We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.
Introduction: Best Smoky Mountain Hikes
You will find the best Smoky Mountain Hikes in the heart of Tennessee. To get to these hikes, consider these three gems in the area:
- Townsend
- Gatlinburg
- The Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Towns Near the Best Smoky Mountain Hikes
These are not just ordinary places. They are part a hiker’s dream come true. These places beg you to lace up your boots, fill your backpack, and hit the trail. Here’s why.
Townsend, TN
The town was named after a Philadelphia developer, W.B. Townsend. The small, charming town is tucked into Smoky Mountain’s foothills.
In the early 1900s, Townsend came to the area for its plentiful timber. He established a logging company and a railroad.
Townsend still has a quiet and peaceful atmosphere. The town earned the nickname, “Peaceful Side of the Smokies”.
This is a little town with big charm. As a gateway to the Smokies, the town offers so much to hikers.
The scenery around Townsend? Breathtaking. Mountains rise like giants against the sky. Creeks babble their soothing songs. Deer peek from behind ancient trees.
Townsend has fewer visitors than other towns. it’s perfect for those seeking peace.
Gatlinburg, TN
Gatlinburg is like stepping into a postcard. Set in lush forests and the misty mountains, Gatlinburg thrives.
The trails around the town are diverse. They fit every skill level. Want a gentle, peaceful hike? You’ve got it. Craving a challenging hike? It’s there.
And the views on the best Smoky Mountain Hikes near Gatlinburg? Picture perfect. High peaks touch the sky. Colorful wildflowers dance in the breeze. Eagles fly high in the sky.
At first, Gatlinburg was named White Oaks Flats. The town was named that at first for the many native white oak trees in and around the town.
Later, the town was renamed in honor of Radford Gatlin. Gatlin was a controversial person.
Controversy around Gatlin included his effort to claim 5,000 acres of land where people already lived. Also, he was a preacher and founded a new church in Gatlinburg. He was so hard to get along with that his church made him leave!
Among Gatlinburg’s many attractions you might enjoy:
- Hiking in the Smoky Mountains Park (You will love these hikes!)
- The Space Needle
- A bustling arts and crafts community
Townsend And Gatlinburg Today
Today, Townsend and Gatliburg have tourism based economies that blend with the best Smoky Mountain hikes.
Popular local food in both towns includes mouth watering southern cuisine. Popular dishes include:
- Barbecue
- Grits
- Fried chicken
Entertainment includes:
- Bluegrass music festivals in Townsend
- Magic shows and music theaters in Gatlinburg
Both towns draw tourists for their unique blend of hiking adventures, live entertainment, and rich history.
Townsend and Gatlinburg transformed from their humble beginnings into must visit destinations. Both towns have a lovely blend of the past and present.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Then, there’s the crown jewel. The Smoky Mountains Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The park has over 800 miles of trails Every mile of a trail in the park holds a new discovery. Trails take you to waterfalls that tumble down rocky faces. Old growth forests stand tall and proud.
Mountain tops rival the clouds in height. Bear, elk, and wild turkeys thrive in their natural home. The park is the heart of wilderness.
Why hike in the Smoky Mountains Park? It’s simple. Hiking here connects you with nature. Each step you hike tales you closer to the world around you.
When you take one of the best Smoky Mountain hikes, you feel the sun’s warmth. You taste the mountain air. Enjoy smelling of pines and wildflowers. Listen to the rustling of leaves and the bird’s songs.
You will love the beauty of:
- Lush greenery
- Towering mountains
- Sparkling streams
The park offers you an experience that fills your senses. You will remember this fun adventure!
First Settlers
The first settlers in the area were the Cherokee Native Americans. They came to the area for the rich hunting grounds.
The Cherokee called the land “Shaconage”. The Cherokee word means “Land of the Blue Smoke”.
After the Cherokee, came European settlers in the early 1800s. They built homesteads and started small scale farms.
The Park: Best Smoky Mountain Hikes
The Smoky Mountains National Park has more visitors each year than any other U.S. national park! The park has a rich geographic history.
The Smoky Mountains are some of the world’s oldest mountains. The mountains were formed over 200 to 300 million years ago.
The park was officially established in 1934. Individuals, businesses, and the government all worked together to protect this outdoor wonder.
Trails: Best Smoky Mountain Hikes
For more information about the best Great Smoky Mountain National Park hikes, see the AllTrails app. The free app has helpful information. The premium app has lots of useful hiking information including offline maps.
Also, consider an America The Beautiful Pass. The pass includes entry to all U.S. parks, monuments, forests, and more.
Best Smoky Mountain Hikes
- Abrams Falls Trail
- Alum Cave Trail To Mount LeConte
- Charles Bunion Via Appalachian Trail
- Chimney Tops Trail
- Clingmans Dome Observation Tower Trail
- Deep Creek Waterfall Loop
- Grotto Falls Via Trillium Gap Trail
- Laurel Falls Trail
- Myrtle Point And Mount LeConte Via Alum Cave Trail
- Peregrine Peak Via Alum Cave Bluff Trail
- Rainbow Falls Trail
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides varied and delightful hikes. The park is a treasure chest filled with hiking trail gems.
Each trail offers its own unique appeal and experience. Pack your bags, tie your boots and start your adventure!
Abrams Falls Trail: Description
This trail draws hikers with the promise of a beautiful waterfall. The path is easy, the scene by the falls, simply breathtaking.
Go early to avoid the crowds!
Things To Know
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trail type: Out & back
- Distance: 5.0 miles
- Elevation gain: 616 feet
- Dogs: No
Alum Cave Trail: Description
The Alum Cave Trail presents a tough hike. It has a big reward though. You will see Arch Rock, a naturally formed rock arch.
