800 Miles &
150 Trails of
Pure Nature
Welcome To The Most Comprehensive Smoky Mountains Hiking Website!
HikingintheSmokys.com is the most comprehensive site on the internet for hiking trail information in the Great Smoky Mountains.
We provide detailed information on more than 80 hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including trail descriptions, photographs, key features, difficulty ratings, maps and elevation profiles. Unlike the national trail websites, we've personally hiked every trail covered on this website to give you a consistent overview of each hike. Whether you're looking for an easy stroll near Gatlinburg, or an epic hike deep into the Smokies backcountry, we provide all the tools you'll need to make your hiking trip as enjoyable as possible.
About Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Straddling along the rugged border of Tennessee and North Carolina are the Great Smoky Mountains, one of the oldest mountain ranges in the hiking trail in the Great Smoky Mountains. As a result of its exceptional natural beauty, old-growth forests, diversity of wildlife and plant life, including more than 1500 species of flowering plants, the Smokies were designated as one of the first UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1983.
With more than 800 miles of trails meandering throughout the park, including 71 miles of the Appalachian Trail, the Smokies are also widely recognized as one of the top hiking destinations in the east. To learn more about hiking in the Smokies and what the park has to offer, including our list of the top 10 hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, as well as many other hiking and travel related articles, tips and recommendations, please visit our About GSMNP page.
If planning an overnight stay, be sure to visit our Accommodations page to find a wide variety of lodging options in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Townsend and the North Carolina side of the Smokies.
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From $65
Appalachian Waterfalls
Hours4Group size1-14DifficultyEasyThis is a great trip for those who are looking for an introduction into what the Great Smoky Mountains has to offer, as this hike is designed to focus on some of the local history as we take a leisurely stroll to quiter waterfalls.
- From $70
Charlies Bunion + Appalachian Trail Experience
Hours6Group size1-14DifficultyModerateLocated on a popular section of the Appalachian Trail, this spot is home to some of the most rugged cliffs and ravines in the park. Often trampled by day hikers, Smoky Mountain Guides allow participants to escape to areas where the path is less traveled.
- From $45
The Mountaineers Way
Hours3Group size1-14DifficultyEasyHear the stories of how the first settlers entered this area when the Native Indians were still using the land. This area was a large mountain community. We will have the opportunity to see physical structures used for farming, cemeteries, and beautiful streams along the way.
- From $75
Remote Waterfalls Hike
Hours6Group size1-10DifficultyModerateRide a one-way shuttle to an elevation of over 6,000' where you will escape the crowds of Gatlinburg. You will experience stunning views, creeks, waterfalls, high elevation fauna & flora, on this on-way, mostly downhill stroll.
Guided Hikes
Discover Your Adventure!
Smoky Mountain Guides provides high quality, guided adventures as well as interpretive tours of the Smoky Mountain region and beyond. They are the official partner of HikingInTheSmokys.com and their staff will help as you hand pick the small group tour that will transform your next visit to the Smokies.
Join us nowTop Ten Hikes In The Smoky Mountains
The very best day hikes in order to maximize your time in the Smoky Mountains
#1 Gregory Bald
11.3 Miles Roundtrip
This strenuous hike is 8.8 miles roundtrip and includes 2300 feet of elevation gain and features panoramic views.
#2 Mt. Cammerer
11.1 Miles Roundtrip
This strenuous hike is 11.1 miles roundtrip and includes 3045 feet of elevation gain and features panoramic views and a historical structure.
#3 Rocky Top
13.9 Miles Roundtrip
This strenuous hike is 13.9 miles roundtrip and includes 3655 feet of elevation gain and features panoramic views and Mountain Laurel.
#4 Mount LeConte (via Alum Cave)
11.0 Miles Roundtrip
This strenuous hike is 11.0 miles roundtrip and includes 2763 feet of elevation gain and features panoramic views.
#5 Andrews Bald
3.5 Miles Roundtrip
This moderate hike is 3.5 miles roundtrip and includes 899 feet of elevation gain and features outstanding views.
#6 Abrams Falls
5.2 Miles Roundtrip
This moderate hike is 5.2 miles roundtrip and includes 675 feet of elevation gain and features a beautiful waterfall and streams.
#7 The Jump-Off
6.5 Miles Roundtrip
This moderate hike is 6.5 miles roundtrip and includes 1275 feet of elevation gain and features panoramic views.
#8 Charlies Bunion
8.1 Miles Roundtrip
This strenuous hike is 8.1 miles roundtrip and includes 1640 feet of elevation gain and features panoramic views.
#9 Porters Creek
4.0 Miles Roundtrip
This moderate hike is 4.0 miles roundtrip and includes 699 feet of elevation gain and features waterfalls, wildflowers, streams, and historical structures.
#10 Alum Cave
4.4 Miles Roundtrip
This moderate hike is 4.4 miles roundtrip and includes 1125 feet of elevation gain and features panoramic views.
Honorable Mention: Brushy Mountain (via Trillium Gap Trail)
6.8 Miles Roundtrip
This strenuous hike is 6.8 miles roundtrip and includes 1745 feet of elevation gain and features mountain views, waterfalls, and wildflowers.
Honorable Mention: Chimney Tops
3.3 Miles Roundtrip
This moderate hike is 3.3 miles roundtrip and includes 1487 feet of elevation gain and features panoramic views and a cascading stream.
Honorable Mention: Middle Prong
8.3 Miles Roundtrip
This strenuous hike is 8.3 miles roundtrip and includes 1140 feet of elevation gain and features waterfalls and historical structures.
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