Before You Go
What to Know
Park Entry
Free -- no entry fee required
Permits
Backcountry camping requires a permit; day hiking is free
Difficulty Range
Easy paved trails to strenuous summit hikes
Best Season
Spring wildflowers (Apr-May), Fall color (Oct)
What to Bring
Water, snacks, layers -- weather changes fast
Bear Safety
Store food in car or bear box, never leave in tent
Where to Go
Best Trails by Difficulty
From paved family walks to full-day summit pushes, the Smokies have a trail for every fitness level.
Laurel Falls Trail
info_outlineGatlinburg entrance, 2.6 miles paved round-trip
terrain80-ft waterfall, stroller-friendly, all ages
scheduleEasy -- about 1 hour
Free
Alum Cave Trail
info_outlineTrailhead on Newfound Gap Road
terrain4.4 miles to Alum Cave Bluffs, 9.0 to LeConte summit
scheduleModerate-Hard -- 2 to 5 hrs
Free
Clingmans Dome Trail
info_outlineDrive to trailhead, then short 0.5-mile paved path
terrainHighest point in the Smokies at 6,643 ft
scheduleEasy-Moderate -- 30 min
Free
Grotto Falls Trail
info_outline2.6 miles round-trip, walk behind the falls
terrainOld-growth hemlock forest, llamas sometimes on trail
scheduleModerate -- 1.5 hrs
Free
Abrams Falls Trail
info_outlineCades Cove, 5 miles round-trip
terrainMost popular waterfall hike in the park
scheduleModerate -- 2 to 3 hrs
Free
Chimney Tops Trail
info_outline3.5 miles round-trip, rocky scramble at top
terrain360-degree summit views, strenuous final push
scheduleHard -- 2 to 3 hrs
Free
Last verified: May 2026. Hours and pricing are seasonal and subject to change.
Local Knowledge
Things Most Visitors Don't Know
Tips that change how your hike goes.
wb_sunny
Go Early or Late
Popular trailheads like Laurel Falls and Alum Cave fill up by 9 AM in peak season. Arrive by 8 AM or wait until 4 PM. The late afternoon light is beautiful anyway.
parking
Parking Is the Real Challenge
The park has no parking reservations for day hikes. If the lot is full, you cannot park on the road. This is the number one frustration for visitors. Have a backup trail in mind.
groups
Large Groups Need a Plan
With 8 or more people, split into two vehicles so one can circle back if the lot is full. Also consider a weekday -- the crowds drop dramatically after Labor Day.
cloud
Expect Clouds at Higher Elevations
Clingmans Dome and LeConte are often socked in with clouds by midday. Start summit hikes early and keep expectations flexible -- a cloudy day in the forest is still beautiful.
child_friendly
Best Easy Trails for Families
Laurel Falls is the gold standard for families. Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail is fully accessible and wheelchair-friendly. Hen Wallow Falls (4.4 miles) is underrated and less crowded.
phone_android
Download the Map Before You Go
Cell service is spotty inside the park. Download the AllTrails map or the NPS Smokies app before you leave the cabin. GPS still works offline.
On the Calendar
Events Worth Timing Your Trip Around
The Smokies calendar has a few annual highlights worth planning around.
Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage
Gatlinburg -- Annual -- Multiple guided hikes
Fall Color Peak Window
Park-wide -- Mid to late October most years
Synchronous Firefly Viewing
Elkmont -- Lottery required -- 2 weeks in June
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