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
- (15620)·Hard·11.2 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...
- (11757)·Moderate·4.6 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....
- (13524)·Moderate·5.2 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...
- (10238)·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...
- (4611)·Hard·12.0 mi·Est. 7–7.5 hrThis route follows the Alum Cave Trail through old-growth hardwood forest beside rushing creeks, crossing log bridges before passing through the narrow Arch Rock tunnel. The path becomes rockier and steeper above Alum Cave Bluffs, featuring a few exposed ledges that are aided by cables. Much of the climb is steady rather than steep. Near the top, a short spur extends to Myrtle Point, a rocky overlook offering sweeping mountain views. Expect heavy foot traffic and limited parking.
- (8911)·Hard·3.7 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...
- (8420)·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...
- (5478)·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.
- (5016)·Easy·1.0 mi·Est. 0.5–1 hrTravel through the woods to Cataract Falls. This trail is likely not accessible for visitors using wheelchairs, mobility equipment, or strollers due to the narrow width, presence of rocks/roots and steps, as well as the uneven terrain. The more accessible route to the falls is located on its own trail page here: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/tennessee/cataract-falls-accessible There are at least 6 designated accessible spaces with striped access aisles in the paved parking lot off of...
- (6198)·Easy·3.8 mi·Est. 1–1.5 hrThis serene trail travels along the Little Pigeon River, crossing at one point from the west bank to the east bank. It begins at the Sugarlands Visitor Center and takes you to downtown Gatlinburg. Visitors may notice some old chimney foundations along the way. This is one of only two trails in the Great Smoky National Park where dogs (on leash) and bicycles are allowed. The National Park Service maintains this trail. Accessibility: Equipment Visitors using wheelchairs, mobility...
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.
Guides
Headed to a park?
Take AllTrails with you
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
What is the longest trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
How many trails are in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Which trail has the most elevation gain in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Are there camping trails available in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Are there running trails available in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Are there biking trails available in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
What are the best summer hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
What are the best fall hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
What are the best winter hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
What are the best spring hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Are there any trails with waterfalls in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Are there any trails with cliffs in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Are there any trails with huts in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Are there any trails with rivers in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Are there any trails with springs in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Are there any trails with picnic areas in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Are there any trails with historical ruins in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Are there any trails with forts in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Activities
- Backpacking trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Birding trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Camping trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Fishing trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Horseback riding trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Road biking trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- 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
- Easy trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- 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
- Lake trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Long trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Moderate trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- 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
Suitability
Points of interest
- Cliff Top
- Rainbow Falls
- Walker Camp Prong
- Tom Branch Falls
- Huskey Branch Falls
- Charlies Bunyon
- Cataract Falls
- Juney Whank Falls
- Kuwohi
- Abrams Falls
- Ramsey Cascades
- Grotto Falls
- Spruce Flats Falls
- Baskins Creek Falls
- Meigs Creek Cascade
- Indian Flats Falls
- Hen Wallow Falls
- Brushy Mountain
- White Oak Sinks Falls
- Big Creek
