Imagine a landscape with rolling hills, verdant surroundings, and bustling wildlife. The Great Smoky Mountains has it all! Your senses will be delighted by the wildflowers in the summer and the gorgeous foliage in the fall. The park is beautiful to explore at all times of the year. So make sure to add the best hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains to your itinerary!
I have been to the Smoky Mountains multiple times, because my parents have a home nearby. There are 150 official trails in the park, and I have taken many of them. The hikes in the Smokys are some of the best I have ever been on!
Below you will find my recommendations for the best hikes in the park. This post will include all of the details that you need to know including hike length, description, and difficulty. Happy trails!
Note: Remember when hiking to Leave No Trace and do not approach any wildlife!
5 Amazing Hiking Trails Smokys
1. Ramsey’s Cascade
Sometimes a hike is so special, that you know you’ll look back on it for many years. That’s how I felt about Ramsey’s Cascades. My partner and I even had the trail to ourselves for most of the time!
This trail takes you through the forest, over wooden bridges, and finally over boulders to reach the stunning Waterfall. Ramsey’s Cascade looks like something out of a fairytale, with water rushing over the mountain side. During the warmer months, you can dip in the swimming holes under the falls and enjoy the scenery.
Hike Details:
- Length: 8.3 Miles
- Elevation: 2,224 Ft
- Difficulty: Hard
2. Chimney Tops
The hike up to the view of the Chimney Tops is rather steep, but at the end you’ll be rewarded with amazing views of the Chimney Tops peak. It’s one of the most stunning mountain scapes that you’ll see in the Smokys.
There was a fire a few years ago that took out a lot of the land in that area, so you can’t actually hike to the end of the trail, but the view is worth it. Also, when we went last time we saw a mother bear and her two cubs! So, keep your eyes peeled along the trail.
Hike Details:
- Length: 4.4 Miles
- Elevation: 1,351 Ft
- Difficulty: Hard
3. Mount Le Conte
This is the quintessential Smoky Mountain hike! There are two ways to get up to the Peak: you can start from Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail and hike past Rainbow Falls for a longer journey of around 13 miles, or you can take the more popular path along the main road where you’ll pass Alum Cave and continue to the top.
Once you get to the top there are a few options. I recommend stopping by the lodge and then heading to the Cliff Top Viewpoint to catch some spectacular views.
For a truly unique experience, you can book a stay at the Mount Le Conte Lodge on the top of the mountain. You’ll feel so proud of yourself once you’ve completed this long, beautiful hike. Make sure to get there early during peak season to get parking!
Mt Leconte Hike Details:
- Length: 12.5 Miles
- Elevation: 3,061 Ft
- Difficulty: Hard
4. Andrew’s Bald
For those who are looking for something shorter, but love a great view this is the hike for you! The trailhead is located off of the Clingman’s Dome parking lot.
The walk starts downhill along the mountainside before heading into the forest. After a little while, you will come out into a gorgeous clearing with views over the mountains as far as the eye can see. It’s a wonderful spot to watch the sunset, if you’re willing to hike back up in the dark.
andrews bald hike details:
- Length: 3.6 Miles
- Elevation: 875 Ft
- Difficulty: Moderate
5. Charlies Bunion
You can conquer part of the Appalachian Trail (AT) by completing this hike! The trail leaves from the Newfound Gap parking lot, where you will follow the signs for the AT. The path starts uphill and weaves its way through the forest. You will see a sign about 2.7 miles in that will point you towards Charlie’s Bunion. After you take the splitoff, you will go downhill for a mile until you reach the clearing.
You have to walk along the ridgeline in order to get to the end, but it is worth it. Climb on top of the rock at the end to take in 360° views of the mountains and valleys beyond. It was so windy when we were there that climbing on the rock felt like an adventure, but we loved the reward.
Charlies Bunion Hike Details:
- Length: 8.6 Miles
- Elevation: 1,886 Ft
- Difficulty: Moderate
Final Tips for The Best Hikes in the Smoky Moutnains
Visiting the Great Smoky Mountains can be really overwhelming, because there are so many hikes to choose from! However, I have narrowed this list to the best hikes in the Smoky Mountains. If you only have time for a few, then take on one of these incredible trails and see some of the highlights!
Was this guide to the best hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains helpful? Let me know in the comments!
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