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:
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:
Hiking in the Smoky Mountains National Park is a fun and free activity. However, it can also require a lot of planning to ensure that you have both a fun and safe time. As you are planning your next hike in the Smoky Mountains National Park, whether it’s the first or the 50th time, here are 4 items you should bring with you to make your hike more enjoyable:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
If you are not up for a strenuous hike but still want to experience the beauty of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, take a stroll along one of the park’s scenic nature trails! These easy self-guided trails were developed by park rangers for visitors of all ages to enjoy the highlights of the park’s natural environment so bring the whole family along for the trek! Here are 4 nature trails in the Smoky Mountains that you need to experience:
There are few things better than taking a few hours to get outside and enjoy a nice hike. Whether you’re hiking up towards a peak with a view or heading towards a hidden waterfall in the woods, you’ll love breathing in the fresh air and stretching your legs. As great as hiking is though, it does come with some risks. Here are 7 hiking safety tips everyone should know:
The Smoky Mountains are known for their beautiful scenery and miles of hiking trails. You may be trying to decide which trails are the best ones to explore while you’re in town and what kind of natural features you want to see along the way. There are several hikes people love to explore again and again, and you’ll want to try them too! Here are 5 of the most popular hiking trails in the Smokies:
Everyone loves to find hidden gems in the Smoky Mountains, and one of the best kept secrets of the national park is Courthouse Rock Trail! From huge natural rock features to a beautiful waterfall, there are all kinds of things to see along this hike! Learn even more about Courthouse Rock Trail, a secret hike in the Smokies you don’t want to miss:
The Alum Cave Trail is one of the most popular hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains because it features stunning views, natural geological markers and a well maintained trail! In fact, if you only have time to take one hike in the Smokies, it is recommended that you experience this trail! Before setting off on your adventure, we have some great information to help make the most of your day! Here are 4 helpful things to know about hiking the Alum Cave Trail:
