Situated on the Tennessee and North Carolina border, the Great Smoky Mountains have a special place in the hearts of many Americans. The subrange of the Appalachian Mountains is a hotbed of animal and plant diversity that continues to amaze visitors. More than 11 million people visit Great Smoky Mountain National Park each year to explore this fabled landscape.

For your Tennessee vacation, a Smoky Mountain trip is one thing that must be included somewhere on your itinerary. The park is Tennessee’s premier hiking destination and features many of the state’s most exciting trails. From gushing Tennessee waterfalls to heart-racing mountain ascents, hiking in the Smoky Mountains is an adventure you’ll never forget.

Whether you base yourself in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, or inside the national park, hiking is among the top things to do in the Smoky Mountains. For this post, we’ve gathered 13 of the best Smoky Mountain hikes that will reveal the unbelievable beauty of this storied mountain range.

 

13 Best Trails in the Great Smoky Mountains

Cades Cove Loop Hike | Clingmans Dome Observation Tower Trail | Rainbow Falls Trail | Alum Cave Trail to Mount Le Conte | Chimney Tops Trail | Laurel Falls Trail | Abrams Falls Trail | Charlies Bunion via Appalachian Trail | Mount Cammerer via Low Gap Trail  | Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail | Ramsey Cascades Trail | Mouse Creek Falls via Big Creek Trail | Grotto Falls Trail | 

 

1. Cades Cove Loop Hike

• Length: 10.3 miles
• Route Type: Loop
• Difficulty: Moderate

One of the most popular Smoky Mountains trails, the Cades Cove Loop hike connects us to the 1800s Tennessee settlers. The hike offers many wildlife sightings, creek crossings, and steady elevation changes. As you wander through the wilderness, you’ll have stunning views of the mountains against the horizon. The trail is particularly beautiful during the spring due to the blooming wildflowers around the path.

The nearby Cades Cove Loop Road is often congested with cars during high season, but the hiking path provides a relaxing change of pace. This section of the Smokies resonates with history buffs since it’s filled with cultural sites dating to the Appalachian settlers. These historic sites include cabins, churches, and mills that aren’t a far detour from the hiking trail. These structures are preserved from the 1800s and give you a glimpse of the unique culture of those fearless explorers.

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2. Clingmans Dome Observation Tower Trail

• Length: 1.2 miles
• Route Type: Out & Back
• Difficulty: Moderate

The Clingmans Dome Observation Tower Trail is near the Tennessee-North Carolina border and takes you to the highest point in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Clingmans Dome is also the third-highest mountain east of the Mississippi River. Although the hike isn’t incredibly long, it has a decent elevation gain of around 330 feet. The reward is jaw-dropping 360° views of the Smoky Mountains and surrounding forests.

If you’re driving to the trailhead, avoid attempting the hike during the winter. The roughly 7-mile road from Newfound Gap is closed yearly from December 1st through March 31st. Once you reach the parking lot, ascend the steep paved path towards the observation tower. Several other trails begin from this parking lot that you can include during your trip. You’ll also spot long-distance backpackers hiking the Appalachian Trail since the path is immediately north of Clingmans Dome.

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3. Rainbow Falls Trail

• Length: 5.5 miles
• Route Type: Out & Back
• Difficulty: Hard

Located near Gatlinburg, Rainbow Falls Trail is a challenging hike that leads to one of the national park’s mesmerizing waterfalls. Don’t underestimate the trail since it includes constant incline along unstable and sometimes slippery terrain. The trail climbs about 1,640 feet, but you’ll reach Rainbow Falls before ascending the entire incline. You’ll eventually ascend the summit of Mount Le Conte, the highest peak solely inside the state of Tennessee.

The 80 ft cascade is the trail’s main attraction and among the prized natural wonders inside Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Rainbow Falls spills from a rocky face and onto a pile of jagged rocks. The lush forest around the falls and glistening rainbow forms a stunning postcard. If you’re brave enough to hike the trail during winter, you’ll see icicles beside the cascade.

