One of the top activities for guests to do on a trip to the Smoky Mountains is to go for a day hike. With more than 800 miles of trails meandering throughout the park, including 71 miles of the Appalachian Trail, it is easy to see why. The Smokies are also widely recognized as one of the top hiking destinations in the country!
We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite hikes with something for all ages and abilities.
- Abrams Falls Trail – Moderate
- Abrams Falls Trail is a 5.5 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Townsend, Tennessee that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is accessible year-round.
- Length: 5 miles round trip
- Elevation gain: 629 ft
- Route type: Out & back
- Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte is a 10.9 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Gatlinburg, Tennessee that features a waterfall and is rated as difficult. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is best used from April until November.
- Length: 9 round trip
- Elevation gain: 2,896 ft.
- Route type: Out & back
- Charlies Bunion via Appalachian Trail – Moderate
- Charlies Bunion via Appalachian Trail is a 8.6 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Gatlinburg, Tennessee that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is best used from April until October.
- Length: 6 round trip
- Elevation gain: 1,981 ft.
- Route type: Out & back
- Chimney Tops Trail – Hard
- Chimney Tops Trail is a 4.5 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Gatlinburg, Tennessee that features a river and is rated as difficult. The trail is primarily used for hiking, nature trips, and backpacking and is best used from March until November.
- Length: 5 round trip
- Elevation gain: 1,358 ft.
- Route type: Out & back
- Clingmans Dome Trail – Moderate
- Clingmans Dome Observation Tower Trail is a 1.2 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Bryson City, North Carolina that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for walking, running, and nature trips and is best used from April until November.
- Length: 2 round trip
- Elevation gain: 331 ft.
- Route type: Out & back
- Laurel Falls Trail – Easy
- Laurel Falls Trail is a 2.4 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Gatlinburg, Tennessee that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips and is accessible year-round.
- Length: 4 round trip
- Elevation gain: 396 ft.
- Route type: Out & back
- Porters Creek Trail to Fern Branch Falls – Moderate
- Porters Creek Trail is a 7 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Gatlinburg, Tennessee that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, horses, and backpacking and is accessible year-round. Horses are also able to use this trail.
- Length: 0 round trip
- Elevation gain: 1,512 ft.
- Route type: Out & back
- Rainbow Falls Trail – Hard
- Rainbow Falls Trail is a 5.3 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Gatlinburg, Tennessee that features a waterfall and is rated as difficult. The trail is primarily used for hiking, running, and nature trips and is accessible year-round.
- Length: 3 round trip
- Elevation gain: 1,610 ft.
- Route type: Out & back
- Ramsey Cascades Trail – Hard
- Ramsey Cascades Trail is a 8.1 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Gatlinburg, Tennessee that features a waterfall and is rated as difficult. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is accessible year-round.
- Length: 1 round trip
- Elevation gain: 2,224 ft.
- Route type: Out & back
- Trillium Gap Trail to Grotto Falls – Moderate
- Trillium Gap Trail to Grotto Falls is a 6.8 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Gatlinburg, Tennessee that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is accessible year-round.
- Length: 8 round trip
- Elevation gain: 1,243 ft.
- Route type: Out & back