The trail also takes you Alum Cave Bluff. The bluff is an imposing cliff known for its unique beauty.
At the top of Mount LeConte you can stay in the LeConte Lodge. You need to make a lodge reservation months in advance though!
Things To Know
- Difficulty: Hard
- Trail type: Out & back
- Distance: 11 miles
- Elevation gain: 3,061 feet
- Dogs: No
Charles Bunion Via Appalachian Trail: Description
The Charles Bunion via the Appalachian Trail is a long hike. The trail offers awe inspiring vistas. Charles Bunion itself is a rock outcrop that offes an unmatched panoramic view of the Smokies.
This is a good hike for expert hikers. You might like seeing fewer people on this trail.
Things To Know
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trail type: Out & back
- Distance: 8.0 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,886 feet
- Dogs: No
Chimney Tops Trail: Description: Best Smoky Mountain Hikes
The Chimney Tops Trail offers a steep and exciting climb. When you reach the top, you’ll be treated to a view of the Smoky Mountains all around you!
Be sure to wear good hiking boots, and take your hiking poles. Some areas are slippery!
Things To Know
- Difficulty: Hard
- Trail type: Out & back
- Distance: 3.6 miles
- Elevation gain: 1,286 feet
- Dogs: No
Clingmans Dome Observation Tower Trail: Description
This is a perfect trail for a short hike. The Observation Tower at the end gives you the highest view in the Smokies.
Plan to wait for the clouds to burn away for the stunning view. On a clear day, you can see up to 100 miles away!
Go early to avoid the crowds. There’s a bypass trail with a lot fewer people.
Things To Know
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trail type: Out & back
- Distance: 1.3 miles
- Elevation gain: 337 feet
- Dogs: No
Deep Creek Waterfall Loop: Description
This is a treat for waterfall lovers. The trail takes you past three gorgeous waterfalls! The beauty of this trail lies in the gentle sound of rushing water all around you.
Things To Know
- Difficulty: Easy
- Trail type: Loop
- Distance: 2.4 miles
- Elevation gain: 426 feet
- Dogs: No
Grotto Falls Via Trillium Gap Trail: Description
The Grotto Falls via Trillium Gap Trail leads you behind a waterfall! It’s the only trail in the Smokies that offers this unique experience. Imagine the thrill of standing behind the curtain of falling water!
Take a swim at the falls if you like.
Things To Know
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trail type: Out & back
- Distance: 2.6 miles
- Elevation gain: 544 feet
- Dogs: No
Laurel Falls Trail: Description: Best Smoky Mountain Hikes
Then there’s the Laurel Falls Trail. This hike is famous for an 80 foot high waterfall. The falls have an upper and a lower section. A walkway crosses the stream between them.
Things To Know
- Difficulty: Easy
- Trail type: Out & back
- Distance: 2.4 miles
- Elevation gain: 403 feet
- Dogs: No
Myrtle Point And Mount LeConte Via Alum Cave Trail: Description
This trail has two attractions. The view from Myrtle Point is stunning, and Mount LeConte is the third highest peak in the park. Go very early, crowded.
Things To Know
- Difficulty: Hard
- Trail type: Out & back
- Distance: 11.8 miles
- Elevation gain: 3,110 feet
- Dogs: No
Peregrine Peak Via Alum Cave Bluff Trail: Description
This trail offers an enchanting forest hike. Peregrine Peak rewards hikers with a peaceful spot to sit and absorb the beauty of the mountains.
Things To Know
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trail type: Out & back
- Distance: 4.5 miles
- Elevation gain: 1,161 feet
- Dogs: No
Rainbow Falls Trail: Description
When the sunlight hits the spray of the waterfall, it forms a pretty rainbow.
Things To Know
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trail type: Out & back
- Distance: 5.1 miles
- Elevation gain: 1,617 feet
- Dogs: No
Summary: Best Smoky Mountain Hikes
In the heart of Tennessee lie three treasured gems. First, is Townsend, a peaceful town. The town is called the ‘Peaceful Side of the Smokies’. There’s a good reason the nickname. Full of warm hospitality, it welcomes everyone with open arms.
Then, there’s bustling Gatlinburg. Known for its lively tourist scene, Gatlinburg offers something for everyone. You’ll find quaint shops, good food, and endless entertainment.
Finally, the jewel in the crown is the Smoky Mountains Park. The park has an amazing patchwork of:
- Forests
- Mountains
- Rivers.
You will love the best Great Smoky Mountain hiking trails!
As the sun sets, the mist that gives the park its name rises. The setting sun and mist create a breathtaking site.
Together, these three places offer a special blend of peace, excitement, and beauty.
Why do so many people see the Smoky Mountains Park as a hiker’s paradise? As you set off, you’ll notice the lush green trails, well maintained and clearly marked. Whether you are a beginner or an expert hiker, there’s a trail for you here.
You’ll wander through dense forests, past sparkling streams, and over charming footbridges. At the mountain’s peaks, you’ll fall in love with gorgeous views that take your breath away. While the trails can challenge you, the natural beauty makes every step worthwhile.
Between the stunning views, the mixed landscapes, and the fresh mountain air, it’s clear why so many hikers love this area as a hiking destination.
Useful Information: Best Smoky Mountain Hikes
For more information about the best Great Smoky Mountain hikes, see the AllTrails app. The free app has helpful information. The premium app has lots of useful hiking information including offline maps.
Also, consider an America The Beautiful Pass. The pass includes entry to all U.S. parks, monuments, forests, and more.
If you need hiking gear, check some of Amaon’s very good gear.
Pin This Post For Later
