The Great Smoky Mountains National Park stretches across more than 500,000 acres and features over 800 miles of hiking trails, ranging from gentle waterfall strolls perfect for families to demanding summit climbs that test even experienced hikers. This guide covers the spectrum of trails from easy scenic walks to strenuous backcountry adventures, helping you choose the right path for your skill level and desired experience.
Key Takeaways
- The park’s 800+ miles of trails accommodate every skill level, from easy 2.6-mile walks to strenuous 13.9-mile summit climbs
- Easy and moderate trails like Abrams Falls and Deep Creek Loop offer waterfall views with elevation gains under 900 feet
- Strenuous hikes such as Mount LeConte and Rocky Top feature elevation gains from 2,200 to 3,655 feet, requiring significant preparation
- Several trails intersect with the Appalachian Trail, providing access to remote high mountain wilderness experiences
- Seasonal highlights include spring wildflowers, summer waterfall flows, and fall foliage on panoramic ridge trails
Easy Family-Friendly Hikes: Scenic Views Without the Struggle
Starting with accessible trails builds confidence for novice hikers while providing rewarding scenery without excessive physical demands. Andrews Bald Trail spans 3.5 to 3.6 miles roundtrip with approximately 899 feet of elevation gain, making it an ideal short family-friendly option.
This trail leads to a grassy bald summit that delivers outstanding mountaintop views. The moderate grade ensures most family members can complete the hike comfortably.
Abrams Falls Trail covers 5.2 miles roundtrip with 675 feet of elevation gain, classified as moderate but approachable for those new to hiking. The destination features a beautiful waterfall where water cascades into a wide pool, surrounded by streams that add to the natural ambiance.
This trail ranks among the most popular for waterfall lovers and families. The relatively gentle terrain balances accessibility with scenic rewards.
Deep Creek Loop offers a 5-mile roundtrip journey with 895 feet of elevation gain through a quieter, less trafficked section of the park. Three scenic waterfalls—Tom Branch Falls, Juney Whank Falls, and Indian Creek Falls—punctuate this moderate trail.
Spring and early summer provide the best waterfall viewing on both Deep Creek Loop and Abrams Falls. Higher water volumes during these seasons create more dramatic displays.
Moderate Trails: Stepping Up to More Rewarding Views
Moderate trails bridge the gap between easy walks and strenuous climbs, offering enhanced scenery with manageable elevation gains typically ranging from under 700 feet to around 1,300 feet. These hikes reward the extra effort with diverse landscapes and more secluded environments.
Porters Creek Trail extends 4 miles roundtrip with 699 feet of elevation gain. This moderate trail showcases waterfalls, abundant wildflowers, flowing streams, and historical structures from early settlement days.
Nature enthusiasts appreciate the diverse scenery and historical elements along this path. The combination of natural beauty and human history creates a richer hiking experience than simple scenic trails.
The Jump-Off represents a 6.5-mile roundtrip segment of the Appalachian Trail with 1,275 feet of elevation gain. This moderate trail culminates at a striking ridge overlook that provides panoramic mountain views.
Many hikers combine The Jump-Off with Charlies Bunion for a fuller Appalachian Trail experience. Both destinations showcase the remote high mountain wilderness character of this legendary long-distance trail.
Grotto Falls Trail spans approximately 2.6 miles roundtrip with moderate difficulty. The unique feature here is the opportunity to walk behind the waterfall, surrounded by lush forest vegetation.
Several moderate hikes intersect or link up with the Appalachian Trail, the longest hiking-only trail in the United States. These connections provide access to the trail’s distinctive backcountry atmosphere without committing to extended backpacking trips.
Wildflowers peak in spring while fall foliage transforms panoramic vistas on ridge trails. Timing your visit around these seasonal highlights enhances the visual impact of moderate trails considerably.
Challenging Strenuous Trails: Epic Summit Views for Experienced Hikers
Strenuous trails demand significant preparation and physical conditioning, with elevation gains ranging from 1,600 feet up to 3,655 feet. These challenging routes reward determined hikers with the park’s most spectacular summit panoramas and remote wilderness experiences.
Charlies Bunion follows an Appalachian Trail segment for 8 to 8.1 miles roundtrip with 1,600 to 1,900 feet of elevation gain. This moderate to strenuous hike reaches a large rock outcropping offering spectacular panoramic views, including nearby Mount LeConte.
The trail starts at Newfound Gap and represents a highlight portion of the Appalachian Trail. Rock formations and exposed ridgeline sections create dramatic scenery distinct from forested valley trails.
Mount LeConte via Alum Cave Trail covers 11 miles roundtrip with 2,763 feet of elevation gain, earning its strenuous classification. Landmarks like Arch Rock and Alum Cave Bluffs punctuate the ascent, with Alum Cave Trail being one of six access routes to the Mount LeConte summit.
Boulevard Trail provides an alternative route to the same destination. Multiple trail options allow hikers to customize their approach based on desired scenery and difficulty preferences.
Gregory Bald extends 8.8 miles roundtrip with 2,300 feet of elevation gain. This strenuous trail is famous for wildflowers, particularly the flame azaleas that bloom spectacularly during late spring.
Panoramic views from the bald reward the challenging climb. The open summit contrasts sharply with the forested approach, providing varied landscape experiences.
Ramsey Cascades spans 8.1 miles roundtrip with 2,224 feet of elevation gain, rated as hard difficulty. The destination is the largest waterfall in the park, surrounded by rich forest and wildlife.
Dense old-growth forest along the trail adds ecological interest beyond the waterfall itself. The combination of challenging terrain and natural rewards makes this a favorite among experienced hikers.
Mount Cammerer reaches 11.1 miles roundtrip with 3,045 feet of elevation gain. Panoramic summit views and a historic fire tower make this a key destination for more experienced hikers.
The restored fire tower provides 360-degree views from an elevated vantage point. This architectural feature distinguishes Mount Cammerer from purely natural summit destinations.
Rocky Top challenges hikers with 13.9 miles roundtrip and 3,655 feet of elevation gain, the highest in this guide. Panoramic views and seasonal blooms of Mountain Laurel reward this long, challenging hike suitable only for experienced hikers.
The extended distance and substantial elevation gain require proper pacing and physical conditioning. This trail represents the upper tier of difficulty within the park’s day hike options.
Planning Your Smoky Mountains Hiking Adventure
For popular strenuous hikes like Mount LeConte and Charlies
Sources:
Gallivanting Laura
Hiking in the Smokys
Adventures of a Plus K
American Hiking
NPS
Hiking in the Smoky Mountains