The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a beloved destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. With its stunning 800 miles of hiking trails winding through mountains and valleys, the park is renowned for its variety of paths. Ranging from easy walks that the whole family can enjoy to more challenging hikes with steep climbs and picturesque views, there’s something for everyone.
Cherokee, NC, is widely recognized as a premier hiking destination in the Smoky Mountains. With its beautiful scenery and diverse hiking trails, including picturesque waterfalls, it is one of the best places to hike in the Smoky Mountains, perfect for both novice and expert hikers.
Learn more about the various types of trails in the Smoky Mountains, explore some of the most popular hiking routes, and gather helpful information to plan your trip, including the best times of year to visit and what you need to prepare for your adventure.
Types of Trails
There are many trails in the Great Smoky Mountains, each offering its unique experience. The trails are categorized using a difficulty grading system that classifies hiking paths into three levels: easy, moderate, and hard. To help you find the best hike based on your skill level and preferences, let’s explore the different types of trails available.
- Easy trails are gentle and family-friendly, featuring scenic views that everyone can enjoy.
- Moderate trails are suitable for those with some hiking experience, providing a bit more challenge without being overly strenuous.
- Rugged trails present exciting and challenging hikes for experienced adventurers wanting to test their abilities.
Trail Difficulty Levels
What are some of the best hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains based on these three categories? Here are some trails for each level, highlighting features to expect, like elevation gain and terrain.
Easy Hikes
The Oconaluftee River Trail
A popular and easy hike. The Oconaluftee River Trail is a 3-mile round-trip at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center and extends to Cherokee, North Carolina. This scenic trail, which can be completed in under an hour, follows the riverbank and features a canopy of various trees, including eastern hemlock, red maple, and dogwood.
Moderate Hikes
Mingo Falls
Moderate trails like Mingo Falls are great experiences. Located in the Qualla Boundary just outside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it stands 120 feet tall and is one of the tallest waterfalls in the southern Appalachians.
The Kephart Prong Trail
Another favorite moderate hike is along the Kephart Prong Trail. It is a 4.2-mile round-trip hike with a 955-foot elevation gain. It winds through hardwood forests and log footbridges to the CCC camp remains and Kephart Shelter in the Great Smoky Mountains. No special permits are needed for either area.
Hard Hikes
The Fire Mountain Trail
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers challenging hiking trails, such as Fire Mountain Trails. This well-maintained 5.8-mile loop is suitable for hiking and mountain biking.
MST Soco Gap to Waterrock Knob
Then there’s the MST Soco Gap to Waterrock Knob which is an 8.9-mile out-and-back trail with an incline hike leading to a scenic overlook featuring some challenging sections.
Charlie’s Bunion via Kephart Loop
Another for advanced hikers is Charlie’s Bunion via Kephart Loop, a strenuous 13.8-mile loop trail hike that really offers it all with beautiful views.
Key Highlights of Popular Trails
Some of the most iconic trails and must-visit spots in the area include the Alum Cave Trail, highly regarded for its unique features, such as Arch Rock, a natural archway, and The Chimneys, a series of rock formations resembling chimneys.
Another popular trail is the Chimney Tops Trail, known for its chimney-like pinnacle and panoramic views from Mount Le Conte, the third-highest peak in the Great Smoky Mountains.
If you’re interested in an 80-foot waterfall, be sure to check out the Laurel Falls Trail. Additionally, the Fire Mountain Trail is often called one of the best mountain biking trails in Western North Carolina.
Planning Your Hike in the Smoky Mountains
Get ready to create lifelong memories during your Smoky Mountains hiking trip! Let’s begin with some preparation tips. While your specific needs will depend on the designated hike and the time of year, it’s best to bring essential gear. Wear comfortable hiking boots, carry a rain jacket for unexpected weather, and pack enough food to keep you going on your adventures. A daypack should also include other supplies, such as a first aid kit, a couple of water bottles, or a hydration system.
Make sure to check the weather conditions before you go hiking, as the weather can significantly impact safety and trail conditions. Consider hiking during the best times of the year: spring (late April to early May for wildflowers) and fall (mid-September to early November for peak fall foliage). These seasons offer incredible weather, opportunities for wildlife spotting, and fewer crowds compared to summer. Winter is the least crowded time to hike; however, be mindful that snow and harsher weather conditions can pose challenges.
Explore the Smoky Mountains Trails Now
Discover the breathtaking trails of the Smoky Mountains and Cherokee, NC, today! There’s a reason it’s said, “Once you stay in Cherokee, part of you never leaves.”
Stay tuned lo learn more about hiking trails and other attractions in the Smoky Mountains!
