The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has more than 800 miles of hiking trails, ranging from short walks through the forest to challenging climbs with incredible mountain views. With so many Smoky Mountain hiking trails to choose from, there’s something for nearly every experience level.
Some trails lead to waterfalls, while others follow mountain streams or climb to scenic overlooks. We’ve put together 20 popular hikes, organized from easy to difficult, to help you find the right trail for your next trip.
Easy Smoky Mountain Hiking Trails
These trails are good starting points for beginners, families, and anyone looking for a shorter hike.
1. Gatlinburg Trail
Distance: 3.8 miles round trip
The Gatlinburg Trail follows the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River between Gatlinburg and the Sugarlands Visitor Center. The relatively flat path passes through wooded areas and crosses the river on a pedestrian bridge.
It’s one of the few trails in the national park where dogs and bicycles are permitted.
2. Oconaluftee River Trail
Distance: 3 miles round trip
Located near the Oconaluftee Visitor Center in North Carolina, this easy trail follows the river through a peaceful wooded setting.
The wide, relatively level path makes it a good option for a casual walk. It’s also one of the park’s two trails where leashed dogs are permitted.
3. Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail
Distance: 0.5-mile loop
This short, paved trail near Sugarlands Visitor Center winds through a wooded area with remnants of early settlements.
It’s one of the park’s more accessible walking trails and a convenient stop for visitors entering the Smokies from Gatlinburg.
4. Elkmont Nature Trail
Distance: Approximately 0.8-mile loop
Located near Elkmont Campground, this trail passes through a quiet forest with interpretive signs about the area’s natural environment.
It’s a good choice for visitors who want a short walk before spending more time in the Elkmont area.
5. Kuwohi Observation Tower Trail
Distance: 1 mile round trip
Formerly known as Clingmans Dome, Kuwohi is the highest point in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
A paved path leads from the parking area to the observation tower, where visitors can enjoy panoramic mountain views on clear days.
Although the trail is short, the steep incline makes it more physically demanding than other easy hikes. The access road also closes seasonally.
Moderate Smoky Mountain Hiking Trails
These hikes involve longer distances, uneven terrain, or more elevation gain. They’re good choices for hikers ready to spend a few hours on the trail.
6. Grotto Falls Trail
Distance: Approximately 2.6 miles round trip from the traditional Trillium Gap trailhead
Grotto Falls is one of the most unusual waterfalls in the Smokies because visitors can walk behind the falling water.
The trail passes through a forest filled with rhododendrons and large trees before reaching the waterfall. Expect roots, rocks, and occasional muddy sections.
7. Andrews Bald Trail
Distance: 3.6 miles round trip
Beginning near Kuwohi, the trail to Andrews Bald descends through a high-elevation forest before reaching an open grassy area.
The bald is known for its mountain views and seasonal wildflowers. The return hike includes an uphill climb, so allow time for the trip back.
8. Laurel Falls Trail
Distance: 2.6 miles round trip
Laurel Falls is one of the best-known waterfalls in the Smoky Mountains. The trail leads through a wooded area to an 80-foot waterfall divided into upper and lower sections.
Although portions of the trail are paved, the surface can be uneven and slippery.
Trail update: Laurel Falls Trail is currently closed for rehabilitation, with reopening anticipated in 2027. Check the National Park Service for updates before planning a visit.
9. Alum Cave Trail
Distance: 4.6 miles round trip to Alum Cave Bluffs
Alum Cave Trail is a favorite among hikers because of its variety of scenery. Along the way, you’ll cross streams, pass through Arch Rock, and climb toward the massive overhanging cliffs of Alum Cave Bluffs.
The route becomes steeper after Arch Rock, but the views along the way make it a popular choice for experienced day hikers.
10. Abrams Falls Trail
Distance: 5 miles round trip
Located in Cades Cove, Abrams Falls Trail follows a wooded route alongside Abrams Creek.
The waterfall is only about 20 feet tall, but the large volume of water flowing over the rocks makes it an impressive sight.
The trail includes several uphill sections, and swimming near the falls is dangerous because of strong currents.
11. Porters Creek Trail
Distance: 4 miles round trip to Fern Branch Falls
Porters Creek Trail, located in the Greenbrier area, is especially popular during spring when wildflowers bloom along the forest floor.
The route passes historic stone walls, an old cemetery, and remnants of early settlements before reaching Fern Branch Falls.
It’s a good option for hikers interested in both natural scenery and the area’s past.
12. Little River Trail
Distance: Approximately 4.9 miles round trip to Huskey Branch Falls
Beginning in the Elkmont area, Little River Trail follows an old railroad grade alongside the river.
