Hikes

Waterfalls are one of the most popular natural wonders in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Most people want to see the popular ones, like Laurel Falls or Grotto Falls, but there are some lesser known waterfalls that are just as beautiful. If you want to get out on the trails that are more off the beaten path while still enjoying everything the Smokies have to offer, you should hike to Huskey Branch Falls! This waterfall is in the Elkmont area of the park, and we promise you won’t want to miss it. Find out how to get to the falls below:

You want to explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and find some of the most gorgeous waterfalls while you’re here. There are plenty of falls to see, but how do you decide which ones should be at the top of your list? We’ve put together the top Smoky Mountain waterfall hikes you need to go on, and provided you with maps too!

So you’ve planned a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains, and you’re super excited to see one of the most popular spots in the national park: Clingmans Dome. But then you find out that the access road to get to this observation tower closes from December to March. Now what are you going to do on your winter trip to the Smokies? Well, the good news is you can still get to Clingmans Dome; it’ll just take a little longer! Here are a few ways you can still get to the tower in winter.

We know how much you love to find secret spots in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and there’s a pretty unusual one you’ll want to find next! Known as the stone cottage or the rock house, this manmade homestead is tucked away off the path of Old Sugarlands Trail. Find out how to get there, the history behind this hidden gem, and much more!

Spring is an incredible time to come explore the hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains! You’ll see wildflowers scattered across the forest floor, new buds forming on the trees, and you might just be lucky enough to catch a glimpse at a black bear! If you want to know about the best trails to hike during this time of year based on which month you’re visiting, we’ve put together a guide just for you!

Whether you’re wanting to hike to the tallest summit in the Great Smoky Mountains or you want to see one of the most popular waterfalls, Trillium Gap Trail is a great way to get out and explore! There’s so much that this hike offers, and we know you can’t wait to get out there. Learn all about Trillium Gap now:

If you’re searching for a simple and easy hike for your young kids, older adults, or anyone else who can’t handle more difficult trails, then Elkmont Nature Trail is the perfect trail for you! People of all ages and abilities will enjoy this beautiful, short walk through the woods, because it really does show how beautiful the Smokies can be! Learn more about this hike now:

If you’re looking for an easy trail that’s close to a picnic area, Metcalf Bottoms Trail is a great option! Located right beside the Metcalf Bottoms picnic area, this trail has everything you could want in a short, simple hike!

The Smoky Mountains present some of the best opportunities to hike in the entire country! Picturesque mountain views, gorgeous foliage and fascinating creatures make the hiking trails in the Smokies a can’t-miss opportunity! Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail is an easy half-mile loop near Gatlinburg that’s perfect for children, families, senior citizens and those with handicaps looking to get a taste of the Smoky Mountains. This paved trail is one of the only trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that is designated to be accessible for all.

We know how much you love secret spots in the Smokies, which is why we want to share another one with you! There’s a secret waterfall in the Smoky Mountains called Rainbow Cave Falls. No, it’s not the same as Rainbow Falls, the well-known 80-foot, single drop waterfall. Learn all about Rainbow Cave Falls and where you can find this hidden gem below:

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a huge park in Tennessee and North Carolina full of hiking trails! The national park includes accessible trails for people in wheelchairs or for people with mobility concerns. Some of these accessible hiking trails are paved while the other trails are hard-packed gravel. Most of the accessible trails are relatively smooth without much elevation. Enjoy your time on the trails without concerns! Here are the top 4 accessible Great Smoky Mountains hiking trails:

If you’re looking to spend more time on the North Carolina side of the mountains, consider hiking Big Creek Trail in the Smoky Mountains! This is the perfect hike for the spring or summer months because it’s in a heavily wooded area, meaning more shady spots. This hike offers plenty of rewards, too, making it one of our favorites in the North Carolina part of the Smokies.

If you love nature and flowers, you do not want to miss the hike to Gregory Bald. While this is one of the more difficult trails in the Smokies, you will quickly learn why it is also one of the most popular hikes for visitors. The amazing mountain view and scenic highlights make this a trail you need to experience. Here is everything you need to know about hiking to Gregory Bald:

One of the most family friendly hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains is the Kephart Prong Trail, a well-maintained trail that runs for about 2 miles to the Kephart Shelter. The trail crosses over a creek several times via sturdy log bridges and offers several fascinating historic sites along the journey! In addition to the shelter at the trail’s end, you’ll also find the remnants of the Civilian Conservation Corps camp! Here are the top 4 reasons why families love hiking along the Kephart Prong Trail:

The Sugarlands Visitor Center is the perfect place to start your exploration of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! You’ll not only find helpful park rangers, a fantastic bookstore and extensive natural history exhibits, but also several trails that depart nearby for your hiking adventures! Here are 4 fun Smoky Mountain hiking trails near the Sugarlands Visitor Center: