Hiking Trails in the Smoky Mountains Blog

3 Popular Animals in the Smoky Mountains and Where to See Them

April 24, 2024

There are many things to see when you go on a hike in the Smokies! For example, there is always stunning natural scenery. You may even have the opportunity to see the wildlife that live in it. Let us tell you more about these creatures. Here is a list of 3 popular animals in the Smoky Mountains and where to see them:

What to Know About the Laurel Falls Trail Improvements Starting in 2024

March 28, 2024

One of the most popular hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the Laurel Falls Trail. In 2020, more than 375,000 visitors hiked this 1.3-mile trail. Because the trail is visited by so many people each year, the National Park Service has proposed a plan to make some changes to help improve the visitor experience. These proposed improvements also address safety, parking, and more. Here’s what you need to know about the Laurel Falls Trail improvements that will be starting in 2024.

4 of the Best Trails for Backpacking in the Smoky Mountains

March 20, 2024

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hiker’s paradise, with more than 800 miles of hiking trails meandering across its terrain. These mountains are full of diverse landscapes that range from open fields to dense forests to crystal-clear streams and spectacular waterfalls. It’s no wonder so many people enjoy exploring the wonders of nature in the Smokies on foot! If you’re looking for an epic overnight hike, check out these best trails for backpacking in the Smoky Mountains.

flame azalea along a Smoky Mountain hiking trail

10 Common Smoky Mountain Wildflowers You’re Likely to See on Your Spring Hikes

February 29, 2024

There are more than 1,500 flowering plants that grow in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and 80 percent of them are wildflowers. This is more than any other U.S. national park, which is why the park is sometimes called the “Wildflower National Park.” Many of the hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains offer the chance to see these colorful and fragrant plants. Here’s a list of some of the common Smoky Mountain wildflowers you’re likely to see while hiking this spring.

hiking in the smoky mountains along the alum cave trail

5 Iconic Features on the Alum Cave Trail to Look For

February 23, 2024

The Alum Cave Trail is one of the most famous hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and it’s the most popular way to hike to the summit of Mount LeConte. This trail has a lot of amazing things throughout your hike. In fact, there are so many iconic features in the first half of the trail that many people only go about halfway. Whether you hike all the way up to Mount LeConte or turn around at the Alum Cave Bluffs, you’re sure to see some fantastic sights along the way! Here are some of the iconic features on the Alum Cave Trail that you should keep an eye out for.

Hiker on a snow-covered trail in the Smoky Mountains

Winter Hiking Gear List: 8 Things to Pack for a Winter Hike in the Smoky Mountains

January 25, 2024

Winter is a great time of year to hike in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! The mountain landscape transforms into a breathtaking winter wonderland, and you’ll likely encounter fewer crowds on the trails in winter. Though the weather tends to be fairly moderate during winter, the Smoky Mountains do still experience freezing temperatures, snow, and ice. That’s why it’s important to know how to dress and what to bring on your winter hike. Here’s a winter hiking gear list of items you should make sure you bring with you for a safe and successful winter hike in the Smokies.

Your Guide to the Elkmont Section of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

January 04, 2024

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for having a rich history and exciting sights. The Elkmont section of the national park offers both. If you’re searching for a unique place to explore in the Smokies, Elkmont is a great place for you to visit. Here’s your guide to exploring Elkmont and what you can expect to see while you’re there.

5 Benefits of Hiking in the Smoky Mountains

December 28, 2023

When the hustle and bustle of life gets to be a little too much, the Great Smoky Mountains provide an escape, where you can relax and find peace. If you have never hiked in the mountains before and wonder what all the fuss is about, take a look at our list of the top benefits of hiking:

7 Best Trails in the Smokies You Probably Don’t Know About

December 21, 2023

Have you done a lot of hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains but want to find a new area to explore? The national park is filled with beautiful trails for all difficulty levels and offers year-round adventures for beginner and experienced hikers alike. Take a look at the best trails in the Smokies you might be aware of:

schoolhouse gap trail sign in the winter

Everything You Need to Know About Schoolhouse Gap Trail in the Smokies

November 29, 2023

Are you looking for a short, relatively easy trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park? Then you should consider Schoolhouse Gap Trail, a quiet forest hike! While there is no schoolhouse to be found along this trail, it most likely got its name from the children who probably walked through the area to get to school in nearby Townsend. Take a look at all of the details about Schoolhouse Gap Trail:

woman winter hiking in the smoky mountains

10 Winter Hiking Tips You Should Know

November 03, 2023

If you’re an enthusiastic hiker, then you know that winter hiking can be just as fun as hiking during the warmer months! In the Smokies, trails such as Alum Cave and Andrews Bald are breathtaking when snow and ice coat the trees. We made a list of the top 10 winter hiking tips you should know before hiking in the Smoky Mountains in cold weather:

Is the Roundtop Trail the Least-Traveled Hiking Trail in the Smokies?

October 26, 2023

Are you looking for a less crowded Smoky Mountain hike with beautiful views, a peaceful river, wildflowers in the summer, and a relatively flat trail? Roundtop Trail checks all of those boxes and offers so much more! Keep reading to find out more about Roundtop Trail, one of the least-traveled hiking trails in the Smokies!

Charlies Bunion in the Smoky Mountains National Park

8 Best Hiking Trails in the Smoky Mountains National Park

October 09, 2023

With over 800 miles worth of hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains National Park, it’s hard to decide which ones are the best to try! We’ve narrowed down 8 Smoky Mountain hikes that vary in difficulty, but all have rewarding views to admire and peaceful walks to enjoy.

Hiking Baxter Creek Trail to Mt. Sterling in the Smokies

September 27, 2023

Everyone knows about the Mt. Cammerer fire tower, but did you know there is another fire tower at the top of Mt. Sterling? If you are looking for a challenging day hike with a forest of old-growth trees and beautiful panoramic views, then you should check out this Smoky Mountain hike! Here is everything you need to know about hiking Baxter Creek Trail to Mt. Sterling:

6 Best Hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains for Beginners

September 11, 2023

Are you new to the Smokies or just looking for beginner-friendly hikes? Then you’re at the right place! We have everything you need to know about the best hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains for beginners:

Smoky Mountain Hiking Info