5 Must-Explore Trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Discover The Trails)

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, straddling the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, is a hiker’s paradise. With over 800 miles of trails winding through verdant forests, past cascading waterfalls, and up to stunning mountain vistas, it’s no wonder this park is one of the most visited in the country. Whether you’re an experienced trekker seeking a challenge or a beginner looking for a scenic stroll, the Smokies offer something for everyone.

In the fall, the park’s vibrant foliage creates a breathtaking canvas of reds, oranges, and yellows, making it an ideal time to explore the trails. The cooler temperatures are perfect for hiking, and the crisp air invites you to embark on an unforgettable outdoor adventure. But with so many trails to choose from, where do you begin?

We’ve narrowed it down to five must-explore trails that capture the beauty, diversity, and wonder of the Smoky Mountains. From panoramic summit views to serene waterfalls and peaceful meadows, each trail offers a unique glimpse into the natural splendor that defines this iconic park. Whether you’re chasing the perfect view, seeking solitude in the wilderness, or looking for a family-friendly hike, these trails are sure to provide a memorable experience.

So, lace up your hiking boots, grab your gear, and get ready to Discover the Trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Here are five trails you won’t want to miss.

Alum Cave Trail

The Alum Cave Trail is an iconic and well-traveled path in the Great Smoky Mountains, offering hikers stunning views, unique geological formations, and an opportunity to experience one of the park’s most sought-after peaks—Mount LeConte. Starting from the Alum Cave Bluffs Trailhead, this hike begins by following a creek through a lush, shady forest of hemlocks, rhododendrons, and mountain laurel. Early in the hike, you’ll cross over a few footbridges and meander along Alum Cave Creek and the beautiful Styx Branch. The sound of the rushing water is serene, setting the tone for an enchanting journey through the Smokies.

As you continue upward, you’ll encounter Arch Rock, a massive natural arch carved out of Anakeesta rock. The trail passes through the rock via stone steps, making for a picturesque moment. The climb intensifies as you approach Inspiration Point, a stopping place for taking in the vast mountain vistas. Soon after, you’ll arrive at the Alum Cave Bluffs, an overhanging bluff formed by erosion. It’s the halfway point and a popular resting spot for hikers to admire the view and refuel.

From the bluffs, adventurous hikers can continue another 5 miles to the summit of Mount LeConte, the third-highest peak in the Smokies, where a lodge awaits those who reserve a cabin. For a shorter hike, you can turn around at Alum Cave Bluffs and still have experienced a rewarding, moderately challenging trek with unforgettable scenery.

Distance: 5 miles round trip (to Alum Cave Bluffs), 11 miles round trip (to Mount LeConte)

Elevation gain: 1,125 feet to Alum Cave Bluffs, 2,763 feet to Mount LeConte

Difficulty: Moderate

Pet friendly: No

Highlights

The Alum Cave Trail boasts a variety of highlights, making it one of the most popular hikes in the Smokies. The towering Arch Rock is a unique natural formation you can walk through, while Inspiration Point offers awe-inspiring views of the Smokies’ rolling peaks. The Alum Cave Bluffs are a true geological wonder, providing shelter under a massive overhanging rock formation. For those who continue on to Mount LeConte, the reward is unparalleled—stunning views of the Smokies from above the clouds and the opportunity to explore the rustic LeConte Lodge.

Laurel Falls Trail

The Laurel Falls Trail is a must-see for those visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park, particularly for hikers looking for a short, accessible, yet highly rewarding hike. Named after the mountain laurel shrub, which blooms in late spring and early summer, the trail offers visitors the chance to experience one of the park’s most picturesque waterfalls. The trailhead is conveniently located off Little River Road, making it a popular choice for families and beginner hikers. With its moderate elevation gain and well-paved path, this hike is ideal for those looking to enjoy the beauty of the Smokies without an arduous trek.

As you begin your ascent, you’ll notice the surrounding forest rich with deciduous trees and rhododendron. Along the trail, there are occasional glimpses of the stunning mountain vistas, but the main attraction is the waterfall. At 1.3 miles, you’ll reach Laurel Falls, a beautiful two-tiered waterfall that cascades 80 feet into the gorge below. The waterfall is named after the mountain laurel plants that bloom along the trail in late May, adding to the beauty of the hike during the warmer months.

The path can get crowded, especially during peak seasons, so it’s recommended to visit early in the day or later in the evening. The falls offer a perfect spot for taking a break, enjoying a snack, or snapping some photos of the cascading water as it flows over the rocks. The trail is ideal for children, as it doesn’t present too many challenges, but caution is advised near the waterfall’s slippery rocks.

Distance: 2.6 miles round trip

Elevation gain: 314 feet

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Pet friendly: No

Highlights

The Laurel Falls Trail provides a quick and accessible way to witness the beauty of one of the park’s most beloved waterfalls. The highlight of the hike is undoubtedly Laurel Falls itself—a stunning 80-foot, two-tiered waterfall that flows year-round. The paved path and relatively easy hike make it an ideal choice for families, and the waterfall’s gentle roar offers a peaceful and picturesque reward. Be sure to take in the surrounding views of the mountains as you head back, providing an added bonus to this short but rewarding trail.

