The Ultimate Guide to Hiking in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Why Hike the Smokies?

Hiking is the number one activity in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and for good reason.

The park is home to 150 trails covering more than 800 miles. The National Park Service maintains all 150 trails, keeping them in peak hiking condition.

Occasionally, wildfires, storms, or maintenance requires trails to be closed for periods of time.

In addition, the historic Appalachian Trail (AT) divides the park in half along the Tennessee / North Carolina border. The AT provides 70 miles of hiking adventure in the park.

Whether you’re lacing up your boots for the first time or you’re a trail veteran chasing that next epic vista, we’ve got you covered with this guide.

We’ll highlight trails for all levels and interests, drawing from some of our favorites while sprinkling in tips to make your adventure unforgettable.

Remember to check the park’s temporary closures page before heading out, and always pack plenty of water, snacks, and a map, cell service is pretty much nonexistent out there!

Trails for Beginning Hikers

Beginners can enjoy easier hikes on shorter trails with little elevation changes.

For example, Porters Creek Trail is a kid-friendly trail with historic buildings. Although rated “moderate”, the National Park Service recommends this trail for families.

Middle Prong Trail, located near the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont, is a wonderful experience.

This trail is the best in the park for enjoying rivers and waterfalls. Kids will love it, and at 1.9 miles in, an old 1920’s Cadillac sits a few yards from the trail.

Other great starters include Cataract Falls, a short and sweet 1-mile round-trip to a gentle waterfall near Sugarlands Visitor Center, and Gatlinburg Trail, which is flat, dog-friendly, and follows a river for about 1.9 miles one way.

Laurel Falls is another easy favorite, it’s paved for the first part and leads to an 80-foot cascade, making it perfect for families, though it can get crowded.

We suggest perusing the trails on our Popular Day Hikes to find trails rated “Easy” or “Moderate”.

Trails for Seasoned Hikers

Hiking enthusiasts can choose from trails that are difficult to hike, but have amazing payoffs.

Gregory Ridge Trail is challenging, but the views and colorful flowers at Gregory Bald are amazing.

Another trail with incredible views is Chimney Tops Trail. It is rather strenuous, but the views are unlike any other.

After the wildfire of 2016, this trail was renovated under the Trails Forever program. Gregory Ridge and Chimney Tops are just two of the many unbelievable trails from which to choose.

For more advanced treks, consider the Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte, it’s about 11 miles round-trip with steep sections, but rewards you with stunning overlooks and unique rock formations.

Or tackle Charlies Bunion via the Appalachian Trail, a rugged 8-mile out-and-back with panoramic mountain views that will test your endurance but leave you breathless in the best way.

The park’s section of the AT itself is no slouch, offering 72 miles of tough terrain for those seeking a multi-day challenge.

Trails with Waterfalls

The Smokies are a waterfall wonderland, with cascades tumbling down lush mountainsides.

Middle Prong Trail, as mentioned earlier, is fantastic for rivers and waterfalls, with easy access to Lynn Camp Prong Cascades.

Porters Creek also features Fern Branch Falls, a hidden gem along its moderate path.

For dedicated waterfall chasers, don’t miss Grotto Falls via Trillium Gap Trail, it’s a 2.6-mile round-trip where you can actually walk behind the 25-foot falls, which is super fun and refreshing on a hot day.

Rainbow Falls Trail is a bit more strenuous at 5.4 miles round-trip, leading to a 80-foot drop that’s especially magical after rain.

Abrams Falls in Cades Cove is a moderate 5-mile hike to a powerful 20-foot fall with a great swimming hole, perfect for cooling off.

And for a real test, Ramsey Cascades is an 8-mile strenuous hike to the park’s tallest waterfall at 100 feet. Just remember, these spots can get busy, so start early!

Trails with Wildflowers

Spring in the Smokies is like nature’s own flower show, and several trails burst with color from March to May.

Gregory Ridge Trail, with its ascent to Gregory Bald, is a top pick for vibrant azaleas and other blooms in late spring and early summer.

Porters Creek Trail shines here too, showcasing a carpet of trilliums, violets, and other wildflowers along its path.

Chestnut Top Trail is another winner for early bloomers like bloodroot and hepatica, with a moderate 4.3-mile out-and-back that’s not too crowded.

Schoolhouse Gap Trail offers a gentle 2-mile round-trip through fields of phlox and geraniums.

For a longer jaunt, Little River Trail is ideal in mid-March to April, with sightings of spring beauties and trilliums amid the forest.

And don’t overlook Kanati Fork Trail for its diverse flora on a steeper path.

Time your visit right, and you’ll feel like you’re walking through a painting, kids (and adults) will be snapping photos non-stop!

Trails with Great Views

Nothing beats earning those sweeping panoramas after a good hike.

Chimney Tops Trail delivers unique rocky summits with 360-degree views of the Smokies.

Gregory Bald via Gregory Ridge offers bald-top vistas dotted with wildflowers.

For jaw-droppers, head to Andrews Bald, the highest grassy bald in the park, reached via a 3.6-mile moderate hike from Clingmans Dome Road, with unobstructed mountain horizons.

Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome) is an easy paved half-mile to the observation tower for the park’s highest views at 6,643 feet, sunsets here are legendary.

Charlies Bunion provides rugged ridgeline sights on an 8-mile strenuous trail.

And Mount Cammerer rewards with a historic fire tower overlooking valleys and peaks after a challenging 11-mile hike. Winter hikes open up even more vistas as leaves fall away, pack layers!

Trails for Horses

If you’re looking to explore on horseback, the Smokies have you covered with about 550 miles of trails open to equestrian use.

You can bring your own horse or join guided rides from stables like Cades Cove, Sugarlands, or Smokemont, which offer scenic tours lasting 45 minutes to a few hours.

Top trails include the Cucumber Gap and Little River Loop, a moderate 5.7-mile path with river views and forest shade.

Anthony Creek Trail from Cades Cove leads to back country spots and is great for multi-day trips with horse camps available.

Big Creek area offers trails like the Chestnut Branch, perfect for spotting wildlife.

Remember, horses stick to designated trails only, and back country permits are needed for overnight stays, check the park map for details.

It’s a peaceful way to connect with the park’s history and nature!

Cades Cove is the starting point for a number of trails with historic buildings, wildflowers, and waterfalls that can be enjoyed by beginners and pros alike.

Whether on foot or horseback, it’s a must-visit hub for your Smoky adventures.

Happy hiking, friends, stay safe and leave no trace so everyone can enjoy these treasures!

If you’re planning more trips, check out our other guides on the site.