GSMNP Hiking Trails

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park boasts a diverse array of hiking trails suitable for all skill levels. From leisurely walks to strenuous climbs, the park has something to offer every kind of hiker.

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Here’s a breakdown of top hiking trails by level of difficulty:

Easy:

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers numerous trails that are well-suited for beginners. These trails provide an opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the park without requiring strenuous effort.

Here are 10 easy hikes ideal for those new to hiking:

Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail:

Details
Length: 0.5 miles round trip
Features: Paved, self-guided nature trail with signs explaining natural features.

Laurel Falls Trail:

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Length: 2.3 miles round trip
Features: Paved trail leading to a beautiful 80-foot waterfall. One of the most popular short hikes in the park.

Cataract Falls:

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Length: 0.5 miles round trip from Sugarlands Visitor Center
Features: A short and easy walk to a lovely waterfall.

Kephart Prong Trail:

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Length: 4 miles round trip
Features: Follows a stream with multiple footbridges and leads to the remains of an old CCC camp.

Oconaluftee River Trail:

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Length: 3 miles round trip
Features: Offers views of the Oconaluftee River, is pet-friendly, and has multiple interpretive signs.

Porters Creek Trail:

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Length: 2 miles round trip to Porters Flat
Features: A relatively flat trail passing through a lush forest, alongside a creek, and leading to an open area called Porters Flat.

Metcalf Bottoms Trail:

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Length: 1.2 miles round trip
Features: Leads to the Little Greenbrier School, an old historic schoolhouse.

Look Rock Tower:

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Length: 1 mile round trip
Features: Paved trail leading to an observation tower with panoramic views.

Cove Hardwood Nature Trail:

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Length: 0.75 miles round trip
Features: A self-guided loop through a beautiful hardwood forest, especially stunning during spring wildflower season.

Little Brier Gap Trail:

Details
Length: 2.6 miles round trip
Features: Leads to the historic Walker Sisters’ home, providing a glimpse into the life of the settlers before the park was established.

These trails are well-maintained and marked, but always remember to bring essential items like water, wear appropriate footwear, and let someone know where you’re headed. It’s also always a good idea to check trail conditions and any park alerts before heading out.

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Moderate:

For those who have a bit more hiking experience or are looking for slightly more challenging trails, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a myriad of moderate hikes. These trails often offer stunning vistas, cascading waterfalls, or serene forest settings. Here are 10 moderate hikes to consider:

Alum Cave Bluffs Trail:

Length: 4.4 miles round trip to the bluffs; 11 miles round trip if extended to Mount LeConte’s summit
Features: Archways, interesting geological features, and panoramic views.

Abrams Falls Trail:

Length: 5 miles round trip
Features: Leads to the park’s most voluminous waterfall.

Grotto Falls Trail (Trillium Gap Trail):

Length: 2.6 miles round trip
Features: The trail passes behind the waterfall, offering a unique experience.

Rainbow Falls Trail:

Length: 5.4 miles round trip
Features: A lovely waterfall, with rainbows visible on sunny afternoons.

Middle Prong Trail:

Length: 8.3 miles round trip to Indian Flat Falls
Features: Multiple cascades and historical remnants from the logging era.

Andrews Bald Trail:

Length: 3.6 miles round trip
Features: Hike to a grassy bald with panoramic views of the southern Smokies.

Deep Creek and Indian Creek Loop:

Length: 4.4 miles round trip
Features: Passes three waterfalls – Tom’s Branch Falls, Indian Creek Falls, and Juney Whank Falls.

Baskins Creek Falls Trail:

Length: 3 miles round trip
Features: A serene trail that leads to a 40-foot waterfall.

Little River Trail:

Length: 4.9 miles round trip to backcountry campsite #24
Features: Relatively flat trail following the Little River with cascades and remnants of old settlements.

Hen Wallow Falls Trail (via Gabes Mountain Trail):

Length: 4.4 miles round trip
Features: Leads to a beautiful 90-foot waterfall.

When tackling moderate hikes, ensure you’re adequately prepared. Wear sturdy footwear, bring sufficient water and snacks, and be mindful of the changing weather conditions in the mountains. Also, always check current trail conditions or any park alerts before setting out.

All images and text on timlaytonfineart.com are the © of Timothy P. Layton and Tim Layton & Associates, LLC 2000-2023. Please review the copyright notice.

Strenuous:

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a variety of challenging hikes for those seeking adventure and the rewards of breathtaking views, solitude, or unique natural features. Here are 10 strenuous hikes to consider:

Chimney Tops Trail:

Length: 3.3 miles round trip
Features: Steep ascent leading to panoramic views. Note: After the 2016 fires, the very top is off-limits, but the new observation point still offers great views.

Charlies Bunion via the Appalachian Trail:

Length: 8.1 miles round trip
Features: Rocky outcroppings with sweeping views of the Smokies.

Mount LeConte via Alum Cave Trail:

Length: 10 miles round trip
Features: Passes through Alum Cave Bluffs, with rewarding views from the summit of Mount LeConte.

Mount Cammerer Fire Tower:

Length: 11.1 miles round trip via Low Gap Trail
Features: A historic fire tower on a rocky outcrop with 360-degree views.

The Jumpoff via the Boulevard Trail:

Length: 6.5 miles round trip from the Appalachian Trail junction
Features: Steep trail leading to a rugged, cliff-top viewpoint.

Gregory Bald via Gregory Ridge Trail:

Length: 11.3 miles round trip
Features: Offers spectacular flame azalea blooms in June and panoramic views.

Mount Sterling via Big Creek Trail:

Length: 17.4 miles round trip
Features: Historic fire tower atop Mount Sterling provides vast views.

Ramsey Cascades:

Length: 8 miles round trip
Features: The park’s tallest waterfall amidst old-growth forest.

Rich Mountain Loop:

Length: 8.5 miles round trip
Features: Wildflowers, views of Cades Cove, and the historic John Oliver Cabin.

Horseshoe Mountain Loop:

Length: 18.2 miles loop
Features: A longer loop trail that traverses diverse terrains and offers a more isolated experience.

These strenuous hikes often involve significant elevation changes, technical terrain, or longer distances. Before embarking on any of these trails, ensure you have proper equipment, enough food and water, and adequate physical preparation. Also, start early in the day to ensure you have enough daylight, and always let someone know your plans. As with all hikes, checking current conditions and any alerts specific to the trail or area is crucial.

No matter which trail you choose, ensure you’re prepared. Carry enough water, wear appropriate footwear, check the weather, and tell someone where you’re going. Always remember to pack out what you pack in, preserving the park’s beauty for others. If you’re new to hiking or unfamiliar with the region, starting with an easier trail or joining a guided hike might be the best approach.