Top Things to do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
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10 Things to do Good for Adrenaline Seekers in Great Smoky Mountains National Park That You Shouldn't Miss
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1. Alum Cave Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 418 reviews
One of the most popular hikes in the park, it is the quick route to Mt. LeConte Lodge.
Reviewed By explorcation - Florida, United States
This trail is known to be the most hiked trail in the Smokies and for good reason. It follows a river in the beginning, takes you through a naturally formed rock arch and leads you to the Alum Cave Bluffs. You can decide how far you want to take the trail. If you want to do a full day hike you can take it all the way to the Mount LeConte peak! Hiking to the peak can take between 6 to 10 hours depending on your pace and how frequently you stop. The whole trail is so beautiful it would be hard to not stop frequently. This area is very popular, so arrive early to get a spot in the parking lot. During our visit many cars had to park along the side of the road. If you are planning a trip and want to see some video footage of the Alum Cave Trail check out our Alum Cave Trail hiking video on our YT Channel Explorcation. The link is in our bio. It also includes some more tips for visiting. Happy trip planning!
2. Mount LeConte
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 280 reviews
One of the most popular hiking mountains in the park.
Reviewed By Bee_Keeper_05 - Crossville, United States
We hiked Mt LeConte yesterday, and it was worth the soreness I am feeling now. Such a challenging day! We took Bulls Head up to LeConte Lodge (7.82 miles)and came down toward Rainbow Falls. There are a lot of views on the Bulls Head Trail, a lot more then the Rainbow Trail. The fires cleared the trees for amazing views! The burnt trees stood like statues refusing to fall, and surprising like art themselves. There are not a lot of switch backs on the way up and it is a climb to summit. I was surprised of the temperature drop, once on top. It was was pretty cold, and. Was glad I had hiking pants on. LeConte Lodge was so neat to see, and a must see. Rainbow Falls was good, but very crowded and I did not stay long. Highly Recommend
3. Charlies Bunion
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 123 reviews
Reviewed By Susie1028 - San Diego, United States
This is a great hike in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The trailhead is on the North Carolina/Tennessee border. There is plenty of parking a restrooms. From Newfound Gap, you will take the Appalachian Trail through the mountain's knobby divide to the stone outcrop called Charlie's Bunion. The rocky, treeless summit affords wonderful panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains. The hike is 8.1 miles roundtrip. In November when we hiked, there were many sections of snow and ice.
4. Ramsey Cascades
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 172 reviews
Reviewed By Travel_Addict_Cyprus - Michigan, United States
We loved this trail! Beautiful scenery on the way to the Ramsey Cascades, with the reward of the stunning waterfall at the end! This trail is in the Greenbrier area of the park. While researching this trail, i saw that it was described as an 8.0 mile RT trail and rated moderately strenuous. It seemed longer than 8 miles to me, and my fitness app showed close to 10 miles, so i am not sure if the 8 miles is accurate. Regarding the difficulty level, I would say it is moderate, because the 2,190 feet of elevation gain is spread over a long distance (approx 4 miles). The road to the trailhead is a bit rough, with some pot holes, but nothing too bad; just drive carefully to the end of the dirt road and you will find the parking area. As at most trailheads, if the lot is full you can turn around and park along the side of the road. Beautiful scenery along the trail, which starts out very easy. Even though it's a steady uphill, it's a gradual climb that only gets steep the last mile and a half. At the sign that says there's 2.5m to the Falls, you'll start a more difficult ascent, with the terrain being rocky and rooted. You will cross a couple of foot bridges over the stream. The last 1.5 miles is pretty steep and rocky, but definitely doable by anyone in average shape. Once you reach the waterfall, the rocks are slippery, so watch your step. If you plan to stay a while and enjoy the waterfall, make sure you have a jacket; it's cold up there. I brought a hiking stick but the rest of my family did not and had no issues.
5. Spruce Flats Falls
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 130 reviews
Reviewed By Alex0518 - Fort Mitchell, United States
A moderate trail. Rocks and stumps so watch your step. A couple of nice views along your hike. Somehow uphill both ways lol. Beautiful waterfall makes a perfect place to cool off and have a snack. Not as trafficed as some of the other Smoky Mountain trails
6. Clingmans Dome
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,972 reviews
The highest peak in the park.
