About the park
Containing some of the tallest mountains East of the Mississippi, Great Smoky Mountains is consistently the nations most visited park, in part due to its proximity to the large cities of Atlanta, Charlotte, Knoxville and even Washington D.C. But also the amazing views of the Appalachian mountains, 800 miles of hiking trails, and the majestic Blue Ridge Parkway, draws visitors from hundreds of miles away!
The park runs along the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, and is 95% forested, hiding within it a series of rivers, streams and waterfalls. One of the most popular is Laurel Falls, accessible by a relatively easy trail that leads to a tall but inaccessible fire lookout tower. While very cold, especially before late summer, there are often small pools along trails to paddle and swim in, while of course being aware of any currents. White water rafting is possible on Pigeon and nearby Ocoee Rivers, for those looking for more thrill than a standard riverside hike!
The thick woodland and abundant rainfall produces a rich ecosystem, with over 100 species of tree growing alongside thousands of plant species, many of which flower and produce colour year-round. Black bears are not uncommon, sometimes even visible from vehicles when driving along the scenic roads of the park, such as the Blue Ridge Parkway or the Newfound Gap (US 441). Going on at least one scenic drive is a must for any visitor to the park, which are often dotted with numerous viewpoint stops, giving beautiful views of the layered hills and mountains that extend across the horizon.
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Can't miss
Hike the beautiful trails
Great Smoky Mountains NP has approximately 80 hiking trails, guiding the way to stretching views, beautiful waterfalls and refreshing pools often through diverse forest. Spread out across the park, there are plentiful opportunities for hikers to experience quiet and solitude in this stunning section of the Appalachian mountains.
Drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most famous scenic routes in the world and a must for any visit, running 469 miles between Great Smoky Mountains and Shenandoah National Parks. The Parkway begins in the park near Cherokee, but for those looking for a drive with fewer cars and people, we recommend the section from Asheville up towards Mt. Mitchell.
Overlook from Clingman's Dome
The highest point in the park and Tennessee, Clingman's Dome has a concrete lookout providing panoramic views. The road leading close to the summit is typically open late March to early December, before a short but steep 0.5 mile hike. The Appalachian Trail crosses Clingman's Dome if you'd like to hike a portion of the world famous 2190 mile route!
Explore the park
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Points of interest
Trails
As ever, we recommend conducting some of your own research on hikes as well as talking to park rangers in order to find less populated trails that may be of interest, helping prevent overcrowding and erosion of the park's best known routes. But here are a few suggestions to consider to get you started...
Gentle
Laurel Falls
Laurel Falls Trailhead
Length (roundtrip): 2.4 miles
Approximate duration: 1-2 hours
Maximum elevation: 2660 ft
Max-Min elevation change: 380 ft
Laurel Falls is the longest of the four paved trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is also one of the most popular hikes, so consider starting early to make sure you get a parking spot.
Laurel Falls is an 80ft waterfall with an upper and lower section, and a small walkway crosses between them. The spray and shade is particularly nice during the summer when temperatures in the park often reach 85F. One of the most photogenic waterfalls in the park, it's well worth the couple of hours spent visiting it.
Visitors should be aware that black bears can be quite a common site in the park. Even on this busy trail, it bears can be seen, so make sure to know how to stay safe around them and not drop any food or litter!
Moderate
Chimney Tops
Chimney Tops Trailhead
Length (roundtrip): 3.5 miles
Approximate duration: 3-4 hours
Maximum elevation: 4680 ft
Max-Min elevation change: 1400 ft
Leaning towards the demanding end of moderate, this hike is one of the most famous in the park. Traditionally it concluded with a steep, almost rock climbing section up to the summit but it has been closed since 2016. Instead there is now an observation area, but the hike remains challenging up until that point.
The hike is short but the continuous incline means a decent level of fitness and motivation is needed. However the views from the top are excellent and worth the sweat of reaching the summit.
Along the hike is a small creek and footbridges that criss-cross along some of the lower part of the hike. Once you've hiked back down, consider the short drive over to Morton overlook, perhaps for sunset!
Demanding
Charlie's Bunion
Newfound Gap
Length (roundtrip): 8.0 miles
Approximate duration: 4-5 hours
Maximum elevation: 6105 ft
Max-Min elevation change: 1640 ft
The Appalachian Trail is about 2,200 miles long, stretching from Georgia all the way up to Maine. Most people aren't quite keen enough for that, but you can get a little taste with a hike up to Charlies Bunion!
Park at the Newfound Gap, and then head east on the Appalachian Trail, where the elevation is often in excess of 6,000ft and It feels like you are on one of the highest ridges around.
The hike is relatively steep for the first two miles, peaking at about 2.5 miles when the trail starts to descend slightly, providing some welcome respite. Just before 4 miles there is a small branch off to Charlies Bunion, a rocky outcropping leaning out over the edge. From here you can see the wooded hills stretch out throughout the whole horizon.
Where to stay
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When to visit
We recommend:
Spring or Fall - for fewer crowds and easy access with no snow. Just take your pick of leaf colour - green or orange!
Itineraries