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4. Alum Cave Trail to Mount Le Conte

• Length: 10.6 miles
• Route Type: Out & Back
• Difficulty: Hard

Starting near the idyllic Alum Cave Creek, the Alum Cave Trail offers one of the park’s most grueling hiking challenges. The trail is an alternative to reach the summit of Mount Le Conte that caters to experienced trekkers. Along the journey, you’ll encounter some of the most interesting geological landmarks of the Smoky Mountains. Arch Rock is a bizarre rock formation that creates a natural bridge and has a rugged staircase that wanders beneath a rocky arch and towards Alum Cave Bluff.

This strenuous hike has its benefits by giving you some of the best panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains. Inspiration Point and the Cliff Top Viewpoint are both breathtaking and let you stare at mountain peaks for miles. As you continue on Alum Cave Trail, you’ll connect with the Rainbow Falls Trail before reaching Mount Le Conte.

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5. Chimney Tops Trail

• Length: 4.5 miles
• Route Type: Out & Back
• Difficulty: Hard

Located near Sugarlands Visitor Center, Chimney Tops Trail offers a challenging ascent through the wilderness. After a devastating wildfire in 2016, workers spent nearly a full year repairing the popular trail for visitors. The construction led to the building of a new observation deck just below Chimney Tops that provides remarkable views of nearby summits. You’ll have an incredible angle of the rocky Chimney Tops pinnacles and nearby Mount Le Conte.

Although the trail lacks considerable length, it has an extremely steep climb that will push seasoned trekkers to the limits. Make sure you’re prepared for a serious endeavor since the final mile to the summit area has an elevation gain of nearly 1,000 feet. For those that can manage the hike’s difficulty, it rewards you with unbelievable panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains rising above the clouds.

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6. Laurel Falls Trail

• Length: 2.4 miles
• Route Type: Out & Back
• Difficulty: Easy

Laurel Falls Trail leads to arguably the most popular sight in Great Smoky Mountain National Park. The 80 ft waterfall creates a fairytale image, and its accompanying trail is accessible for all skill levels. Unsurprisingly, you’ll likely face unbearable crowds in high season and want to arrive early in the morning to beat the rush. Since the trail is paved, it doesn’t present the challenges like other Smoky Mountain hikes.

The hike has a modest elevation gain of about 400 feet and shows glimpses of the surrounding mountain peaks. Laurel Falls is divided into two distinct sections, and a walkway places you at the base of the upper falls. The cascade tumbles onto the enormous rocks beside you and trickles into a creek below.

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7. Abrams Falls Trail

• Length: 5.5 miles
• Route Type: Out & Back
• Difficulty: Moderate

Abrams Falls Trail offers beautiful views of an enchanting waterfall that spills into a deep swimming hole. The path gets quite busy during high season, and you should depart early to beat the crowds. You won’t encounter the strenuous elevation gain like other hikes inside the park. However, this trail earns marks for its natural beauty by navigating through pine-oak forests along the creek.

The terrain is unstable at times and has lots of tree roots that create a tripping hazard. Proper hiking boots are essential to avoid slipping on wet leaves. Otherwise, the trail is well-maintained and provides magical forest scenery en route to Abrams Falls. Although it’s tempting to go for a swim in the pool, the base of the falls is incredibly dangerous. The strong current has sadly caused swimmers to drown here in the past, and you must take every precaution when visiting the gushing falls.

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8. Charlies Bunion via Appalachian Trail

• Length: 8.6 miles
• Route Type: Out & Back
• Difficulty: Moderate

Starting from Newfound Gap, Charlies Bunion via Appalachian Trail presents a sturdy climb to view the natural beauty around the mountains. This hike is particularly popular in the spring and summer due to the radiant wildflowers surrounding the trail. As you complete your ascent through the dense forest, the trail opens up to glorious views of Myrtle Point and Mount Le Conte.

