Must-Do Hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Thinking about visiting the Smokies and not sure where to begin planning? I’ve pulled together a list of must-do day hikes and sights in the Great Smoky Mountains to help you out. As one of the nations most visited national parks, spanning both North Carolina and Tennessee, the abundance of trails on offer can make it hard to choose what is right for your trip.

Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple or a family with kids this guide has you covered from lookout areas, short strolls and all‑day hikes, so you are prepared for your hike. I’ve also highlighted where to stay depending on which type of adventure you’re looking for. Whatever you choose to do you’re on your way to planning a great break in an incredibly beautiful part of the world.

Discovering the Best Hikes in the Smoky Mountains

1. Alum Cave & Arch Rock Trail

First on the list is one of the most popular hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains – Alum Cave Trail, also known as Alum Cave Bluffs. It’s rated moderate in difficulty due to the steep incline at some sections and overall elevation gain (2,600ft / 792m) from the parking area up to the bluffs.

There are three trail options from the trailhead. We decided to do the most popular trail which is Alum Cave Bluffs, as it also includes Arch Rock. From the parking area, this hike is a 4.6 mile roundtrip.

The trail starts by winding through hardwood forest and the path follows and hugs the picturesque creek. There is a gradual incline until you reach Arch Rock at around 1.5 miles in. Some people choose to turnaround at this point and head back to the parking lot, but we continued on. There are steps and cables inside Arch Rock to help you make your way through and up to the top. It’s definitely a highlight hiking through a natural arch.

From this point, the trail continues through the forest while gaining elevation. At the 2 mile mark it opens up to reveal panoramic vistas at Inspiration Point. We stopped here for a bit to take some photos, admire the scenery and catch our breath. During the final stretch are the steepest sections until reaching Alum Cave Bluff and all it’s glory. The rock formations are truly incredible and not a typical sight in the smokies making it all the more rewarding.

You can continue onto Mount Le Conte, which is the third trail, or head back down to the trailhead. We sadly chose to head back as we didn’t have enough time, but I’d love to continue on next time.

2. Cades Cove Loop & Abrams Falls Hike

The Cades Cove Loop Road is an 11 mile one-way scenic drive through an open valley and home to some of the best hikes in the Smoky Mountains. There is a campground at the beginning of the loop and also a store where you can pick up a self‑guiding booklet. It’s really helpful as it maps out and numbers the various landmarks and points of interest along the way. You can also rent bikes from the store and cycle around at your own pace. During the summer months Wednesdays are dedicated to bike traffic only, but double check the exact dates before you go. The loop road can get fairly busy so arrive early. It’s also the best time of day to catch some wildlife.

Abrams Falls

We chose to hike one of the popular waterfall trails named Abrams Falls, the turnoff is at post 10 and well signposted. As the name suggests this moderate 5 mile round-trip hike is centred around a 20ft waterfall, Abrams Falls. It might not sound very high but there’s a large volume of water spilling through with a beautiful pool at the bottom. The trail makes its way through the forest following the ridge of the river, and it’s very picturesque. Some areas are quite rocky though and there are a lot of ascents and descents before reaching the falls, so choose your footwear wisely. We took a picnic with us and enjoyed it on some large rocks while admiring the scenery before heading back. If you do this too, remember to leave no trace and take everything away with you, including food scraps.

The remainder of the Cades Cove Loop has a few historical cabins that are also worth checking out. It’s interesting to learn about the early settlers and their way of life at Cades Cove through the years.

3. Newfound Gap

Newfound Gap is an impressive mountain pass that sits on the North Carolina and Tennessee state borderlines. It’s the starting point to several popular hikes in the Smoky Mountains, mountain vistas and the Rockefeller memorial. There are plenty of parking spots so you can choose how to experience it even on a busy day.

The weather was pretty cloudy when we arrived so we sat in the car and enjoyed our lunch before setting off. There are several trails that begin here, so if you’re looking to stretch your legs or make a day of it there is a hike to suit.

Best Hikes from Newfound Gap

NewFound Gap is the trailhead for some amazing hikes ranging from easy to strenuous. There are so many options that branch off in this section of the park, but I’m hoping these are a good starting point.

Spruce-Fir Nature Trail

Spruce-Fir Nature Trail is an easy 0.3 mile loop through the forest. There are some wooden boardwalks in place at muddy sections. It’s an interpretive hike with a lot of wildflowers and plants specific to the area in an incredible landscape.

