- The Great Smoky Mountains offer 800+ miles of trails for all skill levels.
- Parking tags are required for any vehicle parked 15+ minutes; buy online before you go.
- Easy, moderate, and difficult hikes are detailed with up-to-date trail facts and local tips.
- Seasonal highlights include wildflowers, flame azaleas, and fall foliage.
Did you know the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is America’s most visited national park, drawing over 11.5 million people each year? With more than 800 miles of hiking trails, there’s a perfect path for every family, adventurer, and nature lover. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, wildflowers, or panoramic mountain views, hiking in the Smoky Mountains delivers unforgettable experiences in every season.
The Smokies offer a trail for every age and ability, but planning ahead (especially for parking and seasonal highlights) makes all the difference. Smoky Mountain Outdoors is here to help you make the most of your adventure!
Easy Hiking Trails in the Great Smoky Mountains
Perfect for families with young kids or anyone seeking a gentle stroll, these easy hikes offer big rewards with little effort and showcase the park’s beauty without a big climb:
| Trail Name | Distance (RT) | Elevation Gain | Trailhead Location | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elkmont Nature Trail | 0.8 mi | ~100 ft | Elkmont area, near campground | Wildflowers, historic cabins, quiet forest |
| Fighting Creek Nature Trail | 1.2 mi | Minimal | Sugarlands Visitor Center | 40-ft Cataract Falls, John Ownby Cabin |
| Baskins Creek Falls | 3.0 mi | ~950 ft | Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail | 40-ft two-tiered waterfall, Baskins Cemetery |
Elkmont Nature Trail: A gentle 0.8-mile loop through lush forest, this trail is a wildflower hotspot in spring and offers glimpses of historic cabins from the park’s early days. Trailhead is near Elkmont Campground. Perfect for a peaceful family walk.
Fighting Creek Nature Trail: Starting at the Sugarlands Visitor Center, this path passes the picturesque 40-foot Cataract Falls and leads to the historic John Ownby Cabin. Minimal elevation makes it great for kids.
Baskins Creek Falls: A bit longer at 3.0 miles roundtrip, this trail rewards hikers with a stunning two-tiered, 40-foot waterfall and a visit to Baskins Cemetery. The last section is steep and can be slippery, so use caution.
Moderate Smoky Mountain Hiking Trails: Family-Friendly Adventures
Ready for a bit more challenge? These moderate hikes are great for families with older kids or anyone looking for a half-day adventure:
| Trail Name | Distance (RT) | Elevation Gain | Trailhead Location | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kephart Prong Trail | 4.0 mi | ~830 ft | Newfound Gap Rd near Smokemont | Log footbridges, CCC camp ruins |
| Abrams Falls | 5.0 mi | ~600 ft | Cades Cove Loop Rd | 25-ft waterfall, large pool, salamanders (no swimming) |
| Rainbow Falls | 5.6 mi | ~1,500 ft | Cherokee Orchard Rd near Gatlinburg | 80-ft waterfall (tallest single-drop in GSMNP), option to continue to Mt. LeConte |
Kephart Prong Trail: This 4-mile roundtrip hike features multiple log footbridges and the fascinating remains of a Civilian Conservation Corps camp. The trailhead is on Newfound Gap Road, about 5 miles north of Smokemont.
Abrams Falls: A classic Smokies hike, Abrams Falls is 5 miles roundtrip with a moderate climb. The 25-foot waterfall pours into a deep pool, but swimming is strictly prohibited due to dangerous currents. Look for salamanders along the way!
Rainbow Falls: At 5.6 miles roundtrip and 1,500 feet of elevation gain, Rainbow Falls is a rewarding challenge. The 80-foot waterfall is the tallest single-drop in the park. Adventurous hikers can continue on to Mt. LeConte.
Difficult GSMNP Hiking Trails for the Adventurous
If you’re seeking a challenge and epic views, these difficult hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains are for you. Bring plenty of water, snacks, and a sense of adventure:
| Trail Name | Distance (RT) | Elevation Gain | Trailhead Location | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chimney Tops | 3.5 mi | ~1,400 ft | Newfound Gap Road | Steep stone stairs, overlook (summit closed since 2016 fire) |
| Alum Cave | 4.6 mi to bluffs | ~1,200 ft | Newfound Gap Road | Arch Rock, Inspiration Point, 75-ft Alum Cave Bluffs |
| Gregory Bald | 11.4 mi | ~3,000 ft | Forge Creek Rd, Cades Cove | 4,900-ft grassy bald, flame azaleas (mid-to-late June), panoramic views |
Chimney Tops: This iconic 3.5-mile hike is short but steep, with a dramatic stone staircase leading to a panoramic overlook. The true summit has been closed since the 2016 wildfire, but the overlook still offers breathtaking views.
Alum Cave: A 4.6-mile roundtrip trek to the Alum Cave Bluffs, this trail features the narrow Arch Rock, Inspiration Point, and a massive 75-foot overhang. Continue on for a longer journey to Mt. LeConte if you’re up for it.
Gregory Bald: At 11.4 miles roundtrip and 3,000 feet of elevation gain, Gregory Bald is a true adventure. The summit’s grassy bald explodes with flame azaleas in mid-to-late June, making it a bucket-list hike for wildflower lovers.
Local Tips for Smoky Mountains Tennessee Hiking
- Get your parking tag online: Buy in advance at Recreation.gov to save time. Options are $5 daily, $15 weekly, or $40 annual. See parking tag information from the NPS for full details.
- Arrive early: Trailhead lots fill up fast, especially June–August and late September–early November.
- Have a Plan B: If your first-choice lot is full, know your backup trail.
- Check park alerts and closures: Always check current park alerts and closures before heading out, especially in winter.
- Respect wildlife: Stay at least 50 yards (150 feet) from bears and other wildlife.
More Hiking Recommendations:
- Best hikes during fall in the Smokies:
- Best hikes during winter in the Smokies
- Best hikes during summer in the Smokies
- Best hikes during spring in the Smokies
Q&A: Hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains
Do I need a parking pass for Great Smoky Mountains hiking trails?
Yes, a parking tag is required for any vehicle parked more than 15 minutes anywhere in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Options are $5 daily, $15 weekly, or $40 annual. Purchase your tag online at Recreation.gov or in-person at automated fee machines and visitor centers. Tags are vehicle-specific and not transferable. A parking tag does not guarantee a parking spot; trailhead parking is first-come, first-served.
What is the best time of year to hike in the Great Smoky Mountains?
Spring brings wildflowers and fewer crowds. Summer offers full trail access but peak crowds from June through August. Fall delivers stunning foliage, starting at high elevations above 4,000 feet from late September through mid-October, then moving to lower elevations mid-October through early November. Winter brings quieter trails, but monitor seasonal and weather-related closures
Are the Chimney Tops still open for hiking?
The Chimney Tops Trail is open and still one of the most exciting hikes in the park. However, the iconic twin rock summits have been closed to the public since the devastating November 2016 wildfire due to safety concerns. The trail now ends at a dramatic overlook offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The hike is still absolutely worth doing for the steep stone staircase, the surrounding scenery, and the overlook views.
Ready to Explore? Plan Your Hiking Adventure
From gentle family strolls to epic mountain vistas, you’re ready to make the most of every mile along the best hiking trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park!
For more park facts and inspiration, check out these Great Smoky Mountains National Park facts that might surprise you!
