Hiking in the Park - Hiking Trails

Most Popular Hikes

Approximately 800 miles of hiking trails are maintained within the boundaries of the Park. There is no way you can hike all the really good ones during a short visit to the Smokies. The following is a list of the most popular (for varying reasons) for visitors to the Park (proximity, accessibility, length, sights along the way such as views, waterfalls and old-growth forests). The difficulty for each trail is listed and bolded in the description.

• Abrams Falls - Abrams Falls can be reached by following Abrams Falls Trail. The trailhead and parking area is located near the halfway point on the Cades Cove Loop Road. This moderate trail is 4.2 miles long and follows Abrams Creek all the way to Abrams Falls which is located 2.5 miles into the trail.
• Grotto Falls - Grotto Falls is a spectacular sight to behold. The easiest way to get there is by following Trillium Gap Trail almost 1.5 miles to the falls. Trillium Gap Trailhead is on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail in Gatlinburg. On the western most part of the trail you will finds that point you both to Trillium Gap Trail and Grotto Falls. Trillium Gap is an easy trail.
• Rainbow Falls - Rainbow Falls is located in the same part of the park as Grotto Falls. Go to Cherokee Orchard Road in Gatlinburg and follow the signs to the Rainbow Falls Trail. This is a bit of a tough hike, being listed as strenuous. Make sure you are ready for the hike of almost 3 miles to get to the falls.
• Ramsey Cascades - Located in Greenbrier, you will follow a road that quickly turns to dirt and is one lane most of the way until you come to the Ramsey Cascades Trail trailhead. This is also a strenuous trail. This 4 mile hike rewards you with the cascades at the end. Beautiful sight but be prepared for dramatic elevation changes and a scramble over boulders at the end.
• Laurel Falls - Terrific trail and one of the most accessible in the park. Paved walkway, handicap accessible, wide enough for a family to walk side-by-side, these are only a few of the reasons that this is one of the most popular trails in the park. This trail is rated as easy and it doesn't get much easier than this. The reward, of course, is the falls located roughly 2 miles into the hike.
• Gatlinburg Trail - This easy trail connects Gatlinburg and the Sugarlands Visitor Center. Follow River Road to where it ends, look to the right and you will see the Gatlinburg Trail trailhead. This 2 mile hike is beautiful and well manicured. If you don't have time for a long hike or if you have children this is a great trail. If you are looking for a quick hike, this is a great trail. If you are just looking for a hike, this is a great trail.

Hikes To Waterfalls

Though some trails are very challenging, several have the final reward of spectacular waterfalls.

Abrams Falls (moderate) - The trail to Abrams Falls is 2.5 miles each way. Most consider it a moderately difficult hike, determined by the length and occasional steep elevation changes. It's a favorite hike because the trailhead is in Cades Cove and the reward is a spectacular waterfall at the end. Map and details

Here are some other waterfalls in the SMokies that you might want to check out.
Mingo Falls
Mouse Creek Falls
Hen Wallow Falls
Indian Creek Falls
Juney Whank Falls
Tom Branch Falls
Laurel Falls

Trail Maps - Backcountry Permits

A permit is required for backcountry use, but there is no charge for the permit. Permits can be obtained at Ranger stations and visitor centers. You can order trail maps to help plan your time in the GSMNP.

Smoky Mountains National Park • Trail Maps • Backcountry Camping