The route features rushing water, moss-covered rocks, and a forest that becomes especially colorful during spring and fall.
The gradual incline makes this a good option for hikers who want a longer walk without a steep mountain climb.
Difficult Smoky Mountain Hiking Trails
These routes require more endurance and preparation. Expect steep climbs, rocky terrain, and several hours of hiking.
13. Rainbow Falls Trail
Distance: 5.6 miles round trip
Rainbow Falls is an 80-foot waterfall located along the slopes of Mount LeConte.
The trail climbs steadily through the forest, gaining approximately 1,500 feet in elevation before reaching the falls.
On sunny afternoons, the mist can create a rainbow near the base of the waterfall, giving it its name.
14. Chimney Tops Trail
Distance: Approximately 3.5 miles round trip to the current overlook
Chimney Tops Trail is known for its steep climb and dramatic mountain scenery.
The route includes stone steps, stream crossings, and a demanding uphill section. Hikers can enjoy views of the surrounding mountains from the designated overlook.
The original rocky summit remains closed to public access, so visitors should stay within the open trail area.
15. Charlies Bunion Trail
Distance: 8 miles round trip
Beginning at Newfound Gap, this hike follows the Appalachian Trail to a rocky overlook with expansive mountain views.
The route passes through high-elevation forests and includes several climbs along the way.
Charlies Bunion is a popular destination for hikers looking for a longer mountain hike with rewarding scenery.
16. Spence Field via Lead Cove and Bote Mountain Trails
Distance: Approximately 10 miles round trip
Spence Field is a grassy mountain clearing along the Appalachian Trail near the Tennessee and North Carolina border.
The hike climbs through wooded slopes before reaching an open area with views of the surrounding ridges.
Spring and early summer are particularly popular times to visit because of the flowering mountain laurel and other seasonal vegetation.
17. Mount LeConte via Alum Cave Trail
Distance: Approximately 11 miles round trip
The Alum Cave route is one of the most popular ways to reach Mount LeConte, one of the highest peaks in the Smokies.
Hikers pass Arch Rock and Alum Cave Bluffs before continuing along steep mountain slopes toward the summit area.
The hike requires a full day for most visitors, with significant elevation gain and changing weather conditions at higher elevations.
18. Mount LeConte via Rainbow Falls Trail
Distance: Approximately 13.4 miles round trip
This longer route to Mount LeConte begins near Cherokee Orchard and passes Rainbow Falls before continuing toward the summit.
The trail climbs through several forest environments, with increasingly rugged terrain at higher elevations.
It’s a demanding hike best suited for experienced hikers who are comfortable with long distances and sustained elevation gain.
19. Mount Sterling via Baxter Creek Trail
Distance: Approximately 12.4 miles round trip
Baxter Creek Trail begins in the Big Creek area and climbs steeply toward Mount Sterling.
The route gains more than 4,000 feet in elevation, making it one of the more physically demanding hikes in the park.
At the summit, a historic fire tower offers impressive views for visitors comfortable climbing its exposed stairs.
20. Thunderhead Mountain via Rocky Top
Distance: Approximately 13.9 miles round trip
This challenging hike begins at Cades Cove and follows Anthony Creek Trail and Bote Mountain Trail before joining the Appalachian Trail.
Hikers climb toward Rocky Top, a grassy summit with wide views of the surrounding mountains, before continuing toward Thunderhead Mountain.
The distance and elevation gain make this a strenuous outing that requires an early start and plenty of preparation.
Tips for Hiking in the Smoky Mountains
Before heading out, it’s important to prepare for changing conditions. Mountain weather can shift quickly, and even shorter trails may include steep or rocky sections.
- Check trail conditions: Review current closures and weather alerts before leaving.
- Bring water and snacks: Longer hikes may take several hours, especially with frequent stops.
- Wear appropriate footwear: Hiking shoes with good traction are helpful on rocky and uneven trails.
- Start early: Popular trailheads can fill quickly, particularly on weekends.
- Keep your distance from wildlife: Black bears and other animals live throughout the park.
- Plan for parking: Vehicles parked for more than 15 minutes generally require a valid parking tag.
For current conditions and trail information, visit the National Park Service website.
Living Near the Smoky Mountains
For Knoxville residents, the Great Smoky Mountains are close enough for a day trip. You can spend the morning hiking to a waterfall, enjoy lunch in Gatlinburg, or take a scenic drive through the park before heading home.
Having access to so many Smoky Mountain hiking trails is one of the many reasons outdoor enthusiasts enjoy living in East Tennessee.