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Introduction

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is nestled along the border of North Carolina and Tennessee in the eastern United States.

The park's history spans thousands of years. Prehistoric Paleo Indians once roamed these ancient mountains, leaving behind artifacts like a 9,000-year-old projectile point discovered within the park. European settlers arrived in the 1800s, followed by loggers and Civilian Conservation Corps enrollees in the 20th century. Today, the park preserves historic structures, landscapes, and artifacts that tell the stories of those who once called these mountains home.

In 1934, the United States Congress chartered Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and President Franklin D. Roosevelt officially dedicated it in 1940. Notably, it was the first national park funded partially with federal funds, as previous parks relied solely on state or private funding. The park received UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1983 and became an International Biosphere Reserve in 1988. In 2021, Great Smoky Mountains National Park welcomed over 14 million recreational visitors, making it the most visited national park in the United States. Its economic impact is substantial, generating over $1.3 billion and supporting 18,800 jobs in surrounding communities.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park covers a vast area of 522,427 acres (816.28 square miles/ 2,114.15 square km). This land is nearly evenly divided between Tennessee and North Carolina, spanning portions of Blount, Sevier, Cocke (Tennessee), and Swain, Haywood (North Carolina) counties.  The park's elevations vary dramatically, from approximately 875 feet at the mouth of Abrams Creek to a towering 6,643 feet at Clingmans Dome. Sixteen mountain peaks exceed 6,000 feet in elevation, offering breathtaking vistas and diverse ecosystems. There are an impressive 2,900 miles of streams with great trout fishing.  The park is home to a thriving population of black bears and white-tailed deer.  

For more information, visit the park’s Wikipedia site.

Top Hikes

The Great Smoky Mountain National Park has over 800 miles of trails.  Bear spray is highly recommended and knowing what to do if you encounter a bear.  We haven't done all the hikes but below are some of the top ones.

In addition to these, the National Park Service recommends other trails, including Charlies Bunion, Alum Cave Bluffs, Andrews Bald, Rainbow Falls and Chimney Tops.  

Easy to Moderate

Here are some of the top-rated easy to moderate hiking trails in the park.

Laurel Falls Trail: This 2.7-mile (4.3 km) trail is rated as easy and takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes to complete. It features an 80-foot (25 m) waterfall and is surrounded by slippery rocks. The trail is named after the evergreen mountain laurel shrubs that flower near it and along the trail at the end of the spring. The trailhead to Laurel Falls Trail is located approximately 3.5 miles (5.6 km) west of Sugarlands Visitor Center on Little River Road. the trailhead has parking areas on both sides of the road.

Gatlinburg Trail: This 3.8-mile (6.1 km) trail is rated as easy and takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete. It is one of the only two trails in the park that allow both bicycles and dogs. The trail links the outskirts of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and the Sugarlands Visitor Center, providing a unique and laidback means of walking between the national park and one of its best-known gateway towns. The trailhead for the Gatlinburg Trail is located behind the restrooms at the Sugarlands Visitor Center. The Sugarlands Visitor Center is located approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) south of Gatlinburg on US-441.

Cove Hardwoods Nature Trail: This 0.9-mile (1.4 km) trail is rated as easy and takes about 30 minutes to complete. It is accessed from the Chimney Tops Picnic Area and showcases the magnificence of the incredibly diverse, cathedral-like cove hardwood forest. The trail winds through a fine example of this community at the foot of Sugarland Mountain, with a significant share of old-growth trees. In spring, the Cove Hardwoods Nature Trail puts on a knockout display of wildflowers, including trilliums, fringed phacelias, spring beauties, and rue anemones. To get to the trailhead, take the main Parkway (Highway 441) out of Gatlinburg into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Continue past the Sugarlands Visitor Center (on your right) and take note of your mileage. The Chimneys Picnic Area, where you will park, is approximately 4.4 miles (7 km) past the visitor center on 441.

Difficult

There are several challenging day hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 

Baxter Creek Trail to Mt. Sterling: Baxter Creek Trail to Mt. Sterling is a 12.2-mile (19.3 km) round trip hike that offers a challenging route to the historic fire tower on Mt. Sterling. The trailhead for the Baxter Creek Trail is located in the Big Creek area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. To get to the trailhead, take the main Parkway (Highway 441) out of Gatlinburg into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Continue past the Sugarlands Visitor Center (on your right) and take note of your mileage. The Big Creek area is approximately 23 miles (37 km) from Gatlinburg. The trail is well-graded but climbs roughly 4,200 feet (1,280 m) in just 6.2 miles (10 km). The trail passes through sections of lush old-growth forest, including some of the largest trees in the park,. The forest eventually gives way to a balsam, spruce, and fir forest at the higher elevations. Although a very difficult hike, your efforts will be well rewarded upon reaching the 5,842-foot summit (1,780 m). On a clear day, you'll be able to see Balsam Mountain and Luftee Knob towards the west, Mount Guyot to the northwest, Max Patch to the east, and the Cataloochee Valley towards the south.

