These hikes, offered the second Tuesday of each month, feature interpretation of the history, flora and fauna of some of the best trails in America’s most-visited national park. Hikes vary in distance, difficulty and location within the park. Registration is $20 for Friends of the Smokies members or $35 for non-members, which includes a one-year membership. Proceeds benefit Friends of the Smokies’ Smokies Trails Forever program, which funds rehabilitation efforts for high-use trails in the park. 

This year’s hiking schedule is:

• April 11: Smokemont Loop and Chasteen Falls. Experience wildflowers, forests and cascades on this moderate-to-difficult 7.5-mile loop. 

• May 9: To be determined. 

• June 13: Chimney Tops. This 4.4-mile moderate-to-difficult hike shows off wildflowers and mountain views, along with the fruits of a previous Trails Forever project. 

• n July 11: Hemphill Bald from Polls Gap. This moderate-to-difficult 9.4-mile hike offers spectacular mountain views.

• Aug. 8: Schoolhouse Gap. Take a 4.4-mile easy-to-moderate stroll through wildflowers and summer forest. 

• Sept. 12: Mt. Cammerer via Low Gap. Incredible fire tower views are the reward for this difficult 11.2-mile trek.

• Oct. 10: Charlies Bunion. Walk a difficult 8 miles along the Appalachian Trail to take in spectacular mountain views. 

• Nov. 14: Cove Mountain. This moderate-to-difficult 12.4-mile hike takes in a waterfall and autumn forest with a shuttle making the route possible. 

• Dec. 12: Deep Creek Waterfall Loop. An easy-to-moderate 5.5-mile loop walks by waterfalls and doubles as a holiday celebration. 

Space is limited. Register at friendsofthesmokies.org.