Hiking Trails in Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains

Trails for Beginners and Expert Hikers

Beginner Trails for Families

Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains are a paradise for beginners seeking scenic trails that are as accessible as they are breathtaking. Trails like the Gatlinburg Trail offer a leisurely walk along the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River, complete with charming footbridges and historic ruins. Families will love the Laurel Falls Trail, which features a paved path leading to a stunning 80-foot waterfall, perfect for a picnic or photo op. With gentle grades and shorter distances, these trails provide a safe and enjoyable introduction to the region’s natural wonders, ensuring unforgettable memories for hikers of all ages.

Challenging Trails for Expert Hikers

For seasoned adventurers, the Smoky Mountains deliver trails that test endurance and reward with dramatic vistas. The iconic Chimney Tops Trail climbs steeply through rugged terrain, offering a challenging yet exhilarating trek to a panoramic rock summit. For those seeking longer journeys, Mt. LeConte via Alum Cave Trail combines striking geological features, such as Alum Cave Bluffs, with a summit that boasts some of the park’s best sunrise views. These trails demand preparation and stamina but promise unparalleled experiences for hikers ready to take on the Smokies’ wild side.

Easy trails in Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg Trail

3.2 km / 2 miles • Est. 1h

Key features and attractions:

The only pet-friendly trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Follows the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River, with lovely water views.
Passes historic ruins, including old homesteads and chimneys.
Relatively flat, making it ideal for beginners and families.

Ideal for families, pet owners, and those seeking an easy riverside walk.

Little Brier Gap Trail

2.4 km / 1.5 miles • Est. 1h 30m

Key features and attractions:

Passes by the historic Walker Sisters’ cabin, a preserved homestead from the 1800s.
Gentle terrain through peaceful woods with occasional clearings.
Offers a quiet escape from busier trails in the park.
Plenty of shaded areas for warm days.

Great for history buffs, families, and leisurely hikers..

Laurel Falls Trail

4 km / 2.6 miles • Est. 2h

Key features and attractions:

Leads to the stunning 80-foot Laurel Falls, the park’s most photographed spot.
A paved path makes it accessible for strollers and small children.
Wildlife spotting opportunities along the way.
Best visited early in the morning to avoid crowds.

Perfect for families, couples, and anyone looking for a peaceful, scenic hike

Grotto Falls Trail

4.5 km / 2.8 miles • Est. 2h 30m

Key features and attractions:

The only trail in the Smokies where you can walk behind a waterfall.
Lush forested surroundings with wildflowers in spring.
Great for spotting salamanders and other small wildlife.
Cool mist from the falls offers a refreshing break during summer hikes.

Best for adventurous families, nature photographers, and beginner hikers.

Moderate trails in The Smokies

Alum Cave Trail

7.2 km / 4.6 miles • Est. 3h

Key features and attractions:

Famous for its striking geological features, including Arch Rock and Alum Cave Bluff.
Dramatic views of the Smoky Mountains along the ascent.
A great workout for hikers seeking rewarding vistas.
Well-maintained but rocky in sections, requiring good footwear.

Ideal for adventurous families, geology enthusiasts, and hikers seeking mid-level challenges

Baskins Creek Falls Trail

5.6 km / 3.5 miles • Est. 2h 30m

Key features and attractions:

Leads to the picturesque Baskins Creek Falls, a two-tiered waterfall.
A quieter, less-crowded alternative to Laurel Falls.
Features a mix of forested sections and open areas with views.
Steeper descent to the falls, but worth the effort for its serene beauty.

Best for solitude seekers, moderate hikers, and waterfall lovers.

Rainbow Falls Trail

8 km / 5 miles • Est. 4h

Key features and attractions:

Named after the colorful mist that forms on sunny afternoons.
The tallest single-drop waterfall in the Smokies at 80 feet.
A steady climb with some rocky sections.
Popular for its diverse flora and cascading streams along the trail.

Ideal for waterfall enthusiasts, intermediate hikers, and adventurous families.

Porters Creek Trail

6.4 km / 4 miles • Est. 3h

Key features and attractions:

Winds through a beautiful old-growth forest and past historic remnants.
Features Fern Branch Falls, a lovely 40-foot cascade.
Popular in spring for its vibrant wildflowers, including trilliums and violets.
Gentle inclines with occasional rocky stretches.

Enjoyed by nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and photographers.

Challenging trails in the Smoky Mountains

Chimney Tops Trail

7.4 km / 4.6 miles • Est. 4h

Key features and attractions:

One of the park’s steepest and most rewarding hikes.
Ends at a rocky summit with panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains.
Requires careful footing, especially near the top.
A popular trail for those seeking a quick, intense workout.

Best for experienced hikers, adventure seekers, and those craving a challenge.

Charlies Bunion Trail

13.2 km / 8.2 miles • Est. 6h

Key features and attractions:

Stunning ridgeline views of the Smoky Mountains.
Offers a true backcountry experience with fewer crowds.
Part of the iconic Appalachian Trail.
Features dramatic rock outcroppings at Charlies Bunion.

Suitable for advanced hikers, Appalachian Trail enthusiasts, and photographers.

Mt. LeConte via Alum Cave Trail

17.7 km / 11 miles • Est. 7h 30m

Key features and attractions:

Leads to the summit of Mt. LeConte, one of the Smokies’ highest peaks.
Diverse terrain with waterfalls, cliffs, and open views.
LeConte Lodge at the summit provides a rustic overnight option.
Sunrise and sunset from the peak are unforgettable.

Ideal for seasoned hikers, overnight trekkers, and those seeking stunning mountain vistas.

Ramsey Cascades Trail

13 km / 8 miles • Est. 6h 30m

Key features and attractions:

Features the tallest waterfall in the park, Ramsey Cascades, at 100 feet.
Old-growth trees along the trail, including massive tulip poplars.
Stream crossings add an adventurous touch.
One of the Smokies’ most strenuous but rewarding hikes.

A must for waterfall lovers, advanced hikers, and those with a full day to explore.

Rocky Top Trail

21.7 km / 13.5 miles • Est. 9h

Key features and attractions:

Part of the Appalachian Trail, offering sweeping 360-degree views at the summit.
A challenging hike with steep ascents and rocky sections.
The trail inspired the famous song “Rocky Top, Tennessee.
A full-day adventure with unparalleled vistas of the Smoky Mountains.

Ideal for Appalachian Trail enthusiasts, endurance hikers, and those seeking iconic summit views.

Tips for hiking in the Smokies

Gear and Preparation

Wear moisture-wicking layers and sturdy hiking boots with ankle support to tackle uneven terrain.
Bring a fully charged phone or GPS device, a paper map, and extra batteries for navigation.
Pack essentials like water, high-energy snacks, a first-aid kit, and bear spray for safety.

Seasonal Considerations

Spring hikers should prepare for muddy trails and high stream crossings due to melting snow.
Summer brings heat and humidity, so start early to avoid the midday heat and bring extra water.
Fall and winter hikers should dress in layers and carry microspikes for icy sections.

Trail Etiquette and Safety

Stay on marked trails to minimize erosion and protect sensitive vegetation.
Avoid feeding or approaching wildlife—observe from a distance and store food properly.
Share the trail by yielding to uphill hikers and letting faster groups pass safely.