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⚡ Quick Answer: The best hikes in the Smokies: Alum Cave to Mount LeConte, Kuwohi, Charlies Bunion on the AT, and the waterfall shortlist – plus park-specific tips and gear.
The Smokies get more than 12 million visitors a year, over double any other national park, and somehow most of them never make it more than a quarter mile from a parking lot. Their loss. Behind that front row of overlooks hide 850 miles of trail through misty old-growth forest, waterfall after waterfall, and ridgelines that gave the park its name. Here’s where to actually hike.
Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte: the classic
Five miles up, 2,700 feet of gain, and not one boring step: Arch Rock’s natural staircase, the heath bald at Inspiration Point, the huge rock shelter at Alum Cave Bluffs, then cable-assisted ledges to the summit village of LeConte Lodge. Start before 8 a.m. for parking and solitude.
Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome): the easy superlative
The highest point in the park, officially renamed Kuwohi in 2024, serves a 360-degree view from its spiral observation tower after a steep but paved half-mile. Sunset here on a clear evening will fill your camera roll.
Charlies Bunion: the Appalachian Trail sampler
Eight miles round trip along the AT ridgeline from Newfound Gap, ending at a rocky outcrop with a thousand-foot drop-off and hundred-mile view. You’ll pass thru-hikers with stories worth stealing.
Waterfall shortlist
Laurel Falls (paved and family-friendly), Grotto Falls (you walk behind the curtain of water), and Ramsey Cascades (the park’s tallest, earned via eight rugged miles through old-growth giants).
Smokies-specific tips
Entrance is free but parking tags are required for stops over 15 minutes; grab one online or at a visitor center. Fog rolls in fast (it’s in the name), so carry a light rain layer year-round. Black bears live throughout the park: keep distance, store food properly, never feed.
What to carry in the Smokies
Humidity plus elevation means you’ll drink more than you expect, and the misty microclimate makes a water filter, a packable poncho, and dry socks feel like luxury items.
- Removes Bacteria & Parasites: The Microfiltration Membrane Removes 99.999999% of Waterborne Bacteria (Including E. Coli …
- Removes Microplastics: Removes the Smallest Microplastics Found in the Environment (Down to 1 Micron), and Reduces Turbi…
- Rigorous Testing: All Claims Are Verified with Laboratories Using Standard Testing Protocols Set by the US EPA, NSF, AST…
- High Flow Hydration: Delivers more water per sip to support steady hydration during hiking, biking, and long outdoor act…
- Leak Resistant Cap Design: Cap is easier to open and close while helping reduce leaks during filling and transport
- On Off Lever Control: Shut off drinking tube with one hand to help prevent spills while moving or packing
Full packing rundown in the day hike checklist, and if you’re tacking on a night under canvas, the camping hacks list has you covered.
Written by Sarah Brooks · Hiking & National Parks
Sarah fell in love with the outdoors on a childhood trip to the Smokies and has logged thousands of trail miles across 30+ national parks since. She is happiest above treeline with a map in hand.
