Best trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Discover the most-visited national park in the U.S. in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles the border of Tennessee and North Carolina and is home to a staggering diversity of life due to its vast elevation changes. With over 800 miles of trails, including a large section of the iconic Appalachian Trail, the park offers hiking for all levels. Visitors can also explore preserved historic structures, scenic drives, and abundant wildlife. Main entrances are located at Gatlinburg, TN, Townsend, TN, and Cherokee, NC. While there is no entrance fee, a parking tag is required for any vehicle parked for more than 15 minutes.
Top trails
1
(14781)
•Hard
•11.0 mi
This 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...
2
(10883)
•Moderate
•4.5 mi
•Est. 2.5–3 hr
The 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....
3
(12771)
•Moderate
•5.1 mi
•Est. 3–3.5 hr
The 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...
4
(9540)
•Moderate
•8.0 mi
•Est. 4.5–5 hr
Charlies 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...
5
(8052)
•Moderate
•1.3 mi
•Est. 0.5–1 hr
The 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....
6
7
(8445)
•Hard
•3.6 mi
This 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...
8
(8698)
•Moderate
•2.6 mi
•Est. 1–1.5 hr
Accessed 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...
9
(7876)
•Moderate
•5.0 mi
•Est. 2–2.5 hr
Tennessee’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...
10
(5043)
•Moderate
•2.4 mi
•Est. 1–1.5 hr
Deep 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.
Showing results 1–10 of 367
Visitor info
Hours & contact
Open 24 hours
Passes & fees
No fee required
Accessibility
General park hours
Every day • Open 24 hours
Phone
(865) 436-1200
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.
Annual pass
All U.S. national parks
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.
$80
Purchase pass
Overview
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.
Transportation
Vehicles with valid, state-issued disabled placards or license plates are exempt from the parking tag requirement.
Facilities
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.
Camping
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
Service animals must be on-leash throughout the park.
Parks
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte, which has a 4.8 star rating from 14,781 reviews. This trail is 11.0 mi long with an elevation gain of 3,077 ft.
What is the longest trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is Benton MacKaye Trail. This trail is estimated to be 278.4 mi long.
How many trails are in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
There are 367 trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. These trails have an average 4.4-star rating from 245,003 AllTrails community reviews.
Which trail has the most elevation gain in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
If you're looking for elevation gain, Great Smoky Mountains National Park has you covered. Benton MacKaye Trail boasts the most elevation gain with 61,036 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Appalachian Trail: Davenport Gap to Fontana Dam, which will get you 17,198 ft of elevation gain.
Are there camping trails available in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 158 camping trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the most popular is Myrtle Point and Mount LeConte via Alum Cave Trail with an average 4.9 star rating from 4,305 community reviews.
Are there running trails available in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 122 running trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the most popular is Kuwohi Observation Tower Trail with an average 4.6 star rating from 8,052 community reviews.
Are there biking trails available in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 7 biking trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the most popular is Gatlinburg Trail with an average 4.5 star rating from 5,785 community reviews.
What are the best summer hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Some popular summer hiking trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park are Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte, Rainbow Falls Trail, Laurel Falls Trail [CLOSED], Peregrine Peak via Alum Cave Bluff Trail, and Grotto Falls via Trillium Gap Trail.
What are the best fall hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Some popular fall hiking trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park are Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte, Laurel Falls Trail [CLOSED], Peregrine Peak via Alum Cave Bluff Trail, Charlies Bunion via Appalachian Trail, and Rainbow Falls Trail.
What are the best winter hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Some popular winter hiking trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park are Laurel Falls Trail [CLOSED], Rainbow Falls Trail, Abrams Falls Trail, Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte, and Gatlinburg Trail.
What are the best spring hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Some popular spring hiking trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park are Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte, Rainbow Falls Trail, Peregrine Peak via Alum Cave Bluff Trail, Laurel Falls Trail [CLOSED], and Kuwohi Observation Tower Trail.
Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Yes, there are 189 trails with scenic mountain peak views in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte, Peregrine Peak via Alum Cave Bluff Trail, Charlies Bunion via Appalachian Trail, Kuwohi Observation Tower Trail, and Myrtle Point and Mount LeConte via Alum Cave Trail.
Are there any trails with waterfalls in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Yes, there are 135 trails with waterfalls in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including Rainbow Falls Trail, Grotto Falls via Trillium Gap Trail, Abrams Falls Trail, Deep Creek Waterfall Loop, and Cataract Falls.
Are there any trails with cliffs in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Yes, there are 16 trails with cliffs in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte, Peregrine Peak via Alum Cave Bluff Trail, Myrtle Point and Mount LeConte via Alum Cave Trail, Mount LeConte via Appalachian Trail and Boulevard Trail, and Sutton Ridge Overlook Trail.
Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Yes, there are 34 trails with scenic viewpoints in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including Charlies Bunion via Appalachian Trail, Kuwohi Observation Tower Trail, Appalachian Trail: Newfound Gap to Sweat Heifer Creek Trail, Cades Cove Loop Road, and Appalachian Trail to Mount Kephart and Icewater Spring Shelter.
Are there any trails with huts in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Yes, there are 65 trails with huts in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte, Charlies Bunion via Appalachian Trail, Myrtle Point and Mount LeConte via Alum Cave Trail, Appalachian Trail to Mount Kephart and Icewater Spring Shelter, and Icewater Spring via Appalachian Trail.
Are there any trails with rivers in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Yes, there are 49 trails with rivers in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including Deep Creek Waterfall Loop, Deep Creek Loop Trail, Buckeye Trail to Spruce Flats Falls, Mouse Creek Falls via Big Creek Trail, and Deep Creek, Loop and Indian Creek Loop Trail.
Are there any trails with springs in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Yes, there are 7 trails with springs in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including Big Creek Trail, Mount Sterling Overnight Loop Trail, Mount Cammerer via Chesnut Branch Trail and Big Creek Trail, Big Creek and Mt Sterling Loop, and Mount Sterling Loop (via Low Gap, Big Creek, Swallow Fork).
Are there any trails with picnic areas in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Yes, there are 12 trails with picnic areas in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including Lonesome Pine Overlook, Spruce Flats Falls via Lumber Ridge Loop, Flat Creek Trail, Gabes Mountain, Maddron Bald and Snake Den Ridge Loop, and Noland Divide Trail.