Best trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States, and it's easy to see why. The park has more than %{800_miles} of trails to explore, and there's something for everyone. There are sweeping mountain views, streams, rivers, and waterfalls, diverse wildlife, wildflowers, fall foliage, and more! Plus, almost %{72_miles} of the famous Appalachian Trail runs through the park along the border between Tennessee and North Carolina. We've picked some can't-miss hikes in the Smokies, whether you want to summit a mountain, take a gentle stroll to a waterfall, or go for a scenic drive and snap photos of wildlife.
The park is open 24 hours a day, year-round. Each season has its advantages. Summer is the most popular time to visit, when the weather is warm and sunny. Fall brings gorgeous changing leaves and cooler temperatures that are ideal for hiking. Winter keeps the crowds at bay, but most of the park is still accessible if you don't mind the colder temperatures. Spring can be wet and stormy, but there's an equal chance of beautiful weather and wildflowers pop up throughout the park.
A parking tag is required to park anywhere in the national park for longer than 15 minutes. You can purchase a parking tag online in advance or in person at several locations within the park.
There is no entrance fee to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Top trails
- (15405)·Hard·11.0 miThis challenging trail leading up to Mount LeConte is one of the most popular in the area. Featuring incredible views, well-maintained trails, and a cave, this great hike is a great choice for anyone looking to see the best of the Smoky Mountains. Due to its popularity, the parking lots on Newfound Gap Road fill up early. This is a more popular route to the summit than the nearby Rainbow Falls Trail. The trail begins with a climb along Alum Cave Creek and the Styx Branch. At 1.3 miles you...
- (11508)·Moderate·4.5 mi·Est. 2.5–3 hrThe Alum Cave Bluffs Trail, or Alum Cave Trail, takes you to a “cave,” which is really more of a huge rock overhang, and on to Peregrine Peak. It has a gradual ascent to Arch Rock, then gets steeper and ends with many steps at the end. It includes a soft forest floor, log bridges to cross, beautiful flowers and trees and countless photo opportunities along the picturesque Alum Cave Creek. Keep an eye out for great views of Little Duck Hawk Ridge between Inspiration Point and Alum Cave Bluff....
- (13280)·Moderate·5.1 mi·Est. 3–3.5 hrThe hike to Rainbow Falls is a must-do for all visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This popular trail features a stunning waterfall and winds through a vibrant forest. Starting out from the Rainbow Falls and Bullhead Parking Area, this trail climbs steadily as it meanders along Le Conte Creek. Beware the parking lot gets full often, so arrive early! If it’s full, there is another parking area further down Cherokee Orchard Loop. Shortly after starting your adventure, you arrive...
- (10090)·Moderate·8.0 mi·Est. 4.5–5 hrCharlies Bunion via Appalachian Trail is a great day hike along the summit Great Smoky Mountains. The route traverses multiple peaks including Mount Ambler, Mount Kephart, Masa Knob and terminates at Charlie’s Bunion. Parking at Newfound Gap, the trail to Charlies Bunion isn't marked, so follow signs for the Appalachian Trail and Icewater Spring. Once you get to the spring, keep on going for about 20 minutes to arrive at Charlies Bunion. The trail starts off with a gradual ascent of about...
- (8409)·Moderate·1.3 mi·Est. 0.5–1 hrThe Kuwohi Observation Tower Trail, formerly known as Clingman's Dome, is one of the most popular trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It leads to the highest point in Tennessee, which is also the highest point along the Appalachian Trail. From Kuwohi, you can enjoy stunning 360-degree views of the Smokies and the beautiful Spruce Fir Forest. As the weather conditions can get chilly at the highest peak (6,643 feet at Kuwohi), it is advisable to bring a jacket and warm clothes....
- (8789)·Hard·3.6 miThis scenic and strenuous trail is one of the most iconic hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It offers a steep but rewarding climb to panoramic views of Mount LeConte, Sugarland Mountain, and the surrounding peaks. Beginning at the Chimney Tops parking area off Newfound Gap Road, the route starts gently before gaining elevation quickly. The first mile crosses the rushing Road Prong via footbridges, passing several small waterfalls along the way. As the trail turns west, it reaches...
- (9132)·Moderate·2.6 mi·Est. 1–1.5 hrAccessed via the Trillium Gap Trailhead, the Grotto Falls Trail is a moderately easy hike that is a family favorite. There is ample shade throughout the hike, lots of small streams, wildlife, and during the right time of year — plentiful wildflowers. Starting near the base of Piney Mountain, this trail to Grotto Falls can be busier during the warmer months and the parking area is limited so it’s recommended to get there early. While the falls are not big, it’s a wonderful place to picnic...
- (8266)·Moderate·5.0 mi·Est. 2–2.5 hrTennessee’s picturesque Abrams Fall Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park leads to a popular waterfall with a 25 foot drop over a rocky cliff. The hiking trail is well maintained by the National Park Service but does have tree roots and rock obstacles along the way so it is of moderate difficulty. This is a popular hiking trail and it can get crowded during certain times of the year. The turnoff for the trailhead is located past stop #10 on the Cades Cove Loop Road. The turnoff is...
- (5373)·Moderate·2.4 mi·Est. 1–1.5 hrDeep Creek Waterfall is home to a trio of waterfalls known for its beauty. This trail leads you to Juney Whank Falls, Tom Branch Falls, and Indian Creek Falls. Juney Whank Falls is located the closest to the Deep Creek trailhead and parking lot. During the summer months, this area is popular for tubing which can be rented at the campground. This trail is well-marked and well-maintained. There are some sections with bridges, steps, and moderate to steep inclines.
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.
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Frequently asked questions
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Activities
- Backpacking trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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- Running trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Scenic driving trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Walking trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Attractions
- Cave trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Hard trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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- Forest trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Trails with historic sites in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Hot springs trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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- Trails with no dogs in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- River trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Short trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Trails with views in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Waterfall trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Wildflower trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Wildlife trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