Sweat Heifer Creek Trail

Sweat Heifer Creek Trail is a moderate 3.7 mile trail that follows part of the Appalachian Trail (AT). I haven’t done this hike but it’s pretty popular and I’d love to check it out next time I visit. With a name like Sweat Heifer though I imagine it’s not plain sailing.

Charlies Bunion Trail

Charlies Bunion – We decided to do this particular trail and I’ve provided in-depth details about the hike below.

Boulevard Trail

The Boulevard Trail has a moderate/strenuous rating and it’s one of 5 trails that summits Mount Le Conte. Follow the AT for 2.7 miles until reaching the junction. From here the Boulevard Trail is 5.4 miles to the top. It joins up with the Alum Cave Trail mentioned at number 1 on this list. While it’s not a loop by leaving one car at Newfound Gap and another at the Alum Cave trailhead you can have the ultimate hiking experience.

4. Charlies Bunion Hike, Appalachian Trail

Charlies Bunion is a moderate/strenuous 8 mile round‑trip hike along part of the Appalachian Trail, and one of my favourites so far. It has an elevation gain of 1600ft (488m) with the trailhead at Newfound Gap. I’d read it was a highly trafficked route but the day we visited we either got lucky or the early rain showers put hikers off as it was relatively quiet.

The start of the trail begins just past the restrooms at the parking area. Follow signs for Sweat Heifer Creek for 1.7 miles and continue on until the 2.7 mile junction mark. Hikers turn left to take Boulevard Trail but continue straight ahead for Charlies Bunion, signage appears shortly after this section. If at any point you’re unsure if you’re on the right track you likely are, I just found the trail signs to be a little confusing.

The ascent and walking the ridge halfway up was a huge highlight of this hike for me. The views on either side through the trees were breathtaking, I felt like I was climbing to the top of the world. When the bunion (outcrop) comes into view the sweeping mountain landscape makes it all worth the climb. 

Tip: The Icewater Spring Shelter and the Jump Off are two small splinter trails at the junction area worth making a small detour for.

5. Clingmans Dome, Observation Tower

One of the most popular sights for hikes and the most spectacular views in the Smoky Mountains.

Clingmans Dome is a circular observation tower not too far south of Newfound Gap. It’s the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park standing at 6,643ft (2,025m). From the parking area, it’s a steep 0.5 mile climb to the tower but the path is paved. There are benches strategically placed on the way up if you need to rest, be mindful of the altitude as it creeps up on you. Walk up the spiral pathway to the top and you’re rewarded with sweeping 360° panoramic views which are simply stunning. I wish we’d experienced this spot at sunset as I imagine it would be even more magical. There is also a small visitor centre located by the parking area.

The Appalachian Trail crosses here too so there are several alternative hiking trails to join. We were planning to do the Andrews Bald Trail, but we didn’t have the time. It’s a 3.5 mile roundtrip and the highest bald in the Smokies, hopefully we can do it on our next trip!

6. Grotto Falls Hike

Grotto Falls is a moderate 2.6 mile roundtrip through the forest where you can walk behind a 25 foot high waterfall. It’s one of the popular family-friendly hikes and the busiest trail we encountered on our whole trip through the Smoky Mountains. We arrived around 11am and the parking area was already full. We found a spot further down the road but know you’ll have to walk back up to the trailhead if you arrive later like us. There is an option to continue on the Trillium Gap Trail after the falls to reach the summit of Mount Le Conte. This section of the trail had some maintenance done last year (2020).

Another highlight to Grotto Falls is that visitors need to drive on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail to access the trailhead. It’s a beautifully scenic one-way 6 mile loop road with historic cabins and mills that have been preserved.

7. Deep Creek

The Deep Creek area isn’t just about hiking, it’s an outdoor adventure area in the North Carolina side of the Smokies. If you’re looking to hike, see some waterfalls, go tubing and try out mountain biking this is your place. There is a convenient campground nearby and the parking area is the trailhead for several long and short hiking trails.

Deep Creep Hikes

Three Waterfalls Loop Trail

Three Waterfalls Loop trail is an easy 2.6 mile loop trail and popular as three waterfalls can be seen in close proximity. The hike begins at the parking area across from the campground and the first one to head for is Juney Whank Falls. At only 0.6 miles in you’re rewarded early. Continue on and follow the Deep Creek Trail towards Tom Branch Falls and Indian Creek Falls.

Deep Creek & Indian Creek Loop Trails

Deep Creek & Indian Creek Loop Trails – After whizzing around three waterfalls’ hikers can extend the hike by doing this moderate 4.4 mile loop. The beginning of the trail is shared with a lot of tubers, but they quickly fizzle out as you make your way further into the forest.

