- Explore waterfalls, mountain views, and family-friendly trails near Gatlinburg, Hartford, and the NC side.
- Pair your hike with a thrilling Pigeon River white water rafting trip from Smoky Mountain Outdoors.
- Find trail comparisons, local tips, and answers to your top hiking questions.
Ready for Adventure? The Smokies Are Calling!
There’s nothing better than being outdoors in the Smokies during the summer! Did you know the area has over 850 miles of hiking trails? Explore hidden waterfalls, see wildlife, and take in the panoramic views!
Imagine starting your day with a splash, rafting the Pigeon River with Smoky Mountain Outdoors, then cooling off in a mountain swimming hole or standing atop the park’s highest peak by afternoon. It’s the perfect way to experience the best of the Smokies in one unforgettable day.
Best Great Smoky Mountains National Park Trails: Top 5 for Summer
Whether you’re searching for hiking near Gatlinburg TN, or looking for a family-friendly hike on the North Carolina side, these trails in the Smoky Mountains offer something for everyone. Let’s dive in!
1. Big Creek Trail: Closest to SMO Rafting Outpost
Distance: 4.2 miles roundtrip
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Highlights: Mouse Creek Falls (45-ft waterfall), Midnight Hole (swimming spot), lush creekside scenery
Big Creek Trail is a hidden gem on the North Carolina side of the Smokies, just a short drive from the Smoky Mountain Outdoors rafting outpost in Hartford TN. The trail follows a gentle path along Big Creek, making it perfect for cooling off on hot summer days. At the halfway point, you’ll reach Mouse Creek Falls, a stunning 45-foot cascade. On your way back, don’t miss Midnight Hole, a deep, clear swimming hole beneath a small waterfall. It’s a favorite spot for families and adventure seekers alike.
Key Takeaway: Big Creek Trail is ideal for pairing with a rafting trip from SMO. Enjoy waterfalls, swimming, and easy access from Hartford and the NC side.
2. Kuwohi: The Tallest Point in the Smokies
Distance: 1 mile roundtrip (paved, steep)
Difficulty: Moderate (short but steep)
Highlights: 6,643-ft summit, 360-degree views, visitor center, access to Andrews Bald and the Appalachian Trail
Kuwohi is the highest point in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The paved trail to the observation tower is only half a mile each way, but it’s a steep climb. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree views; on a clear day, you can see for miles across Tennessee and North Carolina. Facilities at the base include restrooms and a visitor center, making this a great stop for families or anyone wanting a big payoff for a short hike.
Key Takeaway: Kuwohi offers unbeatable views and easy access from Gatlinburg. It’s a must-see for first-time visitors and seasoned hikers alike.
3. Chimney Tops: A Steep Climb with Big Rewards
Distance: 3.3 miles roundtrip
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Highlights: Nearly 1,500 feet elevation gain, hundreds of stone steps, panoramic mountain vistas
Chimney Tops is one of the most popular hiking trails in the Smokies, and for good reason. The trail is short but steep, climbing nearly 1,500 feet in just over 1.5 miles. You’ll tackle hundreds of stone steps before reaching the summit, where you’ll be treated to some of the most dramatic views in the park. This hike is perfect for those looking for a challenge and a photo-worthy finish.
Key Takeaway: Chimney Tops is a favorite for hikers visiting the national park. The climb is tough, but the views are unforgettable, perfect for adventure seekers.
4. Ramsey Cascades: The Tallest Waterfall Hike in the Smokies
Distance: 8 miles roundtrip
Difficulty: Strenuous
Highlights: 100-ft waterfall, over 2,000 feet elevation gain, wildflowers, salamanders
If you’re searching for the tallest waterfall in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Ramsey Cascades is your trail. This challenging hike gains more than 2,000 feet in elevation over four miles, ending at a spectacular 100-foot waterfall that tumbles over several tiers. The last two miles wind through an old-growth forest filled with wildflowers and, in summer, you might spot salamanders in the pool at the base of the falls. Bring plenty of water and a camera; this is a bucket-list hike!
Key Takeaway: Ramsey Cascades is the ultimate waterfall adventure near Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Combine it with a rafting trip from SMO for a full day of thrills.
5. Porters Creek Trail: Family-Friendly Hiking Near Gatlinburg
Distance: 4 miles roundtrip
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: Fern Branch Falls (40-ft waterfall), historic sites, wildflowers, rushing streams
Porters Creek Trail is one of the best family-friendly hikes in the Smokies. The first mile is a gentle gravel road along the creek, passing historic sites and wildflower meadows. After about two miles, you’ll reach Fern Branch Falls, a beautiful 40-foot cascade. The thick canopy and rushing streams make this trail cool and inviting, even on hot summer days.
Key Takeaway: Porters Creek Trail is perfect for families and history buffs. It’s close to Gatlinburg and pairs well with a rafting trip from Smoky Mountain Outdoors.
Quick Recap: Best Summer Hiking Trails in the Smokies
| Trail Name | Distance (RT) | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big Creek Trail | 4.2 mi | Easy/Moderate | Mouse Creek Falls, Midnight Hole, swimming |
| Kuwohi | 1 mi | Moderate (steep) | Highest point, 360° views, visitor center |
| Chimney Tops | 3.3 mi | Moderate/Strenuous | 1,500 ft climb, stone steps, mountain views |
| Ramsey Cascades | 8 mi | Strenuous | 100-ft waterfall, wildflowers, old forest |
| Porters Creek Trail | 4 mi | Easy | Fern Branch Falls, history, wildflowers |
Looking for more GSMNP hiking trails for summer? Check out these Smoky Mountain waterfalls!
Q&A: Your Top Smoky Mountain Hiking Questions Answered
What is the best family-friendly hike near Gatlinburg?
Porters Creek Trail is the top pick for families. It’s easy, scenic, and packed with history and wildflowers. The gentle path and waterfall make it a hit with kids and adults alike. Plus, it’s just a short drive from Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, perfect for pairing with a rafting trip on the Pigeon River.
What is the tallest waterfall hike in the Smokies?
Ramsey Cascades is the tallest waterfall in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, dropping about 100 feet over several tiers. The hike is challenging but rewarding, with wildflowers and old-growth forest along the way. If you love waterfalls and want a true adventure, this is the trail for you.
How do I combine rafting and hiking in the Smokies?
It’s easy! Start your day with a morning hike to beat the crowds, then enjoy an afternoon of Smoky Mountain rafting on the Pigeon River with Smoky Mountain Outdoors in Hartford to beat the heat. This combo lets you experience the best of both worlds, thrilling rapids and peaceful mountain scenery, all in one day.
Plan Your Summer Adventure: Hiking + Rafting with SMO
Ready to make the most of your summer in the Smokies? Explore one of the top trails for hiking in the Smokies, then enjoy a Pigeon River white water rafting trip for an unforgettable day. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, climbing peaks, or splashing in swimming holes, the Smokies have something for everyone.
Book your Pigeon River rafting adventure today with Smoky Mountain Outdoors!
