Best Hiking Trails In The Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of America’s most visited natural treasures—and for good reason. Straddling the Tennessee–North Carolina border, the park boasts more than 850 miles of hiking trails, ranging from peaceful creekside strolls to challenging climbs with panoramic views. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or planning a longer adventure, here are some of the best hiking trails in the Smokies that showcase waterfalls, wildlife, and unforgettable mountain scenery.

Wide path covered in fall leaves this is one of the best hiking trails in the smokies

Easy Hiking Trails in the Smokies

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park may be known for its rugged peaks and challenging treks, but not every adventure requires miles of climbing. Some of the park’s most beautiful spots are accessible on short, easy trails—perfect for families, beginners, or anyone looking for a leisurely stroll surrounded by nature. Here are the top 5 easy hikes you’ll want to add to your Smokies itinerary.

1. Gatlinburg Trail

Distance: 3.8 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Why it’s great: This flat gravel trail is family friendly and it’s one of the few trails in the park that dogs are allowed on.

2. Elkmont Nature Trail

Distance: 0.8 miles round trip loop
Difficulty: Easy
Why it’s great: This charming trail winds through a shaded forest and only has a small elevation gain. Make sure to stop and check out the historic buildings in Elkmont while you are in this area.

3. Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome) Observation Tower Trail

Distance: 1 mile round trip
Difficulty: Short but very steep (paved)
Why it’s great: At 6,643 feet, Kuwohi (formerly named Clingmans Dome) is the highest peak in the Smokies. The paved path leads to a 360-degree observation tower with unmatched views of Tennessee and North Carolina. The incline can be a workout, but the short distance and reward at the top make it worth it. The Cherokee name Kuwohi, meaning “mulberry place,” was restored in 2024 to recognize its sacred significance to the Cherokee people.

4. Cataract Falls Trail

Distance: 1 mile round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Why it’s great: A hidden gem near the Sugarlands Visitor Center, this short, shaded walk is perfect for kids and beginners. It ends at a peaceful 25-foot waterfall—an ideal introduction to the beauty of the Smokies.

5. Oconaluftee River Trail

Distance: 3 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Why it’s great: Starting at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, this gentle riverside walk is one of only two trails in the park where dogs and bicycles are allowed. The trail is especially scenic in fall, and elk are often spotted grazing nearby. This is my favorite easy trail!

These easy trails prove that you don’t have to tackle all-day hikes to enjoy the wonders of the Smokies. Whether it’s waterfalls, mountain views, or riverside strolls, the park offers accessible adventures for everyone.

tall trees with yellow leaves surround a gravel path.

Best Hiking Trails in the Smokies to Explore

If you are looking for longer or more challenging hiking trails check out these great hikes.

1. Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte

Distance: 11 miles round trip
Difficulty: Strenuous
Highlights: Iconic bluffs, sweeping overlooks, and the famous Alum Cave. Reaching Mount LeConte rewards you with one of the park’s most breathtaking summits. For a shorter, but still challenging, version of this hike stop and turn around (4.6 miles round trip) at Alum Cave Bluffs.

2. Little River Trail

Distance: 4.9 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Highlights: This trail is in the Elkmont section of the park. The trail passes by some of the remaining structures of old homes in the area. Little River Trail parallels the river for a peaceful hike. The trail has a slight elevation gain but is relatively flat. Hike as far as you desire and turn around retracing your steps at Cucumber Gap Trail junction or make it a loop by connecting by taking Cucumber Gap to Jake’s Creek Trail. The loop adds a little mileage making your total distance 5.6 miles. This is one of my favorite trails in the park!

3. Little Brier Gap Trail via Metcalf Bottoms Trail

Distance: 4 mile round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: This trail takes you past several historical buildings in the park. Start at Metcalf Bottoms and take the trail (0.7 miles) to the Little Greenbrier School. You can drive directly to the schoolhouse but the narrow gravel road is closed at some times of the year. From the Little Greenbrier School continue on Little Brier Branch towards the Walker Sisters Place. The trail crosses over an old foot bridge then roughly a mile from the school you will see a side trail that leads to the Walker Sisters Place.

4. Abrams Falls (via Cades Cove)

Distance: 5 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Highlights: One of the park’s most popular waterfall hikes. The powerful 20-foot falls are surrounded by large pools, making it a picture-perfect stop in autumn.

5. Chimney Tops Trail

Distance: 4 miles round trip
Difficulty: Strenuous (steep climb)
Highlights: A short but challenging trail with rewarding overlooks. The last portion of the original summit climb is closed, but hikers can still enjoy stunning panoramic views.

6. Rainbow Falls Trail

Distance: 5.4 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Highlights: Named for the rainbow that often appears in its mist on sunny afternoons. This trail is also used to reach Mount LeConte (6.7 miles from trailhead).

7. Charlies Bunion (via Appalachian Trail)

Distance: 8 miles round trip
Difficulty: Strenuous
Highlights: A classic Smoky Mountain hike with panoramic views of rugged ridgelines. A must for hikers seeking less-traveled paths and dramatic vistas.

8. Grotto Falls

Distance: 2.6 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: The only waterfall in the park where you can walk behind the cascading water. A magical stop, especially in summer when the cool spray offers refreshment.

9. Middle Prong Trail

Distance: 8 miles out and back
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: This trail follows a river and offers amazing views of several waterfalls. It is a former logging railroad bed so the path is wide and has a gradual incline. This hike is great even if you just do a portion of it. We often just hike the first two miles and then turn back.

10. Andrews Bald

Distance: 3.6 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Highlights: A high-elevation meadow offering expansive views, especially stunning in spring when wild azaleas bloom.

fall in the smokies an open field with fall trees in background.

Tips for Hiking in the Smokies

Arrive early: Popular trailheads fill up quickly, especially in peak seasons (spring and fall).
Don’t forget your parking pass: There is not an entrance fee at this national park but parking tags are required for all vehicles parking anywhere in the park for more than 15 minutes. You can purchase the tags online in advance or at the visitor centers in the park. For more information and updates on road closures check out the park website.
Pack essentials: Water, layered clothing, and sturdy shoes are musts.
Don’t forget the Snacks! For ideas check out our post on vegan snacks for lunch boxes.
Respect wildlife: Bears, elk, wild turkey, and deer are commonly spotted—enjoy from a distance.
Leave no trace: Protect the park by packing out everything you bring in.

From easy family strolls to bucket-list treks, the Smokies offer something for every type of hiker. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, climbing to panoramic overlooks, or wandering through peaceful old-growth forests, these trails will leave you with lasting memories of America’s most beloved national park.

If you enjoyed this guide to the Best Hiking Trails in the Smokies check out my guide on the Best Vegetarian Hiking Snacks and Picnic Ideas.