From Waterfalls to Fire Towers: 9 Hikes to Experience in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Welcome to the Smoky Mountains, where hikes to experience in the great Smoky Mountains National Park abound and natural beauty surrounds you at every turn! Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a beginner, there’s a trail for you in this gorgeous national park. In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the best hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains, highlight what makes each trail special, and provide tips for a successful hike. Let’s get started

9 Hikes to Experience in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Alum Cave Trail

Location: Located on Newfound Gap Road, between Gatlinburg, TN and Cherokee, NC.

Difficulty level: moderate.

Alum Cave Trail is 4.4 miles round-trip and can take 3-4 hours to complete. Precautions include wearing sturdy hiking shoes, bringing plenty of water, and watching out for slippery rocks and roots.

Charlies Bunion Trail

Location: Located in the northeastern section of the park, near the border of Tennessee and North Carolina.

Difficulty level: strenuous.

Charlies Bunion Trail is 8.1 miles round-trip and can take 5-6 hours to complete. Precautions include wearing sturdy hiking shoes, bringing plenty of water and snacks, and being prepared for steep inclines and rocky terrain.

Chimney Tops Trail

Location: Located on Newfound Gap Road, between Gatlinburg, TN and Cherokee, NC.

Difficulty level: strenuous.

Chimney Tops Trail is 3.8 miles round-trip and can take 3-4 hours to complete. Precautions include wearing sturdy hiking shoes, bringing plenty of water, and being prepared for steep inclines and scrambling towards the top.

Ramsey Cascades Trail

Location: Located in the Greenbrier section of the park, near Gatlinburg, TN.

Difficulty level: strenuous.

Ramsey Cascades Trail is 8 miles round-trip and can take 5-6 hours to complete. Precautions include wearing sturdy hiking shoes, bringing plenty of water and snacks, and watching out for slippery rocks and roots.

Andrews Bald Trail

Location: Located near Clingmans Dome, the highest peak in the Smoky Mountains, on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina.

Difficulty level: moderate.

Andrews Bald Trail is 3.6 miles round-trip and can take 2-3 hours to complete. Precautions include wearing sturdy hiking shoes, bringing plenty of water, and being prepared for moderate inclines.

Rainbow Falls Trail

Location: Located on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, near Gatlinburg, TN.

Difficulty level: moderate.

Rainbow Falls Trail is 5.4 miles round-trip and can take 3-4 hours to complete. Precautions include wearing sturdy hiking shoes, bringing plenty of water, and watching out for slippery rocks and roots.

Mount LeConte via the Boulevard Trail

Location: Located in the southeastern section of the park, near Gatlinburg, TN.

Difficulty level: very strenuous.

Mount LeConte via the Boulevard Trail is 16.4 miles round-trip and can take 10-12 hours to complete. Precautions include being in excellent physical condition, wearing sturdy hiking shoes, bringing plenty of water and snacks, and being prepared for steep inclines and rocky terrain.

Abrams Falls Trail

Location: Located in the Cades Cove section of the park, near Townsend, TN.

Difficulty level: moderate.

Abrams Falls Trail is 5.2 miles round-trip and can take 2-3 hours to complete. Precautions include wearing sturdy hiking shoes, bringing plenty of water, and being prepared for moderate inclines.

Mount Cammerer Trail

Location: Located in the northeastern section of the park, near the border of Tennessee and North Carolina

Difficulty level: strenuous.

Mount Cammerer Trail is 11.1 miles round-trip and can take 6-7 hours to complete. Precautions include wearing sturdy hiking shoes, bringing plenty of water and snacks, and being prepared for steep inclines and rocky terrain.

Trail Highlights and Difficulty Level

Each trail in the Smoky Mountains offers something unique. Here are some key highlights and difficulty levels to consider when choosing a hike:

• Distance and round-trip time: Trails in the Smoky Mountains can range from less than a mile to more than 16 miles round-trip, so make sure to choose a trail that suits your fitness level and time constraints.
• Elevation gain: Some trails, like the Chimney Tops Trail, have a steep elevation gain that requires scrambling and can be difficult for some hikers.
• Scenery and views: From waterfalls and wildflowers to panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, each trail offers its own unique scenery and views.

Some trails, like the Andrews Bald Trail, offer panoramic views of the surrounding meadows and mountains, while others, like the Ramsey Cascades Trail, take you past gorgeous waterfalls and old-growth forests.