Reviewed By E93QZthomasc - Ridgeland, United States
Be in shape to hike this half mile straight up trail to Clingmans dome,, you can drive up and dont have to do the hike It is ABSOLUTELY Amazing!The drive , traffic and views are awesome, went in November and saw snow and Ice, (not on the road) Huge Icicles on the Huge ountain Rock .the Cedar trees and views are spectacular the smell of the cedar tries, awesome, Live Christmas trees everywhere, WATCH YOUR STEP, Do Not get to close to the edge ! you are a mile high !
7. Laurel Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,496 reviews
Reviewed By PrimeSteak86 - Gatlinburg, United States
There are a number of beautiful waterfalls throughout the Smokies, but few are as easy to hike to as Laurel Falls. The trailhead is located about 4 miles SW of Gatlinburg. Take a Right off 441 beside Sugarland visitors center, and you’ll be to the trailhead in only about 5 mins. It’s just about 1/2 mile before the Elkmont Campground. Parking stays packed here daily, especially in peak seasons. So It’s best to get an early start; while the bulk of tourists are still in town shoveling pancakes. Though there is a slight up n down elevation along this easy hike, the trail is paved, and quite easy to trek(I’ve seen 4 yr olds make it up n back with relative ease)... You’ll pass several folks with strollers pushing along as well. Laurel Falls is only a about a mile or so up, and the same coming down. The falls themselves aren’t the tallest or most majestic in the Smokies, but they do have a magnetism to them: making it a very popular photo spot. There’s a wooden bridge here that serves up some nice photo opportunities too. Note: Please be careful climbing in or around the falls; especially children. The rocks in this area are very slick; have been the cause of serious injuries, and sadly, even deaths. I’d honestly rate the falls themselves at about a 4.5 overall; especially when compared to other waterfalls in the Smokies: But the simplicity of getting here, allowing folks of all ages to enjoy their beauty, I’m compelled to rate them at a 5.... Enjoy your easy hike
8. Abrams Falls Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 479 reviews
Reviewed By wetravelalot007 - Rossville, United States
Our hiking app said we went 5.73 miles round trip on this out and back trail. It took us 2 hours and 22 minutes to complete our hike. There are three ascents and descents on this trail totaling 1.44 miles of hill climbing up to a gain in elevation of 795 feet. After hiking the Rainbow Falls Trail recently this trail was easy in comparison. It is located in the Cades Cove loop area. So you will be committed to driving the Cades Cove loop when committing to this hike. The falls themselves are interesting. You can actually get really close to them and get your pictures. There is a lot of water volume going over these falls. We were grateful for our hiking boots. There are a lot of roots and rocky portions of this trail so solid footwear would be recommended, This is an enjoyable hike. One that we feel most level of hikers will have little trouble completing.
9. Chimney Tops Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 444 reviews
Reviewed By TourWorld - Terre Haute, United States
Hiked this trail with my teenager to the observation point on the top. Took the two of us about 2 1/2 hours round trip with multiple stops for photos and catching breath. There were a few going up to the summit by going around the gate but we turned around from the viewpoint. The trail was pretty good. Even though a steep hike, there were steps in many areas, which was helpful as it rained a lot the day before we were there and drizzled here and there during our hike. There were 4 bridges and beautiful views of river, small cascade of waterfalls and lovely fall colors. Wear hiking shoes and take a bottle of water. Saw some with hiking poles. I chose this hike for our group of 20 with ages from 11-80 and different ability levels (we all got tested for covid before going and wore masks indoors and kept distance etc.). Everyone came back happy as you have the first two bridges close to the entrance with lovely views and rocks to sit around (where some of the group did yoga and just picnicked), some went half way up and turned around. There are no restrooms at the trailhead but Chimneys picnic area is close by. We all were able to find parking around 10am on Sunday between the two parking areas.
10. Grotto Falls Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 875 reviews
Reviewed By ellentambo - Westerville, United States
This was a fun hike with just enough challenge to make it interesting and a beautiful waterfall that you can walk behind at the end.
