest, and refers to a forest that has become age-old without a large amount of human intervention. You will find these stunning time capsules throughout the United States, but here in Tennessee, the most common instances of old growth are found in the Great Smoky Mountains. Aproximently 25% of the Great Smoky Mountains are considered to be an old-growth forest making it one of the biggest untouched land in America.
Albright Grove, accessible only by hike, takes roughly an hour to reach in the grand hiking scheme of things. The grove is home to some of the oldest trees in the park, as well as some of the tallest. The best way to reach Albright Grove is by way of the Maddron Bald Trail. This is located on the far north-eastern side of the Smokies and you will find these sections will be typically less busy than areas around Gatlinburg.
The hike from Maddron Bald Trail to Albright Grove boasts an impressive elevation gain of over 1,000 feet (1,456 feet to be exact), and the loop route is 6.6 miles in its entirety. The trail is considered moderate in difficulty, so you should plan a little over three hours for completion.
This old-growth forest has been largely undisturbed by contemporary influence, so expect a quiet walk through an active natural area. You will come across happy clusters of wildlife and lush plant life. The ecosystem along the trail has been left to itself, and it’s a beautiful thing to see nature thriving. This hike will be a great place to have a peaceful walk and give you a great chance to see some of the most famed creatures that call The Great Smoky Mountains home.
Make sure you keep an eye out for photo opportunities! You never know when a bear might be scavenging in the woods, or a beautiful bird perches overhead. The hollowed-out tree along the road is a popular sight...
...as is the bridge across the water! Make sure you bring the right footwear and watch your step to be safe. These bridges are scattered all throughout the Smoky Mountains and have become iconic for hikers. There is just something exciting about seeing these unique footpaths across babbling brooks.
Albright Grove is tucked away and beautifully maintained by Mother Earth herself. Make sure you honor the area and leave it as you found it, friends. This is one natural enclave that's worthy of great protection. So pack in and pack out, leave no trace, and show respect overall for the trail that way many generations will be able to enjoy these tranquil sections of our Great Smoky Mountains.
What a beautiful place to visit! Have you been to an old-growth forest? Will you be hiking to Albright Grove? Do you have any tips or tricks for other hikers? Let us know in the comments below, we love hearing from you. This hidden gem is a lovely place within our favorite national park.
This is one of those places that just sticks with you long after you leave. There is always something special about walking through an old-growth forest in Tennessee. You can learn more about the magic of this old-growth forest and many other trails by visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park page. Happy hiking, Tennessee!
Also very close to this trail is the east section of the scenic drive known as the Foothills Parkway which is a great way to get some epic views of our amazing national park. Make sure to check it out and be sure to not just do the east section but the west section too.
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