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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 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:

Top 4 Hikes in the Smoky Mountains for Photographers

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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:

Top 6 Smoky Mountain Hiking Trails With Incredible Waterfalls

  • February 24, 2020

The Great Smoky Mountains have some of the most beautiful natural features in the world. A common feature people want to see in the national park is a waterfall. There are quite a few that are worth hiking to, and we want to share them with you! Check out these top 6 Smoky Mountain hiking trails with incredible waterfalls:

5 Important Tips for Hiking in the Smoky Mountains During the Winter

  • December 16, 2019

The winter season can be one of the best times to explore the hiking trails at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! During the winter, you don’t have to worry about applying bug spray or sharing popular trails with lots of other visitors. The winter also offers the unique opportunity to experience views that normally don’t appear when leaves are on the trails, as well as the chance to spot some critter tracks in the snow! Before heading out on that hike, check out these 5 important tips for hiking in the Smoky Mountains during the winter:

4 Reasons Why You’ll Want to Go on A Smoky Mountain Llama Trek

  • May 2, 2019

Do you want to try something cool and unique while you’re in the Smoky Mountains? If experiences that are unlike any other pique your interest, you’ll definitely have to check out the Smoky Mountain Llama Trek! Groups of people hike with llamas on trails in the Smoky Mountains for day hikes or overnight hikes. Don’t hesitate to check out these 4 reasons why you’ll want to go on a Smoky Mountain Llama Trek:

4 Essential Safety Tips for Winter Hiking in Smoky Mountain National Park

  • November 13, 2018

While there may be some snow and icy patches on the trails in Smoky Mountains National Park during the winter months, it is a wonderful time for a scenic hike! There are not only far fewer crowds than the summer season, but the gorgeous winter landscape is simply breathtaking! If you do decide to head out for a winter hike, there are several preparations that you should keep in mind. Here are 4 essential safety tips for winter hiking in Smoky Mountain National Park:

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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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