The Rainbow Falls Trail to Mt. LeConte is a challenging 13.8-mile (22.2 km) hike with a total elevation gain of 3,993 feet (1,217 m). The trailhead for the Rainbow Falls Trail is located at the Rainbow Falls Trailhead parking area, which is approximately 2.5 miles (4 km) from Gatlinburg on Cherokee Orchard Road. The trail is not for the faint of heart, as it gains more than 1,500 (457 m) feet in the first 2.3 miles (3.7 km) alone. The trail passes by the highest single-drop waterfall in the Smoky Mountains, the Rainbow Falls, which is approximately 80 feet tall (24.4 m). The trail is minimally exposed compared to other trails and is shrouded by lush forests and plenty of opportunities to view natural wildlife in the area.

The Rocky Top Trail to Thunderhead Mountain is a challenging 13.9-m( 22.2 km) hike with a total elevation gain of 3,665 feet (1,117 m). The trailhead for the Rocky Top Trail is located at the Rainbow Falls Trailhead parking area, which is approximately 2.5 miles (4 km) from Gatlinburg on Cherokee Orchard Road. The trail is gains more than 1,500 feet (457 m) in the first 2.3 miles alone (3.7 km). The trail passes by the highest single-drop waterfall in the Smoky Mountains, the Rainbow Falls, which is approximately 80 feet tall (24 m). The trail is minimally exposed compared to other trails and is shrouded by lush forests and plenty of opportunities to view natural wildlife in the area.

Backpacking

A backcountry permit is required for all over night stays.  They are available at the NPS website.

Mount LeConte trail is a challenging 12.6-mile (20.3km) round trip hike that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and passes by several backcountry campsites. The trailhead for the Mount LeConte trail is located at the Alum Cave Bluffs Trailhead parking lot, which is located right on US-441 in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. From Gatlinburg, it is a 13-mile (21 km) drive (30 minutes) to the trailhead. The trail is well-graded but climbs roughly 2,800 (853 m) feet in elevation gain. The trail passes through sections of lush old-growth forest, including some of the largest trees in the park. The forest eventually gives way to a balsam, spruce, and fir forest at the higher elevations. Although a very difficult hike, your efforts will be well rewarded upon reaching the 6,593-foot (2,010 m) summit. On a clear day, you'll be able to see Balsam Mountain and Luftee Knob towards the west, Mount Guyot to the northwest, Max Patch to the east, and the Cataloochee Valley towards the south.

Spence Field Loop is a 13.7-mile (22.2 km) hiking trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and passes by several backcountry campsites. The trailhead for the Spence Field Loop is located at the Cades Cove area of the park, which is approximately 30 miles(48.2 km) from Gatlinburg. The trail is well-graded but climbs roughly 5,006 feet (1,524 m) in elevation gain. The trail passes through sections of lush old-growth forest, including some of the largest trees in the park. The forest eventually gives way to a balsam, spruce, and fir forest at the higher elevations.

The Albright Grove Loop Trail is a 6.7-(10.8 km) round-trip hike that takes you to one of the true magic zones in Great Smoky Mountains National Park: among its most magnificent old-growth forests. The trailhead for the Albright Grove Loop Trail is located at the Maddron Bald Trailhead parking lot, which is located right on US-321 in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. From Gatlinburg, it is a 23-mile (37 km)drive (45 minutes) to the trailhead. The loop is a short detour off the Maddron Bald Trail in the quiet northeast of the national park. It’s a 6.7-mile (10.8 km) round-trip hike from the Maddron Bald trailhead that involves close to 1,500 feet (457 m) of elevation gain. The Albright Grove shows off one of the most impressive kinds of forest in North America: the outstandingly diverse cove hardwood forest of the Southern Appalachians. The trail is a great option for backpackers who want a shorter trip and offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.

Campgrounds

Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers 10 campgrounds in the park.  Most are reservable at reservation.gov.  Group sites are also available.

Abrams Creek Campground is a small campground located in a relatively remote area of Great Smoky Mountain National Park. The campground has 16 sites for tents or RVs up to 12 feet in length (3.6 m). The campground does not accept reservations and has an on-site, first-come first-served, self-registration system. 

