Best Hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park (By Region)
True North Map CoShare
Great Smoky Mountains National Park sees more than 13 million visitors a year — more than any other national park in the country. And unlike most parks, there's no entrance fee. What it does have is 800-plus miles of trails, ranging from family-friendly waterfall walks to multi-day ridge climbs, spread across a park that straddles the Tennessee–North Carolina border.
The park is big enough that where you start matters. The trails below are organized by region — Central, West, and East — to help you plan a focused trip rather than driving an hour between trailheads.
Central — The Most Popular Hiking Corridor
The central section runs along US-441 (Newfound Gap Road) from Gatlinburg through Sugarlands to Clingmans Dome. It's home to the park's most-hiked trails and most dramatic terrain.
Alum Cave Trail
The most popular hike in the park. The trail starts gently through old-growth forest before reaching Arch Rock — a narrow passage carved by the creek — then opens onto Alum Cave Bluffs, a massive overhanging ledge. Continuing to the summit of Mount LeConte adds significant elevation but rewards with panoramic views. Distance: 4.4 miles round trip to the bluffs; 11 miles to LeConte summit. Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous.
Laurel Falls Trail
The most-visited waterfall in the park. A paved trail leads to one of the highest free-falling waterfalls in the Smokies. Gets crowded in peak season — go early or on a weekday. Distance: 2.6 miles round trip. Difficulty: Easy.
Chimney Tops Trail
Short and steep, this trail climbs to twin rocky summits with wide-open views over the central park. The upper section requires using your hands on the rock. Distance: 4 miles round trip. Difficulty: Strenuous.
Clingmans Dome
At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the park and on the entire Appalachian Trail. The observation tower offers 360-degree views into seven states on a clear day. Combine with a walk along the AT to Andrews Bald for a longer outing through a beautiful high-elevation meadow. Distance: 1 mile round trip to tower; 3.8 miles to Andrews Bald and back. Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
Charlies Bunion via Appalachian Trail
One of the best views in the entire park. The AT from Newfound Gap is wide and well-maintained, and Charlies Bunion — a bare, rocky promontory on the ridgeline — delivers sweeping views in both directions. Distance: 8 miles round trip. Difficulty: Moderate.
West — Cades Cove & Backcountry
The western section is anchored by Cades Cove, an open valley surrounded by forested mountains. It's the best area in the park for wildlife — deer and black bears are regularly spotted — and holds some excellent waterfall hiking.
Abrams Falls
One of the most rewarding hikes in the cove. The trail winds through rhododendron tunnels along Abrams Creek before reaching a wide, 20-foot falls with a deep pool at its base. Distance: 5 miles round trip. Difficulty: Moderate.
Cades Cove Loop Road
An 11-mile one-way loop through the historic cove, open to foot traffic and cyclists on Wednesday and Saturday mornings before 10am. Historic cabins, churches, and grist mills dot the route. Best at dawn or dusk for wildlife.
Middle Prong Trail (Tremont)
A quieter corner of the park. This trail follows the Middle Prong of the Little River through old-growth forest past a series of cascades. Trailhead at the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont. Distance: 8 miles round trip. Difficulty: Moderate.
East — Cosby, Big Creek & Cataloochee
The eastern section is the least crowded part of the park and home to some of the most rewarding hikes for those willing to make the drive.
Midnight Hole & Mouse Creek Falls (Big Creek)
Big Creek Trail follows a wide, clear mountain stream past cascades and pools. Midnight Hole — a deep blue-green swimming hole — is less than a mile in, with Mouse Creek Falls adding a spectacular side trip. One of the best easy hikes in the entire park. Distance: 4 miles round trip to Mouse Creek Falls. Difficulty: Easy.
Mt. Cammerer Lookout Tower
A restored 1930s stone fire tower perched on a dramatic rocky summit, with some of the best views in the eastern park. Best approached via the Low Gap Trail from Cosby Campground. Distance: 11.2 miles round trip. Difficulty: Strenuous.
Cataloochee Valley
A remote valley accessible by a narrow winding road, home to a reintroduced elk herd and well-preserved 19th-century homesteads and churches. Go at dawn or dusk for elk sightings. Short walking trails connect the historic structures.
Hen Wallow Falls (Cosby)
A moderate out-and-back from Cosby Campground through forest to a tall, narrow waterfall — far quieter than most waterfall hikes in the park. Distance: 4.4 miles round trip. Difficulty: Moderate.
Planning Tips
- No entrance fee. Great Smoky Mountains is one of the only major national parks that doesn't charge admission.
- Cell service is limited throughout most of the park. Download offline maps before you go — don't rely on a signal in the backcountry.
- Crowds peak in October (fall color) and June–August. Weekday mornings are your best bet on popular trails.
- Parking fills fast. Alum Cave, Chimney Tops, and Laurel Falls trailheads are often full by 9am in summer. Arrive early or use the Gatlinburg trolley system.
- Bears are active throughout the park year-round. Store food properly and never approach wildlife.
Which Map Do You Need?
The True North Great Smoky Mountains cloth map series covers the full park in four options — an Overview and regional West, Central, and East maps. If your hiking is concentrated along Newfound Gap Road (Alum Cave, Laurel Falls, Chimney Tops, Clingmans Dome), the Central map is your pick. Heading to Cades Cove or Tremont? Go with West. Cataloochee, Big Creek, or Cosby? Grab the East. All printed on waterproof cloth that holds up on wet trails and in the rain.
Shop Great Smoky Mountains Maps →
Related Reading: Great Smoky Mountains Fall Color: Best Trails for Leaf Season · National Parks – Which Map Do I Need?
