Best Hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN

Default image for Spruce Flats Falls Trail, a 1.7-mile trail in Townsend, TN (US)

1.7 mi
2.7 km

Moderate Out-and-Back

Spruce Flats Falls Trail

5.0

Townsend, Tennessee

Created By:

David Miller (Admin)

Default image for Hemphill Bald, a 12.2-mile trail in Cherokee, NC (US)

12.2 mi
19.6 km

Hard Out-and-Back

Hemphill Bald

0.0

Cherokee, North Carolina

Created By:

HikingUpward

Default image for Kuwohi Hike, a 8.4-mile trail in Cherokee, NC (US)

8.4 mi
13.5 km

Hard Out-and-Back

Kuwohi Hike

0.0

Cherokee, North Carolina

Created By:

HikingUpward

Default image for Mt Cammerer and Big Creek Hike, a 16.7-mile trail in Cataloochee, NC (US)

16.7 mi
26.9 km

Strenuous Loop

Mt Cammerer and Big Creek Hike

4.0

Cataloochee, North Carolina

Created By:

HikingUpward

Default image for Shuckstack Lookout Tower Hike, a 6.8-mile trail in Fontana Dam, NC (US)

6.8 mi
10.9 km

Hard Out-and-Back

Shuckstack Lookout Tower Hike

0.0

Fontana Dam, North Carolina

Created By:

HikingUpward

Default image for Mount Sterling Hike, a 5.5-mile trail in Waynesville, NC (US)

5.5 mi
8.9 km

Hard Out-and-Back

Mount Sterling Hike

4.0

Waynesville, North Carolina

Created By:

HikingUpward

Default image for Laurel Falls Trail, a 2.5-mile trail in Sevierville, TN (US)

2.5 mi
4 km

Moderate Out-and-Back

Laurel Falls Trail

5.0

Sevierville, Tennessee

Created By:

David Miller (Admin)

Default image for Riverview Quiet Walkway Trail, a 1.0-mile trail in Gatlinburg, TN (US)

1 mi
1.6 km

Easy Out-and-Back

Riverview Quiet Walkway Trail

0.0

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Created By:

David Miller (Admin)

Default image for Mount LeConte via Alum Cave Trail, a 11.9-mile trail in Gatlinburg, TN (US)

11.9 mi
19.2 km

Strenuous Out-and-Back

Mount LeConte via Alum Cave Trail

5.0

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Created By:

HikingUpward

Default image for Deep Creek Hike, a 4.8-mile trail in Bryson City, NC (US)

4.8 mi
7.7 km

Easy Loop

Deep Creek Hike

0.0

Bryson City, North Carolina

Created By:

HikingUpward

Default image for Sugarlands Valley Nature Loop Trail, a 0.7-mile trail in Gatlinburg, TN (US)

0.7 mi
1.1 km

Easy Loop

Sugarlands Valley Nature Loop Trail

0.0

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Created By:

David Miller (Admin)

Key Takeaways

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located near Gatlinburg, TN, offering convenient access to the park's natural beauty and attractions.

The park boasts diverse hiking trails, scenic drives, and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, catering to a variety of interests and activity levels.

Visitors should be aware of potential weather changes, plan accordingly for their chosen activities, and familiarize themselves with park regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

About Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Explore the natural beauty of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, nestled in Gatlinburg, TN. This park offers a diverse range of hiking experiences, from gentle nature walks to challenging climbs with rewarding panoramic views. Discover easy trails like the Riverview Quiet Walkway and Sugarlands Valley Nature Loop, perfect for leisurely strolls, or venture on moderate hikes such as the popular Laurel Falls Trail. For those seeking more adventurous trails, consider hikes like Spruce Flats Falls, Deep Creek, or the iconic Mount LeConte via Alum Cave Trail.

Planning your hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park requires careful consideration. Popular trails like Laurel Falls can be crowded, and even paved trails may have deteriorating sections. For exceptional views and quieter hikes, consider Hemphill Bald (seasonal access), Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome), or Shuckstack Lookout Tower. Challenging hikes such as Mt. Cammerer and Big Creek or Mount Sterling offer longer backpacking options and stunning vistas. Always check trail conditions and seasonal closures before heading out, and practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve this incredible natural resource for future generations.