Indian Creek, Martins Gap & Sunkota Ridge Loop Trail

Indian Creek, Martins Gap & Sunkota Ridge Loop Trail is a moderate/strenuous 11.5 mile hike. We hardly saw a soul and crossed several bridges and streams; it was like walking through an enchanted forest. We did meet some park rangers who asked us where we were heading. They said we’d run out of light if we kept going, sigh! We pushed on until we hit Martins Gap. The incline here is intense for a short while and it would’ve slowed our pace. We returned back to the trailhead the way we’d come, so we’re going to do the full trail next time we visit.

Deep Creek Tubing & Mountain Biking

Deep Creek is a great place to try out tubing and there are several rental options at the entrance. It was really busy when we visited but there were plenty of rentals available and the river didn’t seem too congested.

It’s also the only place in the Smoky Mountains National Park that has mountain biking trails. There are two trails that allow bikes – Deep Creek Trail and Indian Creek Trail. We ended up walking the trails instead as we didn’t have our bikes but they’re very scenic and worth doing.

Safety Tips for Hiking in the Smoky Mountains

It’s always wise to be prepared when heading out into nature, and conditions in the mountains can change rapidly. Follow these basic checklists before and during any hike for the most enjoyable day.

Before your hike:

• Check weather conditions before heading out
• Wear appropriate clothing and footwear
• Carry enough water and snacks
• Follow park guidelines and rules

During your hike:

• Be aware of sudden changes in weather
• Watch out for wildlife
• Stay on designated trails

Where to Stay in the Great Smoky Mountains?

There are a whole host of options available when it comes to choosing a place to stay. We split up our trip and stayed in two areas, Bryson City in North Carolina and Gatlinburg in Tennessee. We chose to hire out mountain cabins in each location so we could make the best of all the hikes and sights the Smoky Mountains has to offer.

Stay in Bryson City, NC

Of the two areas we stayed Bryson City, NC is definitely the more laid back option. It has all of the small town vibes with lots to see and do. It’s close to Deep Creek, the Blue Ridge Parkway and also the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad (GSMR). There are several scenic excursions on the GSMR, the fall foliage one looks impressive. We watched the train come into the station daily from the Nantahala Brewery across the street. There is also a unique option to combine nature and craft beer by enjoying a waterfalls and breweries tour.

The Nantahala Gorge is close by and has various white-water rafting activities and the Tsali Recreation Area for some cool mountain biking trails. We didn’t head to the gorge, but we checked out the trails at Tsali. The trails are listed as moderate/difficult but I’m a novice and had a lot of fun. Will was thrilled they had some purpose-built bike wash stations for a clean-up afterwards. We rented our bikes from a local store in town called ‘Bryson City Bicycles’. I can’t recommend them enough; they were so friendly and helpful in explaining the trails and areas worth checking out.

For our stay we rented a cabin just on the outskirts of the town from Bryson City Cabin Rentals. They have a range of cabins available and ours was called Therz a Bear. It was perfect and had everything and more for our mountain getaway. We didn’t encounter any bears during our stay despite the name.

Stay in Gatlinburg, TN

Gatlinburg, Tennessee has everything you could want from a resort town in the mountains. It’s very commercialised with lots of chain restaurants, hotels, stores and attractions. If you experience a bad weather day you will find something to occupy your time here. It’s also the closest place to the official national park entrance, and one of the main reasons why we choose to stay here.

Some highlights in the town include the free trolley that allows visitors to hop on and off easily. We enjoyed checking out the Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery and learning about its history during the American Revolution. The Space Needle and Skylift attractions are popular as they provide sweeping views of the valley and the mountains. Check out all of the options as there is something for everyone!

Crockett’s Breakfast Camp was recommended to us, and it didn’t disappoint. Being gluten free breakfast is often a hard meal to find but their menu is huge, and they cater to a range of dietary needs. Tip: join the waitlist on Yelp before arriving at the restaurant to beat the wait time.

We rented a cabin that was very close to town but secluded enough in the woods. There were a few bears that would come by each day looking for food which was scary but also amazing at the same time. Unfortunately, I wouldn’t recommend our particular cabin but there are so many beautiful options available in the area.

Thanks for reading, I hope this has been a useful guide to some of the must do hikes and sights in the Great Smoky Mountains. On my next trip I’d love to check out the Chimney Tops, Rainbows Falls, Andrews Bald and Mount Le Conte. If you have any other hikes you’d recommend, let me know in the comments below or find me on Instagram.

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