The ancient peaks and valleys of the Great Smoky Mountains contain some of the most biologically diverse temperate forests on the planet. Spanning the border between Tennessee and North Carolina, this national park welcomes more visitors than any other in the United States, yet still offers solitude for those willing to venture beyond the popular tourist spots.
The park’s extensive trail system winds through old-growth forests, alongside tumbling mountain streams, and up to breathtaking vistas. Here is a list of 17 exceptional hiking trails that showcase the remarkable natural beauty and diverse ecosystems of the Smoky Mountains.
Alum Cave Trail
This moderate 4.4-mile round-trip hike features unique geological formations, including Arch Rock and Alum Cave Bluff. The trail climbs alongside a clear mountain stream before reaching a massive concave cliff where salt deposits attract local wildlife.
Hikers can continue beyond the bluff to reach the summit of Mount LeConte for even more spectacular views.
Charlies Bunion
This 8-mile round-trip adventure along the famous Appalachian Trail rewards hikers with sweeping panoramas from a dramatic rocky outcropping. The trail maintains a relatively steady elevation after an initial climb, making it more accessible than its length might suggest.
Spring hikers encounter spectacular wildflower displays, while fall visitors enjoy vibrant foliage against blue mountain ridges stretching to the horizon.
Andrews Bald
The highest grassy meadow in the Smokies offers stunning 360-degree views after a moderate 3.6-mile round-trip hike. Vibrant flame azaleas and rhododendrons create a natural garden display in June, painting the bald with reds, oranges, and pinks.
The recently restored trail features log steps and drainage improvements that make this hike surprisingly comfortable despite reaching 5,920 feet in elevation.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Rainbow Falls
This 5.4-mile round-trip trail leads to an 80-foot waterfall that produces frequent rainbows in its mist on sunny days. The path follows LeConte Creek through old-growth forest with several smaller cascades along the route.
Winter hikers sometimes witness the spectacular formation of ice columns when the falls freeze during cold snaps.
Chimney Tops
This challenging 3.3-mile round-trip climb culminates at distinctive dual rock spires visible throughout the park. The trail gains over 1,400 feet in elevation, with particularly steep sections near the summit requiring careful footing.
Recent trail reconstruction has added hundreds of stone steps to combat erosion while making the ascent more manageable.
Clingmans Dome Observation Tower
A paved half-mile trail leads to a futuristic observation tower atop the highest peak in the Smokies. The 360-degree views from 6,643 feet encompass over 100 miles of mountain terrain on clear days.
Dramatic weather changes occur frequently at this elevation, with morning visitors often witnessing the peaks rising above an ocean of clouds.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Grotto Falls
This family-friendly 2.6-mile round-trip hike passes behind a 25-foot waterfall, creating a naturally air-conditioned respite on hot summer days. The trail follows the historic Trillium Gap route once used by llama trains supplying LeConte Lodge.
Spring brings an explosion of wildflowers, including its namesake trillium, carpeting the forest floor along the entire route.
Ramsey Cascades
The park’s tallest accessible waterfall rewards hikers after a challenging 8-mile round trip through old-growth forest. The trail passes massive tulip trees, silverbells, and hemlocks, with some exceeding 35 feet in circumference.
The cascading water drops 100 feet over multiple rock tiers before collecting in a pool, often containing salamanders unique to these mountains.
Mount Cammerer
This strenuous 11-mile round-trip hike culminates at a historic stone fire tower with panoramic views across multiple states. The trail follows the Appalachian Trail along a ridgeline with several natural viewpoints before reaching the summit.
The octagonal wooden and stone lookout built by the Civilian Conservation Corps represents classic national park architecture from the 1930s.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Abrams Falls
This moderate 5-mile round trip follows Abrams Creek to a waterfall with the highest water volume in the park. The trail passes through rhododendron tunnels and mixed hardwood forest with several creek crossings along the way.
The powerful 20-foot cascade crashes into a deep pool, creating a constant thunder that gives the falls its commanding presence despite its modest height.
Gregory Bald
This challenging 11.3-mile round-trip hike leads to a 10-acre grassy summit renowned for its spectacular flame azalea display in late June. The riot of orange, pink, red, and yellow blossoms creates one of the most magnificent natural gardens in North America.
Fall hikers encounter wild blueberries and breathtaking foliage colors spreading across the surrounding valleys.
Porters Creek
This moderate 4-mile round-trip travels through a lush forest along a beautiful stream before reaching historic homestead remains. Early April brings a staggering wildflower display with carpets of white fringed phacelia, trillium, and violets blanketing the forest floor.
The remnants of early settler John Messer’s homestead provide a glimpse into pioneer life in these mountains.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Rich Mountain Loop
This 8.5-mile circuit provides a perfect sample of everything the Smokies offer—hardwood forests, mountain streams, wildflowers, and historic structures. The trail passes the wonderfully preserved Cades Cove Loop Road and John Oliver cabin, dating back to 1822.
The elevation gain occurs gradually, making this longer trail more accessible to intermediate hikers.
Little River Trail
This gentle 4.9-mile round trip follows an old logging railroad grade alongside a picturesque river lined with enormous boulders. The trail passes several cascades and swimming spots perfect for cooling off during summer hikes.
Historic remnants from the logging era peek through the forest that has remarkably recovered since commercial operations ceased in the 1930s.
Laurel Falls
This paved 2.6-mile round-trip trail provides accessibility to one of the park’s most photographed waterfalls. The 80-foot cascade features multiple tiers separated by a natural bridge formation.
Early morning weekday visits provide the best opportunities for enjoying this popular destination without crowds.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Spruce Flat Falls
This hidden gem requires a moderate 2-mile round-trip hike from the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont. The multi-tiered waterfall creates several distinct cascades, dropping approximately 30 feet through a boulder-filled ravine.
This less-traveled trail offers solitude rarely found on more popular routes while delivering scenery rivaling any in the park.
Mount Sterling
This challenging 5.4-mile round-trip ascends to a historic fire tower offering expansive views across the northeastern section of the park. The trail passes through multiple forest zones as it climbs nearly 2,000 feet to the 5,842-foot summit.
The 60-foot tower has stood since 1935, providing a unique perspective from what many consider the most remote peak in the Smokies.
Trails Through Time
These 17 hikes merely introduce the over 800 miles of trails winding through one of America’s most cherished national parks. The paths today follow routes used by Cherokee hunters, Appalachian settlers, and the natural contours of ancient mountains.
Each trail tells stories of geological forces, human history, and ecological diversity, connecting modern visitors with the timeless rhythms of these remarkable mountains.
More from Travel Pug
- Cities Growing so Fast You Won’t Recognize Them in 10 Years
- 13 Destinations Where Tourists Regularly Regret Their Trip
- 16 U.S. Cities That Are Quietly Becoming Travel Hotspots
- Where to Travel If You Love Long Bus Rides and Daydreams
- 20 Cities Perfect for Solo Travelers Who Crave Adventure & Culture
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.