Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out, the Smoky Mountains have a diverse range of hiking trails to match your fitness level. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park encompasses over 522,000 acres of breathtaking landscapes with hiking trails ranked from easy to expert there is a trail for everyone. Here’s a ranked list of the top 20 hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains, arranged from easy to expert:
Easy Hiking Trails:
1. Gatlinburg Hiking Trail:
Length: 3.8 miles
Elevation gain: 160 feet
This paved trail, popular with families, offers a gentle stroll along the roaring West Prong of the Little Pigeon River. It’s a great option for birdwatching and enjoying the sound of rushing water.
2. Grotto Falls Hiking Trail:
Length: 2.6 miles
Elevation gain: 260 feet
A short and scenic walk leads to Grotto Falls, a beautiful cascade that cascades over a rocky overhang. The trail is mostly paved, making it accessible for all abilities.
3. Rainbow Falls Hiking Trail:
Length: 5.5 miles
Elevation gain: 1,600 feet
The trail to Rainbow Falls is a bit longer but offers stunning views of the waterfall from multiple angles. The falls are accessible with a short hike to the viewing platform.
Moderate Hiking Trails:
4. Chimney Tops Hiking Trail:
Length: 3.2 miles
Elevation gain: 1,400 feet
This challenging trail features strenuous rock scrambles and exposed ridgelines. Hikers are rewarded with panoramic views from the summit of Chimney Tops Mountain.
5. Alum Cave Hiking Trail:
Length: 4.4 miles
Elevation gain: 2,340 feet
The Alum Cave Trail is a historic route that leads hikers to the base of Alum Cave Bluff. The trail offers stunning wildflowers and geological formations along the way.
6. Andrews Bald Hiking Trail:
Length: 3 miles
Elevation gain: 720 feet
On the upper slopes of Clingmans Dome, this trail traverses lush meadows and offers breathtaking panoramic views. It’s known for its abundant wildflowers and wildlife sightings.
7. Charlies Bunion Hiking Trail:
Length: 4.1 miles
Elevation gain: 1,600 feet
A well-maintained trail with gradual elevation, Charlies Bunion Trail leads to a rocky prominence offering expansive views of the Smoky Mountains and the distant peaks of Kentucky and North Carolina.
8. Clingmans Dome Observation Tower Trail:
Length: 0.5 miles
Elevation gain: 660 feet
This short and paved trail leads to the observation tower atop Clingmans Dome, the highest point in Tennessee. The tower offers 360-degree views on a clear day.
9. Laurel Falls Hiking Trail:
Length: 2.6 miles
Elevation gain: 800 feet
Another picturesque trail, Laurel Falls Trail, features a gradual incline to a scenic waterfall. The cascades are massive and surrounded by lush vegetation.
10. Spence Field Overlook Trail:
Length: 4.5 miles
Elevation gain: 1,600 feet
This moderately challenging trail leads to Spence Field Overlook, offering stunning views of Cades Cove. It’s a popular destination for sunset viewing.
11. Boulevard Hiking Trail:
Length: 11.3 miles
Elevation gain: 1,800 feet
The Boulevard Trail is a historic route that traverses the park’s heart. It offers scenic views and passes by multiple waterfalls.
12. Sugarlands Hiking Trail:
Length: 4.7 miles (one-way)
Elevation gain: 1,600 feet
This one-way trail begins in Gatlinburg and follows the course of Sugarlands Creek. It features several waterfalls and overlooks.
Challenging Expert-Level Hiking Trails:
13. Mt. LeConte Via Rainbow Falls Trail:
Length: 10.4 miles (round-trip)
Elevation gain: 3,400 feet
The longest trail on this list, the Mt. LeConte Trail via Rainbow Falls, requires a full day for a summit attempt. It features multiple elevation gains and offers opportunities for backcountry camping.
14. Oconaluftee Hiking Trail:
Length: 8.8 miles (one-way)
Elevation gain: 2,100 feet
The Oconaluftee Trail follows the Oconaluftee River and leads hikers to a pristine campground in the backcountry. It’s a challenging route with several stream crossings.
15. Trillium Gap Hiking Trail:
Length: 4.6 miles (one-way)
Elevation gain: 3,100 feet
This section of the Appalachian Trail offers challenging elevation gains and leads to views from the Appalachian Trail. It requires a shuttle or a through-hike to return.
16. Rainbow Falls Via Old Sugarlands Traill:
Length: 11.1 miles (round-trip)
Elevation gain: 3,800 feet
This combination of two trails offers a full-day adventure with steep climbs and stunning waterfall views.
17. Russell Field Hiking Trail:
Length: 2.6 miles
Elevation gain: 1,800 feet
The Russell Field Trail is a strenuous and technical route that ascends to a high ridge with expansive views.
18. Spence Field via Gatlinburg Trail:
Length: 12.6 miles
Elevation gain: 3,100 feet
This challenging trail is a combination of the Gatlinburg Trail and Spence Field Overlook Trail. It offers a full-day trek with demanding ascents and rewarding views.
19. Mt. LeConte Via Alum Cave Trail:
Length: 11.2 miles (round-trip)
Elevation gain: 4,950 feet
The classic and most popular route to Mt. LeConte, this trail features multiple waterfalls, a steep climb to the summit, and the opportunity for an overnight stay at LeConte Lodge.
20. Thunderhead Mountain Hiking Trail:
Length: 5.6 miles
Elevation gain: 2,800 feet
This strenuous trail is only open for a short season due to weather conditions. It leads to a remote peak offering unparalleled 360-degree views of the Smoky Mountains.