best hiking trails in smoky mountains

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to some of the best hiking trails in the country. With over 800 miles of trails to choose from, there’s something for everyone, from easy day hikes to challenging multi-day backpacking trips.

Here are a few of the most popular trails in the park⁚

• Clingmans Dome Trail
• Rainbow Falls Trail
• Alum Cave Bluffs Trail
• Andrews Bald Trail
• Chimney Tops Trail

No matter what your hiking level, you’re sure to find a trail that’s perfect for you in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Clingmans Dome Trail

The Clingmans Dome Trail is a 0.5-mile paved trail that leads to the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Clingmans Dome. The trail is relatively easy, with only 140 feet of elevation gain, and it’s suitable for hikers of all ages and abilities.

The trail begins at the Clingmans Dome Parking Area and follows a paved path through a forest of spruce-fir trees. Along the way, you’ll pass several overlooks that offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

At the end of the trail, you’ll reach Clingmans Dome, which offers 360-degree views of the Great Smoky Mountains and the surrounding countryside. On a clear day, you can see for over 100 miles.

The Clingmans Dome Trail is a must-do for any visitor to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s a short and easy hike that offers some of the best views in the park.

1.1. Overview

The Clingmans Dome Trail is a 0.5-mile paved trail that leads to the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Clingmans Dome. The trail is relatively easy, with only 140 feet of elevation gain, and it’s suitable for hikers of all ages and abilities.

The trail begins at the Clingmans Dome Parking Area and follows a paved path through a forest of spruce-fir trees. Along the way, you’ll pass several overlooks that offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

At the end of the trail, you’ll reach Clingmans Dome, which offers 360-degree views of the Great Smoky Mountains and the surrounding countryside. On a clear day, you can see for over 100 miles.

The Clingmans Dome Trail is a must-do for any visitor to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s a short and easy hike that offers some of the best views in the park.

1.2. Trail Highlights

Here are some of the highlights of the Clingmans Dome Trail⁚

• Easy hiking⁚ The trail is paved and has only 140 feet of elevation gain, making it suitable for hikers of all ages and abilities.
• Stunning views⁚ The trail offers several overlooks with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
• Clingmans Dome⁚ The end of the trail is Clingmans Dome, which offers 360-degree views of the Great Smoky Mountains and the surrounding countryside.
• Visitor center⁚ There is a visitor center at the trailhead that offers information about the trail and the surrounding area.
• Picnic area⁚ There is a picnic area near the trailhead where you can enjoy a packed lunch.

The Clingmans Dome Trail is a great option for a short and easy hike with big rewards. It’s a must-do for any visitor to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Rainbow Falls Trail

The Rainbow Falls Trail is one of the most popular hiking trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s a moderately challenging hike, but it’s worth it for the stunning views of Rainbow Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in the park.

The trail is 5.5 miles round-trip and gains 1,500 feet in elevation. It’s a good idea to start your hike early in the morning to avoid the crowds and the heat.

The trailhead is located at the end of Rainbow Falls Road, off of Newfound Gap Road. There is a parking fee of $5 per vehicle.

The first part of the trail is relatively easy, but it becomes more challenging as you approach the falls. There are several switchbacks and some steep sections, but the views of the surrounding mountains make it all worthwhile.

Once you reach Rainbow Falls, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the 80-foot waterfall. There are several viewing platforms where you can take photos and enjoy the scenery.

The Rainbow Falls Trail is a must-do for any visitor to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

2.1. Overview

The Rainbow Falls Trail is a 5.5-mile loop trail with an elevation gain of 1,500 feet. It is rated as moderately challenging, but it is well worth the effort for the stunning views of Rainbow Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The trail begins at the Rainbow Falls Trailhead, which is located at the end of Rainbow Falls Road, off of Newfound Gap Road. There is a parking fee of $5 per vehicle.

The first part of the trail is relatively easy, as it follows an old roadbed. However, the trail becomes more challenging as you approach the falls, with several switchbacks and some steep sections.

Once you reach Rainbow Falls, you will be rewarded with stunning views of the 80-foot waterfall. There are several viewing platforms where you can take photos and enjoy the scenery.

The Rainbow Falls Trail is a must-do for any visitor to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

2.2. Trail Highlights

Here are some of the highlights of the Rainbow Falls Trail⁚

• Stunning views of Rainbow Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
• Several viewing platforms where you can take photos and enjoy the scenery
• Diverse flora and fauna, including wildflowers, ferns, and wildlife
• Opportunities for picnicking and camping
• Relatively easy to follow, with well-marked trails and signs

The Rainbow Falls Trail is a great option for hikers of all levels, and it is a must-do for any visitor to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.