The trail has nearly 2,000 feet of elevation gain and makes you feel like you’re walking in the clouds at times. You follow the ridge on portions of the trail and gain tremendous views on either side of the mountain peaks. On this trail, you might run into Appalachian Trail hikers looking to rest at the Icewater Spring Shelter. Once you reach Charlies Bunion, you’ll be welcomed by a front-row seat of the steep valley below. The rock outcropping gives you fantastic views of the adjacent peaks that will leave you speechless.

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9. Mount Cammerer via Low Gap Trail

• Length: 11.9 miles
• Route Type: Out & Back
• Difficulty: Hard

Starting from the Low Gap Trailhead, the hike to Mount Cammerer offers an exciting ascent to the near 5,000 ft mountain. In total, the hike includes nearly 3,200 feet of elevation gain as you climb through the beautiful Cosby Creek Valley. You’ll wander through dense forest and will push your limits until you cross the Appalachian Trail.

From this point, you’ll have stunning views of the Cosby Creek Valley and Snake Den Ridge before reaching Mount Cammerer. The final approach to the summit includes a rugged spur trail that challenges you with a few rock scrambles. Once you reach the fire tower, you’ll notice a rocky outcropping that sits above the Pigeon River Gorge. The dramatic vistas present the nearby Smoky Mountain peaks in all their glory.

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10. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

• Length: 6.7 miles
• Route Type: Point to Point
• Difficulty: Moderate

If you’re searching for a scenic drive near Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg, the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail has lots of wonderful sights. The drive features wildlife sightings, stunning foliage, and small trails accessible from the roadway. There are many pull out locations that present exhilarating vistas of the surrounding mountain peaks.

Along the way, you’ll encounter peaceful coves, historic cabins, and picturesque streams. Some of the trails you’re able to reach from the parking locations take you through pristine forests and towards tumbling waterfalls.

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11. Ramsey Cascades Trail

• Length: 8.1 miles
• Route Type: Out & Back
• Difficulty: Hard

The Ramsey Cascades Trail meanders through verdant forests as you climb to the tallest waterfall inside Great Smoky Mountain National Park. You’ll ascend over 2,200 feet and encounter lots of rocky terrain before reaching the falls. The most challenging section is the steep incline within the last mile of Ramsey Cascades.

Engulfed by lush vegetation, the 100 ft waterfall cascades down gigantic boulders and spills into a small pool. Parts of the trail remain untouched and make up the largest old-growth forest inside the national park. Look above you while on this trail since you’ll find some of the tallest trees anywhere in the Great Smoky Mountains. Once you reach the base of Ramsey Cascades, DO NOT attempt to climb the rocks since several hikers have died trying to reach the top of the falls.

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12. Mouse Creek Falls via Big Creek Trail

• Length: 5.7 miles
• Route Type: Out & Back
• Difficulty: Moderate

Big Creek Trail is the perfect adventure for nature enthusiasts who love chasing waterfalls. In addition to Mouse Creek Falls, you’ll pass several other cascades gentle flowing into Big Creek. The wide, well-paved path follows the creek and doesn’t present a challenge for veteran hikers. Although the majority of the trail is smooth, you’ll encounter a few rock scrambles along the way. The serenity of the waterways coursing around the gigantic boulders and tumbling waterfalls make the journey worth it.

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13. Grotto Falls Trail

• Length: 2.6 miles
• Route Type: Out & Back
• Difficulty: Moderate

Starting from the Trillium Gap Trailhead just outside of Gatlinburg, Grotto Falls Trail wanders through old-growth forest before reaching a tranquil waterfall. The trail has lots of shade and modest elevation gain to make it an enjoyable outlet for a humid summer day. Before Grotto Falls, you’ll face scattered rocks, tree roots, and stream crossings. Grotto Falls tumbles into a shallow pool and gives visitors the unique opportunity to walk behind the cascade.

 

Have you tried any of these Smokey Mountains Trails? How was it? Let us know in the comments below.