Hikers that come to the Smokies love the popular trails, such as Abrams Falls or the Gatlinburg Trail. The whole national park is 522,427 acres, so there is a lot more ground to cover! Want to follow the path less traveled? Read on to learn about new places to explore on your next visit, specifically a few underrated hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains:
1. Curry Mountain Trail
The Curry Mountain Trail is a moderately challenging trail that is located near Gatlinburg TN. The route is 6.5 miles round-trip and takes around 3 hours to complete. Summer is a great time of year to conquer this trail because you can see all sorts of beautiful wildflowers. Examples include flowering rhododendrons and flame azaleas. While they are pleasing to look at, keep in mind that picking the wildflowers in the Smokies is prohibited. This is because we want everyone to see the beautiful views in all their glory! No matter what time of year you come, you’ll love gazing out at the mountain views from the many scenic overlooks.
2. Chestnut Top Trail
Another one of the underrated hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains is the Chestnut Top Trail. The route is best suited for experienced hikers, as it is 8.6 miles round-trip with an elevation gain of 1,486 feet, which typically takes about 4 hours to complete. You'll love coming in the warmer months! See all kinds of wildflowers and take a dip in the Little River at the Townsend Wye after your hike. A swim will be an excellent way to cool off. Be sure to start your hike in the early morning. This way, you can be out in the milder temperatures and you don’t have to worry about running out of daylight. You may even beat some of the crowds as well.
3. The Ace Gap Trail
The Ace Gap Trail is located in the Cades Cove area of the Smokies. It is 10.7 miles round-trip and takes about 5 hours to complete. Use caution on the parts of the trail that are rocky and wet. The scenery includes dogwood and red maple trees. The leaves provide plenty of shade in the spring and boast foliage in the fall. Look out for Bull Cave! One way to reach it is by taking a side trail at the Ace Gap trailhead! It is the largest cave in Cades Cove and the deepest cave in Tennessee at 500 feet from the surface and 2 miles in length. Even though you can’t go inside, the trail will be cool to look at!
4. Cucumber Gap Loop
The Cucumber Gap Loop is located in the Elkmont area of the Smokies. You can reach the trail by parking at the Jakes Creek or Little River trailhead. The route is 5.6 miles round-trip. It takes a little under 3 hours to complete. The loop follows the Little River and you’ll see little waterfalls. Keep an eye out for the resort Cottages that are part of the Elkmont Ghost Town. Hikers may even see some creatures wandering about, such as turkeys, rabbits, and deer. Maintain a distance of at least 150 feet away from them.
Now you know of some underrated hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains! Want to know about even more places to go? Explore our other list of hidden places in the Smoky Mountains you have to find!