Balsam Mountain Campground  is the highest elevation campground in the park, situated at an elevation of 5,310 feet (1,618 m). The campground offers 43 sites for tents or RVs, with 19 sites designated for tents only.  The campground is open from the end of May thru the end of October. Balsam Mountain Campground is known for its cool summer nights and fantastic views of the mountains. The Mile High Overlook is a short distance away and offers spectacular views of the mountains.

Big Creek Campground is located in a remote and secluded setting beside beautiful Big Creek. The campground offers 12 individual campsites for tent-only camping. Each campsite has a tent pad, a picnic table, and a fire ring with an attached cooking grate.

Cades Cove Campground is located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and offers 164 campsites. The campground has 31 tent-only sites and does not have any electric hookups or showers.  Maximum RV size is 40 feet (12.1 m)The campground is open year-round and combines the feel of primitive camping with the modern convenience of flush toilets and drinking water. Cades Cove is a popular destination for visitors to the park, with over 2 million visitors annually coming to enjoy the scenic beauty of the area and its many historic structures.

Cataloochee Campground is located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and offers 27 tent-only campsites. The campground is situated in the historic Cataloochee Valley, which is a relatively remote part of the park. The secluded setting offers visitors the ability to enjoy a multitude of recreational activities like hiking and fishing, without the crowds, which are sometimes common in other parts of the park. The campground has no electric hookups or showers, but flush toilets and drinking water are available.

Cosby Campground offers 157 campsites. The campground is situated in a beautiful forest at an elevation of about 2,500 feet (762 m). The secluded setting offers visitors the ability to enjoy a multitude of recreational activities like hiking and fishing, without the crowds, which are sometimes common in other parts of the park. All campsites have a fire ring, picnic table, and several trees. RV sites are less common and reservations are recommended on busy weekends. Cosby Campground can accommodate small RVs and other self-contained sleeping vehicles ranging from 20 to 30 feet in length (6 to 9.1 m). The campground has 157 campsites for tent-only camping.

Deep Creek Campground has 92 well-maintained campsites and is situated next to one of the most popular creeks in the park. The campground has 42 tent-only sites, and another 50 campsites for RV and tent use. The RV sites have parking spurs from 16 (5 m) to 27 feet (8.3 m). The campground is located at an elevation of 1,771 feet (539 m). The campground has a camp store that sells firewood, ice, and other camping essentials. There are also restrooms and showers available for campers. The campground is open from the April thru October.

Elkmont Campground has 220 campsites and is situated near the Little River. The campground has 25 tent-only sites and 195 sites for RV and tent use. The RV sites have parking spurs from 16 (5 m) to 35 feet (10.7 m). The campground is located at an elevation of 2,150 feet or 655 meters above sea level. The campground has a camp store that sells firewood, ice, and other camping essentials. There are also restrooms and showers available for campers. The campground is open from beginning of March thru the end of November.

Look Rock Campground is situated along the beautiful Foothills Parkway West between Walland, Tennessee and Chilhowee Lake. The campground offers 68 campsites in a high country wooded landscape. The campground has 10 sites with electric hookups and offers a traditional outdoor camping experience with the added convenience of flush toilets, drinking water, and a dump station. The campground is located at an elevation of 2,600 feet (792 m). There are no shower facilities located in the campground. The campground is open from the beginning of March thru the end of November.

Smokemont Campground has 142 campsites and is situated next to the Oconaluftee River. The campground has 44 RV-only sites and 42 tent-only (walk-to) sites. The RV sites have parking spurs from 16 (5 m) to 27 feet (8.3 m). The campground is located at an elevation of 2,198 feet (670 m) above sea level. The campground has a camp store that sells firewood, ice, and other camping essentials. There are also restrooms and showers available for campers. The campground is open from the beginning of March to the end of November.

Lodging

This is only one place with the park boundries for lodging.

LeConte Lodge is a guest lodge situated on an open glade just below the summit of Mt. LeConte at an elevation of about 6,400 feet (1,951 m). The lodge is accessible only by hiking and is the highest guest lodge in the eastern United States. There are five hiking trails that lead to the lodge ranging in length from 5.0 miles (8 km) up to 9.1 miles (14.6 km). The lodge offers an atmosphere of quiet simplicity where people find relaxation and renewed energy in the cool, majestic solitude at the top of the Smokies. Guests are housed in hand-built rough-hewn log cabins with propane heat, kerosene lanterns, clean linens, and warm Hudson Bay wool blankets. Hearty meals are served family-style in the dining room. he lodge is the only place in the Smoky Mountains where a visitor can sleep overnight in a snug permanent structure.The lodge is open from late March to mid-November.