10 Best Smoky Mountain Hikes for Every Skill Level
From easy waterfall walks to challenging mountain vistas, discover the perfect trail for your Great Smoky Mountains adventure.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site straddling the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, is a hiker's paradise. With over 800 miles of maintained trails, it offers an incredible diversity of experiences, from gentle, family-friendly strolls along cascading streams to strenuous, all-day treks leading to panoramic summits. Choosing the right trail can be the key to an unforgettable visit.
To help you plan your adventure, we've curated a list of the 10 best Smoky Mountain hikes, catering to every fitness level and interest. Whether you're seeking out the park's famous waterfalls, hoping for a glimpse of spring wildflowers, or chasing 360-degree views from a grassy bald, this guide will point you in the right direction. Lace up your boots and get ready to explore the timeless beauty of the Smokies.
1. Laurel Falls Trail
As one of the most popular trails in the Great Smoky Mountains, the Laurel Falls Trail is a must-do for first-time visitors and families. What makes this trail so accessible is that it is one of the few paved paths in the park, making it manageable for strollers and those who prefer a less rugged surface. The trail is a gentle 2.6-mile roundtrip journey that rewards hikers with a spectacular 80-foot, two-tiered waterfall. The upper and lower sections of the falls are connected by a walkway, allowing you to get an up-close view and feel the cool mist.
The trail is named for the mountain laurel, an evergreen shrub that blooms with beautiful white and pink flowers in May, adding a splash of color to the lush forest. Due to its popularity, the parking area at the trailhead fills up very quickly, especially during peak season and on weekends. Its accessibility and stunning payoff make it a perennial favorite and one of Gatlinburg's most rewarding easy hikes.
Insider Tip: To avoid the biggest crowds, plan to hike this trail early in the morning on a weekday. The soft morning light also makes for the best photographs of the falls.
2. Alum Cave Trail
For those seeking a more challenging and scenic adventure, the Alum Cave Trail is a quintessential Smoky Mountain experience. While the full trail continues for 11 miles to the summit of Mount LeConte, the 4.4-mile roundtrip hike to Alum Cave itself is a fantastic and rewarding objective. The trail follows Alum Cave Creek before ascending through Arch Rock, a natural stone archway that is a landmark in its own right.
The destination, Alum Cave, is not a true cave but a massive, concave bluff that offers a dramatic resting spot. In the summer, water drips from the overhangs, and in the winter, these drips form spectacular icicles. The trail is a steady climb with some rocky sections, offering incredible views as you gain elevation, making it one of the best hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains for those ready for a rewarding climb.
Insider Tip: The trail can be slippery when wet, especially on the rockier portions. Wear sturdy hiking boots with good traction. The final push to the bluff is the steepest part of this section.
3. Chimney Tops Trail
Short, steep, and incredibly scenic, the Chimney Tops Trail is a favorite among hikers looking for a big payoff without an all-day commitment. Though the trail is only 4 miles roundtrip, it gains nearly 1,400 feet in elevation, making it a strenuous workout. The trail involves numerous switchbacks and stone steps as it climbs relentlessly towards the summit.
The final approach to the pinnacles involves a challenging rock scramble that is not for the faint of heart. While a viewing platform now marks the official end of the maintained trail just before the final scramble, the views from this point are still breathtaking, offering a near-360-degree panorama of the surrounding mountains, including a commanding view of Mount LeConte. This is a thrilling hike for experienced adventurers.
Insider Tip: This is another extremely popular trail. The parking lot is often full by mid-morning. Consider using the Gatlinburg Trolley during its operational season to reach the trailhead without parking hassles.
4. Andrews Bald Trail
Experience one of the Smokies' famous grassy balds on the Andrews Bald Trail. Starting from the Clingmans Dome parking area-the highest point in the national park-this 3.6-mile roundtrip hike is mostly downhill on the way out and uphill on the way back. The trail descends through a beautiful, high-elevation spruce-fir forest, which feels like a different world from the lower valleys.
The destination is Andrews Bald, a large, open meadow that offers spectacular, wide-open views of the southern Smokies. It's the perfect spot for a picnic, with plenty of space to spread out and soak in the sun and scenery. In mid-to-late June, the bald is covered in blooming flame azaleas and rhododendron, creating a stunning display of fiery color.
Insider Tip: The weather at Clingmans Dome can be significantly colder and windier than in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge. Always bring extra layers, even on a warm day.
5. Porters Creek Trail
Located in the quiet and historic Greenbrier section of the park, the Porters Creek Trail is arguably the best wildflower hike in the Great Smoky Mountains. For the first mile, the trail is a wide, gravel road that follows the rushing Porters Creek. It passes by remnants of old homesteads, including stone walls and a historic farmstead, offering a glimpse into the area's past.
In the spring, particularly from late March through April, the forest floor comes alive with one of the most spectacular displays of wildflowers in North America. You can expect to see a dense carpet of fringed phacelia, trillium, and many other varieties. The trail eventually narrows, and about 2 miles in, you can find the beautiful Fern Branch Falls. The 4-mile roundtrip hike to the falls and back is a delightful journey through history and nature.
Insider Tip: The Greenbrier area is a bit more off the beaten path than the main parkway. The road into the trailhead is narrow and winding, so drive with care. The reward is a less crowded hiking experience.
