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8 BEST HIKING TRAILS IN THE SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK

Home > Blog> Hikes> 8 Best Hiking Trails in the Smoky Mountains National Park


8 BEST HIKING TRAILS IN THE SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK



October 09, 2023



With over 800 miles worth of hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains National Park,
it’s hard to decide which ones are the best to try! We’ve narrowed down 8 Smoky
Mountain hikes that vary in difficulty, but all have rewarding views to admire
and peaceful walks to enjoy.


1. ROCKY TOP/ THUNDERHEAD MOUNTAIN

The day hike to Thunderhead Mountain, more commonly known as Rocky Top, is not
easy but beautiful and rewarding! Once you hike this trail, you’ll understand
why the Osborne Brothers wished they were on ole Rocky Top! The hike is over 13
miles round trip and gains over 3,600 feet in elevation! Once you’ve hiked 5
miles and reached Spence Field, you’ll go left for another mile and finally
reach Rocky Top! From here, you will be treated to stunning panoramic views of
Smokies! Many even call this view the best view in the Smoky Mountains!


2. MOUNT LECONTE VIA RAINBOW FALLS

Mt. LeConte can be accessed by several trails, but getting to it via Rainbow
Falls is a pretty way to go. The hike to Rainbow Falls is almost 3 miles, and
from there, it’s another 4.2 to Mt. LeConte. Reaching Rainbow Falls is a sweet
treat along the way to Leconte. The 80-foot waterfall is beautiful! The rest of
the climb is peaceful and quiet, perfect if you are looking to enjoy that
one-on-one time with nature. Once you reach Mt. LeConte, you will be on the
third-highest peak in the Smokies and get to take in some breathtaking mountain
views!


3. CHARLIES BUNION

Charlies Bunion is one of the best hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains National
Park. The hike is 8 miles round trip and takes you partially along the
Appalachian Trail. During your trek, you’ll be treated to views of the North
Carolina Smokies and lots of wildflowers during the spring and summer. Along the
trail is a campsite and shelter for campers and a natural spring for water. The
endpoint of Charlies Bunion looks down a valley-like area between Mt. Kephart
and Mt. Guyot and is stunning any time of the year.


4. LAUREL FALLS

The hike to Laurel Falls is very popular since it’s only 2.3 miles round trip
and paved, another great option for the kids! Laurel Falls is a stunning
two-tiered waterfall. Thanks to a footbridge, you can pass from one side of the
waterfall to the other, which also makes for a great photo opportunity!


5. ANDREWS BALD

Andrews Bald is a fantastic, family-friendly hike! This hiking trail in the
Smoky Mountains National Park is only 3.5 miles round trip, and for two-thirds
of the way there, it’s all downhill! Once you reach Andrews Bald, you’ll be
rewarded with great views of the North Carolina Smokies and even Fontana Lake on
clear days. 


6. PORTERS CREEK

The Porters Creek Trail is relatively flat and is 4 miles round trip. This is
one of the easiest hiking trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and
takes you past several historic structures, including the Ownby Cemetery and the
Messer farm. It’s also a great place to see wildflowers in the spring and early
summer.


7. ALUM CAVE

Alum Cave is another popular trail that’s about 3 miles long, but along the way,
you’ll follow along a river, cross up and through a cave, and get to see some
incredible mountain views! Arch Rock is visible after a mile or so, then
Inspiration Point another mile from the trailhead. Finally, you’ll reach Alum
Cave Bluffs, where you can either turn back or continue the steep incline to the
top of Mt. LeConte.


8. GATLINBURG TRAIL

The Gatlinburg Trail is a 1.9-mile scenic walk that travels from the edge of
downtown Gatlinburg to Sugarland Visitor Center in the national park. The trail
is flat and follows the river which you can cross over on a picturesque bridge.
You’ll see beautiful woodlands and even some local wildlife like chipmunks,
turkeys, and maybe even deer!

There’s no better way to experience the natural beauty of the Smokies than
experiencing one of these hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains National Park!
Interested in more hiking information and tips? Take a look at the top hikes in
the Great Smoky Mountains for beginners. Get out there and start exploring!

Related Posts:

 * 7 Best Trails in the Smokies You Probably Don’t Know About
 * Everything You Need to Know About Schoolhouse Gap Trail in the Smokies
 * Is the Roundtop Trail the Least-Traveled Hiking Trail in the Smokies?
 * Hiking Baxter Creek Trail to Mt. Sterling in the Smokies



Recent Post
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About Hiking in the Smoky Mountains

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to 150 official hiking trails.
Visitors can enjoy hiking in the mountains at any point in the year, each season
offering a different experience. Whether you see frozen waterfalls in the winter
or blooming wildflowers in the spring, the one thing that remains the same
throughout the year is that you’re guaranteed to have an incredible journey on
your hike in the Smokies.

Latest Hiking Posts
5 Benefits of Hiking in the Smoky Mountains
Dec 28, 2023
7 Best Trails in the Smokies You Probably Don’t Know About
Dec 21, 2023

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