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Hiking in the Smoky Mountains
Explore More Than 850 Miles Of Trails
Your guide to the best hikes, printable trail maps, hiking tips, and more!
Download Free Hiking Mapsarrow_outwardGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
Your Adventure Starts Here
Take A Break From The Hustle And Bustle
Breathing in the mountain air and connecting with nature is the best stress reliever!
Experience Smoky Mountain History
The national park is brimming with historic homesteads, cabins, cemeteries, and ruins.
Bring Your Dog Along For The Adventure
The Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail are the only dog-friendly trails in the Smoky Mountains.
Uncover The Natural Beauty Of The Smokies
You’re just steps away from streams, waterfalls, forests, caves, overlooks, and more!
Nature Revealed: Moments Of Serenity
Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides a diverse landscape in which to explore, from the lush valley of Cades Cove and the forests of Elkmont and Greenbrier to the winding paths to the top of Mount LeConte. No matter where you go, you're guaranteed to feel at peace, surrounded by the breathtaking mountain scenery!
Hiking in the Smoky Mountains
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Popular Smoky Mountain Hikes
From waterfalls to caves, grassy meadows, old-growth forests, and mountaintop overlooks, hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains offer an incredible experience for all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, here are a few trails to put on your bucket list!
Andrews Bald
Height: 5,920 FtDuration: 2 Hours
Andrews Bald is the highest grassy bald in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This relatively easy hike is great for everyone, from families to expert hikers. You can get to Andrews Bald along the Forney Ridge Trail located at the far end of the Clingmans Dome parking lot. The hike to Andrews Bald is 3.6 miles round trip, on which you’ll experience an elevation change of 1,200 feet and see spectacular views of the Smokies and surrounding highlands.
Chimney Tops
Height: 4,724 FtDuration: 3 Hours
One of the most popular trails for hiking in the Smoky Mountains, the Chimney Tops Trail offers breathtaking scenery. This 3.5-mile round-trip hike gains over 1,400 feet in 2 miles and begins by crossing rushing streams before leading you up the mountain. Along the trail, you’ll have a gorgeous view of Mount LeConte, the third-highest peak in the national park. The climb is steep and the stone steps can get slippery when wet, so make sure to wear sturdy shoes and watch your step!
Alum Cave Bluffs
Height: 4,950 FtDuration: 3 Hours
To get to Alum Cave Bluffs, you’ll hike the Alum Cave Trail for about 2.5 miles. The trail leads you through an old-growth hardwood forest and features an elevation change of 1,200 feet. This popular hike is incredibly rewarding. Alum Cave Bluff is a massive concave overhang that is about 80 feet high. During the winter, you’ll have the chance to see icicles hanging from the bluff.
