Hiking Information

There are many great trails to hike in the Great Smoky Mountains. Below is a list of popular trails in the area with information such as Elevation Gain, Mileage, Rating, and what features you will see when hiking on the trail. Hiking is great fun for the whole family, but can be dangerous. Please follow caution while hiking in the park.

One of the most daunting tasks facing hikers is choosing a trail. Start by deciding on what you would like to see. Waterfalls? Old-growth forests? Endless views? Then decide how far you would like to hike. If you haven't hiked much recently, be conservative. Five miles roundtrip is a good maximum distance for novices.

Be sure to allow plenty of time to complete your hike before dark. As a rule of thumb, hikers in the Smokies travel about 1.5 miles per hour. Many people travel slower. Sunset times vary from just after 5:00 p.m. in December to almost 9:00 p.m. in June

Hiking Safety Information

Your safety depends on your own good judgment, adequate preparation, and constant attention. Backcountry hikers should be in good physical condition and be able to survive on their own. Proper equipment and the knowledge of how to use it are essential for a safe trip. Your safety is your responsibility.

Here are a few basics to help you get started:

• Let a responsible person know your route and return time. Have them contact the park at (865) 436-1230 if you do not return within a reasonable time.
• Always hike with another person. Keep your hiking party together and stay on officially maintained trails. Always keep children in your sight when hiking—do not allow them to get ahead of you or fall behind.
• Carry a current park trail map and know how to read it.
• Carry 2 small flashlights or headlamps—even on a day hike. If you have trouble on the trail, darkness may fall before you can finish your hike.
• Take adequate water—minimum 2 quarts per person per day. All water obtained from the backcountry should be treated either by filtering or boiling.
• Carry a small first aid kit.
• Check the current weather forecast and be prepared for quickly changing conditions.
• Wear shoes or boots that provide good ankle support.
• Avoid hypothermia (the dangerous lowering of body temperature) by keeping dry. Avoid cotton clothing. Dress in layers that can be easily removed or added as you heat up or cool down. Always carry a wind-resistant jacket and rain gear—even on sunny days!
• Don’t attempt to cross rain-swollen streams; they will recede rapidly after precipitation stops and the wait may save your life! When crossing any stream more than ankle-deep: unbuckle the waist strap of your pack, wear shoes, and use a staff to steady yourself. Additional water safety information.

Rating Key: E = Easy,M = Moderate, S = Strenuous

Gatlinburg / Mt. Leconte Area

Newfound Gap / Clingmans Dome Area

Cades Cove / Townsend Area

Elkmont Area

Cherokee / Deep Creek Area

Greenbrier / Cosby Area

Balsam Mountain / Big Creek / Cataloochee / Fontana Lake