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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

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:

4 Nature Trails in the Smoky Mountains That You Need to Experience

  • November 20, 2021

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:

7 Hiking Safety Tips Everyone Should Know

  • November 8, 2021

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:

5 of the Most Popular Hiking Trails in the Smokies

  • November 3, 2021

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:

Courthouse Rock Trail: A Secret Hiking Trail in the Smokies You Can’t Miss

  • October 13, 2021

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:

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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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:

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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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