Hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains

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Smoky Mountain Scavenger Hike Adventure - Enjoy adventure travel in the Smokies to the fullest extent by planning a hiking vacation or just an afternoon of family fun! This great hiking adventure book will lead you on easy, moderate, and strenuous hikes through the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, with the added twist of a scavenger hunt.  Authors John & Kat LaFevre have compiled directions, history, and little known facts about each trail to help you enjoy the splendor of the Smoky Mountains! www.smokymountainscavengerhike.com

Tennessee Vacation Packages - Enjoy hiking in the Smokies with a backpack filled with everyting you need for your adventure into the Park and head for the hills!  Maps, trail ratings, tips for enjoying the National Park, snack lunch, and comfort items. Includes 2 nights accommodations.  Additional packages available.

70 miles of the trail pass through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Within the Park's borders, the trail crosses from Davenport Gap near Big Creek on the east to Fontana Dam, N.C. on the southwest, reaching a halfway point at Newfound Gap. It passes near or over several of the highest peaks in the eastern United States. The "AT" winds up over the highlands through grassy balds and descends into the valleys to briefly join other trails.

A good place to start your journey is the Sugarlands Visitors Center on Route 441 at the Gatlinburg entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are nature exhibits, a short film, guidebooks, maps, and park rangers who give lectures guided strolls, and answer questions. This is where you will pick up camping, hiking & fishing permits.

Back Country Hiking
All overnight hiking in the Park requires a permit which can be obtained at any ranger station. Planning is paramount as the use of campsites must be regulated.  18 campsite shelters are maintained throughout the Park. Each is spaced so that hikers will remain within the recommended eight to ten miles of travel each day. Safety is the most important concern. Hikers should stay only on the marked trails and never travel alone. We want you to enjoy this land of majestic mountains and country charm.  Be smart. Learn about the do's and don'ts of hiking in the Park from any Visitor Center or Ranger Station.

ACTIVITIES
Picnicking is an American tradition and no family  trip to the Smokies is complete without one. Please remember to dispose of all garbage properly and NEVER feed the bears! Most bears are very used to human presence and seldom feel uninvited to your picnic.  Always remember, they are wild animals and can be very unpredictable. These are not domesticated house pets and therefore you should remain at observation distance at all times.

The Park contains several designated picnic areas with tables and grills.

Where to Hike Chart:

Whether you are an avid hiker or a beginner the Smokies offer trails for you.  Use this guide for quick reference. For more information, return to Inside the Park.

Difficulty

 

Trail

 

Mileage

 

Location

 

Easy

 

Cosby

 

1 mile

 

Cosby Campground

 

Cove Hardwood

 

.75 mile

 

Chimney Tops

 

Elkmont

 

.75 mile

 

Elkmont Campground

 

Indian Creek Falls

 

.9 mile

 

Deep Creek Campground

 

Laurel Falls

 

2.6 miles

 

Little River Road

 

Sugarlands

 

1 mile

 

Sugarlands Welcome Center

 

Moderate

 

Abrams Falls

 

5 miles

 

Cades Cove Loop

 

Andrews Bald

 

3.6 miles

 

Clingman's Dome Road

 

Boogerman Trail

 

6.6 miles

 

Cataloochee Campground

 

Charlie's Bunion

 

8.8 miles

 

Newfound Gap

 

Gregory Bald

 

10.6 miles

 

Parson Branch Road

 

Grotto Falls

 

7 miles

 

Roaring Fork

 

Hen Hallow Falls

 

4.2 miles

 

Cosby Campground

 

Juney Wank Falls

 

.6 miles

 

Deep Creek Road

 

Rainbow Falls

 

5.2 miles

 

Cherokee Orchard Road

 

Spence Field

 

10 miles

 

Cades Cove Picnic Area

 

Strenuous

 

Chimney Tops

 

4 miles

 

Newfound Gap Road

 

Mt. Sterling

 

5.6 miles

 

Catalooche Schoolhouse

 

Ramsey Cascade

 

8 miles

 

Greenbrier

 

Shuckstack

 

7 miles

 

Twentymile

 

Thunderhead

 

13 miles

 

Cades Cove Picnic Area

 

Visit Smoky Mountain University
for all the details about this years Hike-a-Thons!!
Request to be notified about future hikes so that you can have a great time hiking at your leisure while supporting air clean-up efforts in the Smokies!