Hiking in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Explore the Trails of Great Smoky Mountains National Park

With over 850 miles of trails spanning a diverse landscape, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a premier destination for hiking enthusiasts and casual explorers alike. Whether you're seeking a peaceful nature walk, a family-friendly outing, or a more rigorous backcountry adventure, the park’s 150 maintained trails provide endless opportunities to experience the natural beauty of the Smokies.

Trails for Every Experience Level

Before you think this hiking thing is not for you, make sure to review our guide to Easy Walks in the Smoky Mountains where you can “Get Outside Without Breaking a Sweat”. And for even more ways to get into nature, including by car, with pets or small kids, or physically challenged, be sure to read our Easy Outdoor Adventures: Fun Places For Everyone in the Smoky Mountains guide.

Iconic Destinations and Must-See Trails

Some of the park’s most stunning features, such as waterfalls, panoramic mountain views, and old-growth forests, are accessible only by foot. Fortunately, numerous day hikes reward visitors with natural wonders that are well worth the journey. Popular hikes include:

  • Abrams Falls – A scenic trail ending at a powerful waterfall
  • Alum Cave – A moderate trail leading to Inspiration Point and Alum Cave Bluff
  • Chimney Tops – A short but challenging climb to panoramic views
  • Andrews Bald – A high-elevation meadow perfect for a picnic
  • Rainbow Falls – An 80-foot cascade with an option to continue to Mt. LeConte
  • Ramsey Cascades – The park’s tallest waterfall at the end of a challenging hike
  • Grotto Falls – Unique for its trail that passes behind the falls
  • Appalachian Trail to Charlies Bunion – A strenuous hike with dramatic views

Many trails, like the Alum Cave Trail, can be extended for those wishing to summit Mt. LeConte, one of the park’s most iconic peaks.

Loops, One-Way Hikes, and Shuttle Services

While most trails require hikers to return the way they came, some loop trails offer a continuous experience without backtracking. Additionally, services like A Walk in the Woods provide guided hikes, shuttle support, and even naturalist-led walks for beginners. These options are ideal for visitors who prefer shorter routes or want assistance navigating the terrain.

Accessibility and Self-Guided Experiences

The park is committed to inclusive access, offering several paved or level trails suitable for wheelchairs, strollers, and visitors with sensory impairments. For example:

  • Sugarlands Trail – Paved and informative, perfect for accessible exploration
  • Cades Cove Nature Trail – Easy loop hike with cultural and natural history insights
  • Elkmont and Cosby Nature Trails – Short, informative walks through scenic forest

Self-guided trails feature numbered markers linked to interpretive brochures available at visitor centers, enriching your understanding of the surrounding ecosystem.

For the Experienced Hiker

More challenging routes venture deep into the park’s backcountry, offering solitude and unmatched scenery:

  • Charlie’s Bunion – A strenuous hike with cliff-top views
  • Boogerman Trail – Rich in history and natural beauty
  • Mt. Sterling and Shuckstack – Long climbs to historic fire towers with sweeping vistas
  • Thunderhead via Rocky Top – One of the park’s most demanding but rewarding treks

These trails are best suited for experienced hikers equipped with proper gear and preparation.

Discover the Mysterious Balds

High-elevation meadows known as “balds” offer wide-open views and vibrant seasonal wildflowers:

  • Andrews Bald – Moderate hike with southern-facing views and spring azaleas
  • Gregory Bald – A strenuous climb with stunning floral displays in early summer
  • Spence Field and Thunderhead – Panoramic overlooks accessed via Bote Mountain Trail

Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Hike

Weather in the Smokies can shift quickly, especially at higher elevations. Hikers are encouraged to:

  • Stay on designated trails
  • Hike only during daylight hours
  • Carry water, snacks, and extra socks
  • Wear appropriate hiking shoes
  • Check conditions before heading out

For detailed trail maps, visitor resources, and planning tools, consult the official Great Smoky Mountains National Park website.

Support the Park

Organizations like Friends of the Smokies play a vital role in conserving the park’s resources. Through donations, volunteer work, and public outreach, they help preserve this national treasure for future generations. Visit their website to get involved or contribute to ongoing conservation efforts.

Some of the more popular trails also lead to waterfalls – the most popular destination of all in the park. See our guide more Waterfalls in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. And see more outdoor ideas in our Smoky Mountains Activities guide.

For more information see the Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains guide and also Things to Do in Gatlinburg With Kids. We have cabins throughout the area, so you can make your home-away-from-home base  station during your stay from among our Wears Valley cabins, our Pigeon Forge rental cabins or our Gatlinburg cabins If the family pet is coming too, see our lists of pet friendly cabins in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park