6. Abrams Falls Trail
Don't let its modest 20-foot height fool you; Abrams Falls is the most voluminous waterfall in the park, creating a powerful cascade and a large, picturesque pool. The Abrams Falls Trail, located off the popular Cades Cove Loop Road, is a 5-mile roundtrip hike of moderate difficulty. The trail winds through a beautiful pine-oak forest along Abrams Creek, with several small ascents and descents.
The trail itself is scenic, but the destination is the true highlight. The sheer force of the water plunging into the deep pool is an impressive sight. While the pool is inviting, swimming is extremely dangerous and prohibited due to strong currents and undertows. This is a classic waterfall hike in Tennessee that perfectly captures the beauty of the Cades Cove area.
Insider Tip: Because the trailhead is about halfway around the one-way Cades Cove Loop, plan for significant travel time. It's best to start this hike early to avoid both trail and road traffic.
7. Charlies Bunion Trail
For a strenuous hike with a truly epic payoff, head to Charlies Bunion. This 8-mile roundtrip hike begins at the Newfound Gap parking lot and follows the iconic Appalachian Trail (AT) eastbound. The trail traverses a high-elevation ridge, offering spectacular and continuous views to the north and south as you walk.
The destination is a dramatic, sheer rock outcrop that juts out from the mountainside, providing a thrilling perch to take in the vast, layered mountain landscape. The destination is a dramatic, sheer rock outcrop that juts out from the mountainside, providing a thrilling perch to take in the vast, layered mountain landscape. Its peculiar name, a story in itself, was bestowed by the writer Horace Kephart in honor of a fellow hiker's foot ailment. This hike offers a genuine taste of the ruggedness and grandeur of the Appalachian Trail and is a must for serious hikers.is hike offers a genuine taste of the ruggedness and grandeur of the Appalachian Trail and is a must for serious hikers.
Insider Tip: As this hike follows an exposed ridge, it can be very windy and cold. Check the weather forecast for Newfound Gap, not just Gatlinburg, and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions.
8. Ramsey Cascades Trail
The challenging trek to Ramsey Cascades leads to the tallest waterfall in the national park, a magnificent 100-foot drop over a series of rocky ledges. This strenuous 8-mile roundtrip hike is for experienced hikers only, as it involves a significant elevation gain of over 2,200 feet and rugged, uneven terrain, especially in the last mile.
The trail follows the Ramsey Prong of the Little Pigeon River and passes through one of the largest old-growth forests in the park, with giant tulip poplars, basswoods, and yellow birches towering overhead. The final reward is the breathtaking cascade itself, a powerful and awe-inspiring sight deep within the wilderness. This is a premier waterfall hike in Tennessee for those up for a serious challenge.
Insider Tip: This is an all-day hike. Start early, pack plenty of water and food, and wear sturdy, broken-in hiking boots. The rocks around the waterfall are extremely slippery; do not attempt to climb them.
9. Hen Wallow Falls Trail
If you're looking for a beautiful waterfall hike near Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg that is often less crowded, the Hen Wallow Falls Trail is an excellent choice. Located in the Cosby area, this moderate 4.4-mile roundtrip hike descends to a lovely 90-foot waterfall that fans out as it tumbles down the rock face.
The trail winds through a beautiful hemlock and rhododendron forest. The hike is mostly downhill on the way to the falls, which means you'll have a steady uphill climb on the way back. The falls are particularly impressive after a good rain. It's a peaceful and rewarding hike away from the main tourist hubs.
Insider Tip: The base of the falls is a great spot to look for salamanders, a signature creature of the Smokies. Look carefully among the wet rocks.
10. Cataract Falls
For the easiest and most accessible waterfall hike on our list, look no further than Cataract Falls. This is the perfect leg-stretcher for families with small children or anyone looking for a quick dose of nature without a major time commitment. The trailhead is conveniently located just behind the Sugarlands Visitor Center, a few miles from downtown Gatlinburg.
The flat, 0.3-mile trail follows a gentle stream to the charming 25-foot waterfall. It's a delightful walk through the woods that proves you don't have to go far to find beauty in the Smokies. It's a delightful walk through the woods that proves you don't have to venture far to find the Smokies' signature beauty, making it a perfect introduction to the park's trail system for visitors of all ages.
Insider Tip: While at the Sugarlands Visitor Center, take some time to explore the free museum and talk to a park ranger to get the latest trail conditions and park information.
Trail Safety and What to Bring
No matter which Smoky Mountain hike you choose, preparation is key. Weather can change rapidly, and cell service is unreliable in most of the park. Always tell someone your hiking plan.
- Footwear: Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes. For moderate to strenuous hikes, hiking boots with ankle support are highly recommended.
- Water: Bring more water than you think you'll need. A good rule of thumb is at least one liter per person for every two hours of hiking.
- Layers: Dress in layers and always pack a rain jacket, as mountain weather is unpredictable.
- Navigation: Don't rely on your phone. Pick up a trail map from a visitor center before you head out.
- Wildlife: You are a visitor in the home of black bears and other wildlife. Never feed animals and know the basics of wildlife safety. Keep a safe distance at all times.
Where to Stay
After a long day on the trails, you'll need a comfortable place to rest and recover. Our cabins in and around Gatlinburg and Townsend provide the perfect basecamp for your hiking adventures. For easy access to trails near the heart of the action, consider a cabin in Chalet Village or Cobbly Nob. The beautiful resort community of Gatlinburg Falls is another fantastic option close to town. For a quieter retreat with access to the Cades Cove and Cosby areas, look for a stay in Laurel Valley near Townsend.