Chimney Tops Trail

The Chimney Tops Trail is one of the more challenging hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offering hikers a steep climb and an unforgettable payoff in the form of breathtaking summit views. This trail is perfect for those who want a short but intense hike with a mix of forested areas, creek crossings, and dramatic vistas. Located just off Newfound Gap Road, the Chimney Tops Trailhead is easy to find, and though the hike is only 4 miles round trip, it packs a punch with its elevation gain.

Starting out, the trail winds through a forest of hardwood trees and over Walker Camp Prong, crossing several footbridges. The first section is relatively easy, following the creek as it cascades over rocks. However, about halfway up, the trail begins to climb steeply. The elevation gain of over 1,400 feet is condensed into the second mile, and hikers will find themselves navigating stone steps and switchbacks as they ascend.

Although the Chimney Tops Trail once allowed hikers to scramble to the top of its twin peaks, the final section is now closed due to fire damage from 2016. However, the viewing platform just below the peaks still offers magnificent 360-degree views of the Smoky Mountains. The trail is often crowded, especially on weekends, but the strenuous climb and panoramic views make it worth the effort.

Distance: 4 miles round trip

Elevation gain: 1,487 feet

Difficulty: Strenuous

Pet friendly: No

Highlights

The Chimney Tops Trail is known for its steep, challenging ascent, which rewards hikers with spectacular views of the Smokies from the summit area. The final section of the trail offers sweeping vistas of the Sugarlands Valley and the surrounding peaks. While the climb is demanding, the sense of accomplishment and the beauty of the views make this hike a must-do for adventurous hikers. The variety of landscapes—from forested streams to exposed ridgelines—adds to the trail’s appeal.

Andrews Bald Trail

For those looking for an escape into nature without the grueling intensity of some of the Smokies’ steeper hikes, the Andrews Bald Trail is a perfect choice. Situated along the Forney Ridge Trail, this hike leads to one of the park’s famous “balds” – high-elevation, grassy areas offering sweeping panoramic views. Andrews Bald is the highest grassy bald in the park, sitting at an elevation of 5,920 feet. It’s a unique and picturesque destination, making this trail a favorite for hikers who enjoy a combination of breathtaking scenery and less-crowded paths.

The trailhead starts at Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the Smokies, and immediately offers stunning views. The path descends through spruce-fir forests filled with vibrant plant life, especially during wildflower season in the summer. Along the way, hikers will encounter rocky terrain and boardwalks, showcasing the changing landscapes as the trail drops in elevation. The sounds of birds and rustling leaves accompany hikers as they make their way toward Andrews Bald.

After about 1.8 miles, the forest opens up to reveal Andrews Bald, a wide, grassy meadow that offers unobstructed views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. In the spring and summer, the bald is dotted with wildflowers, while in the fall, it becomes a prime spot for leaf-peeping. Hikers often bring picnics to enjoy in the wide-open space, taking in the peaceful beauty of the Smokies.

Distance: 3.6 miles round trip

Elevation gain: 899 feet (mostly downhill on the way to the bald, uphill on the return)

Difficulty: Moderate

Pet friendly: No

Highlights

The beauty of Andrews Bald lies in its expansive, open views of the Smokies. The grassy bald provides the perfect location to relax and take in the breathtaking surroundings, especially during sunset. During the warmer months, wildflowers like rhododendrons and azaleas add splashes of color to the landscape. The hike itself is less strenuous than some others in the park, making it a great choice for those seeking a peaceful outdoor experience with incredible views at the destination.

Abrams Falls Trail

Located in the scenic Cades Cove area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Abrams Falls Trail is a highly popular hike that takes visitors along a picturesque creek to one of the most powerful waterfalls in the park. Despite being just 20 feet tall, Abrams Falls is known for its impressive volume of water, creating a powerful cascade into a deep pool below. This trail is perfect for hikers looking for a moderate challenge with beautiful scenery along the way, including lush forests, streams, and the possibility of wildlife sightings.

The trail begins at the Abrams Falls Trailhead, which is located at the western end of the Cades Cove Loop Road. From the very start, hikers are greeted by the soothing sounds of Abrams Creek, which the trail follows for much of the hike. The path meanders through old-growth forest and offers several picturesque spots along the creek for breaks or photos. The trail is relatively flat for the first mile, making for an enjoyable stroll through the woods, but it gradually becomes more rugged as hikers approach the falls.

The final approach to Abrams Falls is especially scenic, with the sound of the roaring water growing louder as you near the waterfall. While the falls are not the tallest in the park, they are one of the most powerful, and the surrounding boulders and deep pool below make for a truly beautiful scene. Although the water may look inviting, swimming near Abrams Falls is strongly discouraged due to the dangerous currents.

Distance: 5 miles round trip

Elevation gain: 675 feet

Difficulty: Moderate

Pet friendly: No

Highlights

The highlight of the Abrams Falls Trail is, of course, the powerful Abrams Falls itself. The falls, though modest in height at 20 feet, produce an impressive cascade into a large, serene pool, which is surrounded by rocks and dense greenery. The combination of the roaring waterfall and the peaceful setting makes it a perfect spot for a break or a picnic. The trail to the falls is also rich in beauty, with opportunities to see wildlife, wildflowers, and the flowing Abrams Creek along the way, making this hike a rewarding experience for nature lovers.

These detailed introductions and highlights should provide a comprehensive guide to some of the best trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Let me know if you’d like to adjust anything or add further details!