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Hiking in the Smoky Mountains

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

Top 4 Helpful Things to Know About Hiking the Alum Cave Trail

Date: October 7, 2021

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:

Top 5 Secret Spots on Hiking Trails in the Great Smoky Mountains

Date: August 10, 2021

There’s nothing more exciting than finding cool places that are off the beaten path! That’s why we want to share some of the secret spots in the Smokies you’ll want to try to find while you’re visiting! From caves to secret tunnels, there are all kinds of unique places you’ll want to explore! Here are the top 5 secret spots on hiking trails in the Great Smoky Mountains:

4 Best Family Hiking Trails in the Smoky Mountains to Try

Date: July 28, 2021

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a beautiful place to explore! From mountain views and waterfalls to peaceful walks in the woods, there’s a lot to see. It makes for a great bonding experience to explore the park with other people. So whether you are visiting with your older parents or small children who like to walk, we’ve made a list of the best family hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains to try:

Top 4 Hikes in the Smoky Mountains for Photographers

Date: July 1, 2021

One of the best ways to capture memories of your vacation is with photography. When you visit the Smoky Mountains, you will encounter some of the best views that are available. But, if you want to mix in some good exercise while you are vacationing, you might want to check out some of the hiking trails that have perfect photography spots along the way. Here are 4 of the best hikes in the Smoky Mountains for photographers:

Top 4 Ways to Beat the Heat for Summer Hiking in the Smoky Mountains

Date: May 21, 2021

The summer months are a wonderful time to explore all of the scenic trails throughout the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! You will find longer days of sunshine, plenty of available trail options, and fantastic weather! It is warm and sunny during the day, and old-growth forests provide shade on especially hot days! If you do happen to experience a heat wave while you are in the Smokies, there are plenty of ways to keep cool! Here are the top 4 ways to beat the heat for summer hiking in the Smoky Mountains:

Top 5 Easy Smoky Mountain Hikes

Date: January 26, 2021

There are lots of reasons you may be looking for an easy Smoky Mountain hike. Maybe you’re traveling with young kids, or you have a busy day planned and want to squeeze a hike in! Whatever the reason, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has plenty of hikes that aren’t too challenging and won’t take all day to complete. Here are the top 5 easy Smoky Mountain hikes:

4 Clothing and Gear Tips for a Winter Hike in the Smokies

Date: December 21, 2020

The winter is a wonderful time of year to hike the trails at Great Smoky Mountains National Park because the scenery is breathtaking and there are generally fewer crowds on the trails! While the temperatures are generally moderate throughout the winter season in the Smokies, you can still experience freezing temperatures and snow. Therefore, it is important to know how to dress and what you should bring for your winter hiking adventure. Here are 4 clothing and gear tips for a winter hike in the Smokies:

6 Challenging Trails For Hiking in the Smoky Mountains with Incredible Views

Date: October 8, 2020

There’s nothing more breathtaking than looking out at sweeping views of the mountains. A great way to appreciate the area is to go hiking in the Smoky Mountains. If you are looking for a challenging trip that has amazing views, look no further. Here are 6 challenging trails for hiking in the Smoky Mountains with incredible views:

6 Kid Friendly Smoky Mountain Hiking Trails

Date: August 20, 2020

Your whole family will enjoy spending time together in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The most popular activity families enjoy doing together is going for a hike. We want to share some of the best kid friendly Smoky Mountain hiking trails your whole family will enjoy, no matter what age they are. Here are 6 Smoky Mountain hiking trails that are kid friendly:

Top 4 Hiking Trails in the Smoky Mountains With Mountain Views

Date: March 12, 2020

If you want to explore the Smokies and see gorgeous mountain views, you should hike on the trails! There are quite a few trails where you will see views of the mountains, but the ones we are going to share with you will blow you away. Check out these top 4 hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains with mountain views:

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