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Hiking in the Smoky Mountains

Laurel Falls One of the best ways to explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is by going for a hike! Hiking is a popular activity in the Smoky Mountains because of the abundance of trails and variety of gorgeous sights. From historic structures to waterfalls, you can see it all up close when you go for a hike in the Smokies! There are over about 850 miles of hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains, ranging from easy hikes for the whole family to more challenging trails. When deciding where you want to hike in the Smoky Mountains, think about what you want to see. There are trails with waterfalls, gorgeous mountain views, historic structures, old-growth forests and more. All of the hikes have something to offer during each season: wildflowers in the spring and summer, fall foliage and icicles and snow-covered mountains in the winter. We’ve created a guide to some of the most popular hikes in Smoky Mountains below:

Best Kid-Friendly Hiking Trails

Looking for a hike that the whole family can do? You’re in luck! The Smoky Mountains are home to plenty of fun hikes that everyone from the kids to the grandparents will enjoy. Here are the best kid-friendly hiking trails:
  • Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail
  • Gatlinburg Trail
  • Elkmont Nature Trail
  • Cataract Falls

Best Hiking Trails with Views

If a mountain view is what you’re looking for on your hike, there are some trails you don’t want to miss. Here are the best Smoky Mountain hiking trails with views:
  • Andrews Bald
  • Gregory Bald
  • Chimney Tops
  • Alum Cave

Best Hiking Trails with Waterfalls

One of the best sights to see on a hike is a gorgeous waterfall! If you’re hoping to see this feature on your hike, check out the best hiking trails with waterfalls:
  • Laurel Falls
  • Grotto Falls
  • Rainbow Falls
  • Ramsey Cascades

Most Popular Hiking Trails

There are definitely some can’t-miss hikes in the Smoky Mountains. From waterfalls to panoramic mountain views, these trails offer it all. Here are the most popular hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains you have to try:
  • Grotto Falls
  • Laurel Falls
  • Chimney Tops
  • Alum Cave
We’ve named some of the best trails for hiking in the Smoky Mountains, but you can’t go wrong anywhere you choose to hike when you visit!

Hiking Safety Tips

When you go hiking in the Smoky Mountains, there are a few safety tips you need to keep in mind. Here are a few basic hiking safety tips:
  • Don’t hike alone
  • Carry drinking water with you
  • Bring a small first aid kit
  • Check the weather before starting your hike
  • Wear shoes/boots with good ankle support
  • Don’t cross rain-swollen streams
  • Don’t hike at night
  • Carry a flashlight
If you happen to encounter a black bear along your hike, keep these black bear safety tips in mind:
  • Stay at least 50 yards away
  • Don’t run from the bear
  • Remain watchful
  • Slowly increase the distance between you and the bear while keeping your eyes on the bear at all times
If the bear continues to follow you or approach you, do the following:
  • Change your direction
  • Talk loudly/shout at it
  • Act aggressively to intimidate the bear
  • Throw non-food objects at the bear, like a rock

5 Scenic Hiking Trails That Lead to the Summit of Mount LeConte

  • April 28, 2023

One of the most impressive features of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is Mount LeConte, which is beautiful from both a distance and up close! At 6,593 feet, it is the highest peak that is completely within the boundaries of Tennessee and the third-highest peak in the park! If you’re up for a challenging hike where you’ll be rewarded with some spectacular views, there are several wonderful trails that lead to the top! Here are 5 scenic hiking trails that lead to the summit of Mount LeConte:

3 of the Most Challenging Smoky Mountains National Park Hikes

  • April 14, 2023

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to hundreds of hiking trails for all skill levels, including some difficult options for advanced hikers! If you’re up for some strenuous trails that provide a serious workout, you’ll be rewarded with gorgeous wildflowers, stunning views, and maybe even some wildlife along the way! These hikes are all at least 10 miles long, so prepare to spend most of the day exploring these amazing trails! Here are 3 of the most challenging Smoky Mountains National Park hikes:

4 Local Organizations That Offer Guided Hikes in the Smoky Mountains

  • March 25, 2023

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to over 150 hiking trails, which may seem a little intimidating to the first-time visitor! The good news is that several organizations in the area offer guided hikes, allowing you to experience everything from the park’s most popular trails to hidden gems! This is also a fun way for repeat visitors to discover something new! Here are 4 local organizations that offer guided hikes in the Smoky Mountains:

4 of the Best Smoky Mountain Trails for Families with Strollers

  • February 28, 2023

If you want to explore some of the beautiful trails within Great Smoky Mountains National Park and are traveling with children in strollers, you’ll be happy to know that there are several excellent options! This is a fabulous opportunity to get outside among mother nature and discover some of the magnificent sights that make the park so famous! Here are 4 of the best Smoky Mountain trails for families with strollers:

3 Reasons Why Kids Love Hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains

  • January 24, 2023

Are you taking a family vacation to Tennessee or North Carolina and looking for more things to do? If so, you should definitely consider taking a hike in the Great Smoky Mountains! With over 800 miles of hiking trails, there is no shortage of routes to take. Here is a list of 3 reasons why your kids will love hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains:

4 Ways That Hiking in the Smoky Mountains Can Help Reduce Stress

  • October 31, 2022

Sometimes, we all need a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Hiking in the Smoky Mountains is the perfect escape. It will clear your mind when you see the gorgeous views and breathe in the fresh mountain air. Who can be stressed when you’re surrounded by all that the Smokies have to offer? Here are 4 ways that hiking in the Smoky Mountains can help reduce stress:

3 Reasons to Explore Grotto Falls in the Smoky Mountains

  • September 22, 2022

Make the most of your Smoky Mountain vacation with an exciting expedition in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Grotto Falls offers an opportunity for visitors to enjoy a blood-pumping scenic hike while also taking the chance to see a beautiful Smoky Mountain waterfall! Here are 3 reasons to explore Grotto Falls in the Smoky Mountains:

5 Smoky Mountain Hiking Trails You Have to Try

  • August 11, 2022

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is chock-full of biodiverse hiking trails that allow visitors to take in scenery unmatched in its beauty! Lace up your hiking boots, get the blood pumping and enjoy some of the best nature has to offer in the more than 800 square miles that make up the national park! Here are 5 Smoky Mountain hiking trails you have to try:

4 Hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains That are Perfect for Summer

  • June 30, 2022

If you’re planning to hit the hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains this summer, there are several excellent trails that offer waterfalls, creeks and other great ways to keep cool! Whether you want to hike just a few miles or spend an entire day exploring the Smokies, we have the perfect trail for you! Just remember to wear comfortable clothing and pack your good hiking shoes because we guarantee you’ll get wet! Here are 4 hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains that are perfect for summer:

Top 3 Places to Find Smoky Mountain Trail Maps for Your Hiking Adventures

  • April 29, 2022

So you’re all geared up for a day of hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but now the big question - where to go?! After all, there are more than 850 hiking trails in the Smokies with varying degrees of difficulty! The good news is that there are several places where you can go to research the maps and discover what might appeal to you, whether it be a waterfall hike or a trek to see some of the park’s interesting historical buildings! Here are the top 3 places to find Smoky Mountain trail maps for your hiking adventures:

4 Secret Hiking Trails in the Smoky Mountains You’ll Want to Explore

  • April 27, 2022

With over 850 miles of hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains, you’ll find a ton of places to explore, and these are just the trails on the official park map! Of course, there are some unofficial trails that aren’t documented on the park map, but that doesn’t mean you can’t hike them! Check out these 4 secret hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains you’ll want to explore:

Top 4 Wildflower Hikes in the Smoky Mountains to Experience This Spring

  • February 20, 2022

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is renowned for its beautiful spring wildflowers and the best way to see these natural wonders is with a hike through the park! While you can spot the wildflowers virtually anywhere throughout the park during the spring months, there are several trails that offer an extra abundance of these spectacular flowering plants! Here are the top 4 wildflower hikes in the Smoky Mountains to experience this spring:

Top 4 Smoky Mountain Trails for Experienced Hikers

  • February 10, 2022

If you have mastered all the beginning level hikes in the Smokies and are looking for more of a challenge, there are plenty of trails that will cause you to break a sweat. The good news is that some of the most difficult trails also come with the most rewarding sights and views. Do you think you are up to the test? Check out these 4 Smoky Mountain trails for experienced hikers:

Top 4 Local Places to Gear Up for Hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains

  • January 14, 2022

If you plan on doing some hiking during your Smoky Mountain vacation and need to gear up before hitting the trails, you can find several fantastic outfitters in Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg! Whether you forgot a couple of items at home or want to see some of the latest products on the market, make one of these stores the first stop on your trip! Here are the top 4 local places to gear up for hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains:

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Smoky Mountain National Park
About the Smoky Mountains

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States! It has some of the best hiking, fishing and wildlife viewing you'll find in the U.S. We're sharing the inside scoop with you so you can plan your next trip to the Smokies.

 

 

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