Must-see Hiking Trails in the Smoky Mountains

Take a Hike!

Hiking is an enjoyable activity that brings us closer to nature and each other. Hiking trails are easy enough to find because of the many national parks in the United States, from Yosemite and Yellowstone to the Great Smoky Mountains. Because I live in East Tennessee and 15 minutes from a national park, I try to go on a hike every Sunday to take advantage of the beautiful area that I live in. It’s a great way to clear your head and really appreciate the natural world that we live in, away from the tweets, notifications, and emails. Here are some of my favorite hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains National Park.

Popular Hiking Trails in the Great Smoky Mountains

Laurel Falls

Great for beginner hikers, the Laurel Falls trail is the first one I ever hiked and is one of the most popular hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains. It’s not a far drive from the Sugarlands Visitor Center, and the National Park Service estimates about 2 hours for this trail, making it a relatively quick hike. This hiking trail is one of the few paved trails in the park, and the roundtrip distance is 2.6 miles, leading you to an 80-foot-high waterfall at the end.

Chimney Tops

Spanning 4 miles roundtrip, the Chimney Tops trail is very popular because of its amazing panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains. It has a total elevation of 1,400 feet and gets pretty steep rather quickly, so make sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes with support and bring plenty of water. In November 2016, a fire was started by two adolescents near the summit of Chimney Tops, resulting in major damage to the surrounding areas. The mountain’s peak was and still is considered unsafe and is blocked off, but an observation deck has been built near the summit so hikers can still enjoy the breathtaking views.

Alum Cave

The hiking trail to the Alum Cave Bluffs is 2.5 miles, and if you continue 2.5 more miles, you’ll reach the summit of Mt. LeConte. This is a more strenuous trail because of its roundtrip length (5 miles total for the bluffs and 10 miles total for Mt. LeConte) and the steepness, but the scenic Smoky Mountain views at the bluffs are worth the trip. On this trail, you’ll cross over several rivers and pass under Arch Rock, which has a stone stairway leading through it.

Grotto Falls

With a roundtrip of 3 miles, Grotto Falls is a moderately difficult hiking trail. It’s pretty rocky and can get muddy sometimes, so wear water-resistant boots with support and always take plenty of water. This trail leads you to a 25-foot-high waterfall, which you can cross under and continue further for 5.6 miles to Mt. LeConte’s summit. On your way to the falls, you could run into a pack of llamas, but don’t be alarmed. The llamas take supplies three times a week up the mountain to Mt. LeConte Lodge. This is a popular trail in the summer, as the waterfall offers a chance for hikers to cool off. Be careful when climbing rocks and never dive into bodies of water. Drowning is the leading cause of death in the national park.

Abrams Falls

Located in the Cades Cove loop, the Abrams Falls hiking trail is 5 miles roundtrip and takes about 3 to 4 hours, so you may return in the dark if you start your hike later in the day. Hikers will cross three narrow log bridges and a rough terrain to get to the 20-foot-high waterfall. There’s a large, deep pool of water surrounding the falls, and it’s highly discouraged to swim in and around the waterfall because of the strong current, which could sweep you under the water. Always use good judgement when near or in large bodies of water.

Ensure Safety When Hiking Trails

While hiking trails is a fun activity for all ages, there are some things to be aware of. First, you should always take plenty of water and snacks with you. A sturdy, insulated water bottle is essential. Hydration is so important, and it never hurts to stop for a small break before picking up steam again. Also, check the weather and wear layers. It’s a lot colder at the top of the mountain than it is at the base. Second, be careful when climbing rocks and don’t wander off the trail; also, closely watch children and check to see which hiking trails allow pets, strollers, and wheelchairs. Third, don’t feed or interact with any wildlife you encounter. Animals that come into contact with humans more than likely get euthanized, and it’s an unfortunate outcome to a situation that could’ve been avoided.

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