Outbound Collective logo

20 Must-Do Hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Explore the heart of the South.

By: The Outbound Collective + Save to a List

Sitting on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, the seemingly endless ridges of the Smoky Mountains attract more annual visitors than any other national park in the country. Don’t let that scare you away, it’s not too hard to find a small piece of the park to call your own for the day. Hailed for their biodiversity, scenic lookouts, and Southern charm, the Smokies belong on every adventurer’s national park bucket list. Check out some of our favorite hikes in the park and start making plans to see them for yourself.     

1. Hike to Baskins Creek Falls

Photo: Nathan Szwarc

2. Hike to the Jump-Off


Photo: Nicholas Voyles

3. Hike Grotto Falls Trail


Photo: Seth Berry

4. Hike Charlies Bunion


Photo: Tiffany Edmiston

5. Catch a Sunrise at Newfound Gap


Photo: Matthew Chang

6. Hike to Clingmans Dome


Photo: Spenser Reid

7. Hike Three Waterfalls Loop


Photo: Johnathan Duncan

8. Hike Andrews Bald


Photo: Nathan Szwarc

9. Hike to Mount Leconte Cliff Tops via Rainbow Falls Trail


Photo: Adam Welch

10. Hike the Little River Trail to Backcountry Campsite #30


Photo: Adam Welch

11. Hike the Cucumber Gap and Little River Loop


Photo: Joshua Contois

12. Hike the Sugarland Mountain Trail


Photo: Chaney Swiney

13. Hike the Kephart Prong Trail


Photo: Joshua Contois

14. Hike to the Ramsey Cascades


Photo: Joshua Contois

15. Hike to Spruce Flats Falls

Photo: Nathan Szwarc

16. Hike to Tom Branch and Indian Creek Falls


Photo: Joshua Contois

17. Hike to Hemphill Bald


Photo: Steve Yocom

18. Hike to Hen Wallow Falls


Photo: Cassandra Harrison

19. Hike to the Mount Cammerer Lookout Tower


Photo: Robin Pfeifer

20. Hike to Abrams Falls


Photo: Jon King

Cover photo: Adam Welch

We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Do you love the outdoors?

Yep, us too. That's why we send you the best local adventures, stories, and expert advice, right to your inbox.

Related

Indulge in Adventure at this Base Camp Near the Great Smoky Mountains

The Outbound Collective

The Smokies Are Still Alive!

Merritt McKinney

6 Inspiring Photos from the Smoky Mountains

Nick Spicer

The 5 Best Fall Hikes in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Christian Murillo