There are many different trails to hike in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park ranging from easy to moderate to strenuous. Whether you’re looking for a quiet forest walk and wildflowers or a hike by the river to an amazing waterfall, there is a hike for everyone! Here are a list of the hikes you can complete in a day.
- Alum Cave- Features views and interesting geological features. 4.4 miles roundtrip and moderate in difficulty
- Charlie’s Bunion- 8.0 miles roundtrip
- Spruce-Fir Trail- Located in Newfound Gap/ Clingmans Dome, 0.4 miles roundtrip
- Laurel Falls- Located in Elkmont, 2.3 miles roundtrip and features a historical waterfall and stream
- Little Brier Gap- Located in Elkmont, features the Walker Sisters Place and is 2.3 miles roundtrip
- Grotto Falls- Located in Gatlinburg/ Mt. Leconte, features waterfalls and is 2.6 miles roundtrip
- Schoolhouse Gap- Located in Cades Cove/ Townsend, features a quiet forest hike and wildflowers and is 3.8 miles roundtrip
- Baskins Creek Falls- Located in Gatlinburg, features waterfalls and is 3.0 miles roundtrip
- Andrews Bald- Located in Newfound Gap/ Clingmans Dome, features panoramic views and is 3.5 miles roundtrip
- Porter’s Creek Trail- Located in the Greenbrier area, features waterfalls, streams, flowers and an old growth forest, 4.0 miles roundtrip
- Abrams Falls- Located in the Cades Cove area, features waterfalls and is 5.0 miles roundtrip
- Little River Trail- Located in the Elkmont area, features streams and seasonal wildflowers, 4.9 miles roundtrip
- Meigs Mountain Trail- Located in the Elkmont area, quiet forest hike, 4.6 miles roundtrip
- Hen Wallow Falls- Located in the Greenbrier area, features waterfalls, 4.4 miles roundtrip
- Huskey Gap (Newfound Gap Rd)- Located in Gatlinburg, features a quiet forest walk and is 4.2 miles roundtrip
- Chimney Tops- Located in Gatlinburg, features panoramic mountain views and is 4.0 miles roundtrip
- Cucumber Gap Loop- Located in Elkmont, features streams and seasonal wildflowers. 5.6 miles roundtrip
- Grapeyard Ridge Trail- Located in Greenbrier, features a historical Injun Creek steam engine wreck and is 5.8 miles roundtrip
- Deep Creek Headwaters- Located in Newfound Gap, features a stream and is 5.8 miles roundtrip
- West Prong Trail- Located in the Cades Cove area, features a stream and quiet forest walk, 5.4 miles roundtrip
- Curry Mountain Trail- Located in the Elkmont area, features a quiet forest hike and is 6.4 miles roundtrip
- Sugarland Mountain Trail (lower)- Located in the Elkmont area, features a quiet forest hike and is 6.0 miles roundtrip
- The Jump Off- Located in Newfound Gap, features panoramic mountain view and is 6.5 miles roundtrip
- Bullhead Trail- Located in Gatlinburg, features views and interesting geological features, 5.9 miles roundtrip
- Sugarland Mountain Trail (upper)- Located in Newfound Gap, features views and solitude, 7.0 miles roundtrip
It is important to always hike prepared. Here is a complied list of things to bring with you on each day hike in the Smokies during the Summer months.
- Backpack, daypack or fanny pack
- Rain/Wind shield
- Supportive Footwear
- Extra socks
- Extra clothing
- Gloves
- Water: full canteens, water bottles or hydration pack
- Extra food: high energy snacks
- Map and/or guidebook
- Compass
- Pocket knife
- Flashlight
- Whistle
- Watch
- First Aid kit
- Insect repellent
- Sun protection
- Toilet paper (in a plastic bag)
- Money/ ID
Suggested/ Optional Gear:
Include in basic first-aid kit:
- Roll bandages
- Triangular bandages
- Ace bandages
- Butterfly bandages
- Sterile compresses
- Adhesive tape
- Sterile gauze pads
- Antiseptic wipes
- Miscellaneous band aids
- Twine
- Tweezers
- Safety Pins
- Scissors
- Thermometer
- Latex gloves
- Tissues
- Plastic bags
- Small mirror
- Antibacterial soap/wipes
- Eye drops
- Burn Ointment
- Sunburn lotion
- Disinfectant cream
- Decongestant and Antihistamine tablets
- Anti-acids
- Antibiotic cream
- Aspirin/ Ibuprofen
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Diarrhea medication
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Poison ivy cream/ cleansers
- Bee sting kit
- Snake bite kit
- Heat/cold packs
- Personal information/ contact person
- First-aid manual
Safety tips:
Never hike alone, give a family member or friend your hiking itinerary and estimated time of return, always stay on the designated trail, don’t hike too quickly pace yourself, start early, check the weather forecast before heading out, know where to get emergency medical care, watch for signs of heat exhaustion, don’t pack too heavily, never approach wild animals, and remember to always have fun!!