Best trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains is in the Appalachian Mountains and is America's most visited National Park. In large part due to the highly varied elevations in the park, there is a wide range of plant and animal species. There are over 800 miles of trails, and a large section of the Appalachian Trail in the park as well as 80 historic structures.
Top trails
Visitor info
Parking tags are required for all vehicles parking for longer than 15 minutes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. While the parking tag is not an entrance fee, the park honors the Free Entrance Days below and parking tags will not be required on those dates.
Join millions of people who enjoy our National Parks with the "America the Beautiful" National Park & Federal Recreational Lands Pass, otherwise known as the Interagency Annual Pass. The pass is valid for a year's worth of visits from the month of purchase at more than 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park does not charge an entrance fee, but the Interagency Access Pass allows pass holders to receive a 50% discount on camping.
The Sugarlands, Oconaluftee, and Cades Cove Visitor Centers are accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers and have wheelchair accessible restrooms and drinking fountains.
The Sugarland Visitor Center has a GRIT All-Terrain Freedom Chair available for free check-out (typically from June 1 to September 30). This chair can only be used on a specific set of trails.
Many ranger-led programs are wheelchair accessible.
Additional information about accessibility at Great Smoky Mountains National Park can be found on their website: https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
Vehicles with valid, state-issued disabled placards or license plates are exempt from the parking tag requirement.
The Sugarlands, Oconaluftee, and Cades Cove Visitor Centers are accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers and have wheelchair accessible restrooms and drinking fountains.
The Cades Cove amphitheater is wheelchair accessible with accessible restrooms.
The Mountain Farm Museum and Mingus Mill have packed gravel paths.
Cades Cove, Elkmont, and Smokemont Campgrounds have individual wheelchair accessible camping sites. These accessible sites are generally level and located adjacent to accessible restrooms. They have been modified with paving, specialized tables, and fire grills.
Service animals must be on-leash throughout the park.
Trail reviews for Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Started 1:04pm and finished at 2:48pm, 73-80ºf, Saturday, April 19, 2025 (Sunset 7:57pm) Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Bryson City, NC, 3.13 mi, Elev. gain 436 ft, Moving time 1:31:54. My Adventure Hiker 365 Challenge-45” My Adventure Spring Fling 75 Challenge-16 Camo Crossed Tomahawks #SpringFlingTrailChallenge #Hike16 #TheHikers365 #Hike45 #myadventurechallenge #hike97 #Hike40 #Hiking #getoutthere #getoutside
A short but rewarding trek! This paved 1-mile out-and-back trail leads you to the iconic observation tower at Clingmans Dome—the highest point in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. While the incline is steady and can be a bit challenging, the panoramic views at the top are absolutely worth it. On a clear day, you can see for miles across the Appalachian range. Bring a jacket—the temperature is often cooler at this elevation. Great hike for families and anyone looking to experience breathtaking views with minimal mileage!
Rainbow falls was stunning, the trail up was rocky but well maintained. Startled a bear on the trail about 1.5 miles from the lodge, no other sightings. The lodge is so cool, very rustic but quaint. The low clouds gave little to no visibility at the top. We took Bull-Head down and there were parts that were in dire need of clearing of over growth, but the views in the areas that were cleared were amazing. We ended right at 13 miles over all. Such a beautiful hike that epitomizes the Great Smoky Mountains!!! A must do if you're up for it.
This was a very cool trail! This was my favorite hike I did while in the Great Smoky Mountains! I recommended going all the way to Myrtle’s Point for a lookout view. Be aware that the parking is not great as there are several people who stay at the top at Leconte Lodge. We got to the trail head at 9:15 am on Friday and had to park 0.5 mile away. The extra mileage was definitely worth it though!
Got up early for this 10 miler! Well worth the trip up to the Great Smoky Mountains. So unbelievably beautiful!!