With over 800 miles of trail terrain to explore in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, there are about 150 official hiking trails to explore. We hand-selected these top 5 hiking trails in the Smokies for you to experience during your visit.

RICH MOUNTAIN LOOP

Rich Mountain Loop is a timeworn landmark that transports you into a tranquil escape from the busy Cades Cove Loop Road. It offers beautiful views and a strenuous hike.

 

ALUM CAVE

Alum Cave is a rock shelter that sits 80 feet above your head and about 40 feet out from you. There are beautiful postcard views from here. Alum Cave used to be an Epsom salt mine in the 1800s.

 

MOUNT LECONTE

Mount LeConte has 4 subpeaks with 4 individual panoramic views. This is a favorite hike in the park for a sunrise or sunset. It is 6,593 feet tall and is the third-highest peak in the Smokies. 

 

CHARLIES BUNION

Charlies Bunion is a uniquely formed rock outcropping originally known as Fodderstack. A forest trail leads you to this rugged landform.

 

PORTERS CREEK

What begins as a gravel road quickly turns into a lush, mossy forest trail with historical remains of the Elbert Cantrell homestead, the old Ownby cemetery, the John Messer farm site, and an old cantilever barn from 1875.