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United States, Tennessee, Gatlinburg

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Kid-friendly · Sports Facility · Spring · Forest

4.8 (340 ratings)

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Gatlinburg is a paradise for walkers and hikers, offering a diverse range of trails that cater to all levels of activity. With an ...

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Gatlinburg is a paradise for walkers and hikers, offering a diverse range of trails that cater to all levels of activity. With an expansive 520,708.9 acres of breathtaking natural beauty, this park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure and tranquility. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, this park has something for everyone. From the serene Lakeshore Trail stretching 33.5 miles to the invigorating Eagle Creek Trail at 8.6 miles, there are routes to suit every preference and fitness level. Visitors can explore the rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes while enjoying a variety of walking and hiking activities in this magnificent park. For those seeking a fulfilling walking or hiking experience, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Gatlinburg is the ideal destination. The park boasts an extensive network of trails, including the famous Appalachian Trail, which spans 33.4 miles and offers a challenging and rewarding journey for avid hikers. With an abundance of scenic routes such as the Ramsey Cascades Trail and Indian Creek Falls, walkers and hikers can immerse themselves in the natural wonders of the park while engaging in physical activity. Whether you're interested in a short, leisurely walk or a full-day hike, the park's diverse trail options ensure a memorable and satisfying outdoor adventure. In addition to its remarkable natural landscapes and diverse trails, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Gatlinburg provides an excellent opportunity for walkers and hikers to connect with nature and engage in physical activity. With the Pacer Pedometer app, visitors can access valuable information about the park's routes and plan their walking or hiking activities with ease. Whether you're interested in exploring the tranquil beauty of the Smokemont Loop Trail or embarking on the challenging journey of the Old Settlers Trail, this app offers comprehensive guidance to enhance your park experience. Download the Pacer Pedometer for a seamless and rewarding walking or hiking adventure in this magnificent park.

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Overview
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Routes
Reviews (98)
Photos (72)
Walking and Hiking in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

When planning a walking or hiking adventure in Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Gatlinburg, United States, there are plenty of amenities and activities to suit your needs. The park offers a wide range of essential amenities including numerous parking lots, picnic sites, and drinking water stations to ensure a ...

When planning a walking or hiking adventure in Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Gatlinburg, United States, there are plenty of amenities and activities to suit your needs. The park offers a wide range of essential amenities including numerous parking lots, picnic sites, and drinking water stations to ensure a comfortable and convenient experience for visitors. Additionally, the park provides various sports facilities such as horse riding and swimming pools, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. For those seeking accessibility, the park also offers wheelchair-friendly facilities. As you explore the park, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking viewpoints, attractions like Tom Branch Falls and Clingmans Dome Observation Tower, and other amenities such as restaurants, bicycle parking, and shelters. With its diverse offerings, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the perfect destination for walkers and hikers looking to immerse themselves in nature and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities.

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Other Information
+1-865-436-1200
https://www.nps.gov/grsm
Essential Amenities
Playground
Picnic Site
BBQ
Drinking water
Wheelchair friendly
Restroom
Parking lot
Sport Facilities
Bike path
Swimming pool
Horse riding
Accessibility
Wheelchair friendly
Things to See
Attraction

Arch Rock

Attraction

The Tail of the Dragon (North Enterance)

Attraction

Tom Branch Falls

Viewpoint

Mile High Overlook

Viewpoint

Maggie Valley Overlook

Viewpoint

Horse Trough Overlook

Viewpoint

Oconaluftee River Overlook

Viewpoint

Raven Fork Overlook (MP 467.9)

Viewpoint

Deep Creek Valley Overlook #2

Viewpoint

Deep Creek Valley Overlook #1

Viewpoint

Newfound Gap Overlook

Viewpoint

View to the dam

Viewpoint

Valley View

Viewpoint

Lone Grove

Viewpoint

Rich Mountain # 1

Viewpoint

Rich Mountain # 2

Viewpoint

Clingmans Dome Observation Tower

Viewpoint

Maloney Point

Viewpoint

Cataloochee Valley Viewpoint

Museum

Mountain Farm Museum

Monument

Masonic Monumnet

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Other Amenities

Shelter

Restaurant

Bicycle parking

Bicycle rental

Best Walking Routes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
#1 - Clingmans Done
(1 review)
Length: 1.5 milesEst. Time: 58m
#2 - Cucumber Gap Trail
(2 reviews)
Length: 7.9 milesEst. Time: 2h46m
#3 - Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Rainbow Falls Trail
(7 reviews)
Length: 4.2 milesEst. Time: 1h6m
See All Routes
Reviews of Great Smoky Mountains National Park
4.8/5
340 ratings
jabiddle2024/06/12
5

Really enjoyed this hike! It was a tough one, though, as it is mainly all uphill until you reach the bluffs. Then the walk back is mainly all downhill.

Patti2019/07/13
4

Beautiful hike, but I have never made a round-trip in a day. We stayed overnight in one of the cabins on LeConte.

jennifershupe162021/05/19
5

Views were amazing! When they say bring a jacket... listen! It gets chilly on the mountain

See All Reviews (98)
See All Reviews (98)
Nearby Parks
Mynatt Park
Mills Park
Swain County Recreation Park
Bryson City Island Park
Norman Maney Recreation Park
Patriot Park
Acquoni Road Family Park
Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds
Oconaluftee Park
FAQs about Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Where is the best place to walk in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
The best place to walk in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the Lakeshore Trail, which is 33.5 miles long and offers beautiful views of the park's diverse landscapes. It is highly recommended by the Pacer community for its scenic beauty and variety of terrain.
How many routes are in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
There are a total of 30 routes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offering a wide range of lengths and difficulty levels to cater to different preferences. The Pacer community has provided valuable reviews and ratings for these routes to help visitors make informed choices.
Which is the longest route in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
The longest route in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the Lakeshore Trail, stretching over 33.5 miles. This trail is highly regarded by the Pacer community for its length and scenic beauty, making it a must-try for experienced hikers and nature enthusiasts.
Are there facilities or amenities for walkers/hikers in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Yes, there are several essential amenities available for walkers/hikers in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including numerous parking lots, picnic sites, drinking water stations, restrooms, and wheelchair-friendly facilities.
How accessible is Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is wheelchair-friendly, making it accessible for individuals with mobility challenges to enjoy the park's natural beauty and amenities.
What kind of sports can I do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park can enjoy various outdoor activities, including horse riding, swimming, and biking on designated bike paths. There are also several viewpoints and attractions to explore within the park.
What is the best season to walk in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
The best seasons for walking in Great Smoky Mountains National Park are spring and fall. These seasons offer comfortable temperatures, beautiful foliage, and reduced humidity, making for an enjoyable hiking experience.
What are the typical weather conditions to prepare for in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Visitors should prepare for variable weather conditions in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters are cold with potential snowfall. It's important to pack layers and be prepared for sudden changes in weather.
What kind of wildlife might you encounter in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including black bears, white-tailed deer, elk, and a variety of bird species. Hikers should be mindful of their surroundings and follow park guidelines for wildlife encounters.
Best Walking Routes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
#1 - Clingmans Done
5 (1 review)
Length: 1.5 milesEst. Time: 58m
#2 - Cucumber Gap Trail
4.5 (2 reviews)
Length: 7.9 milesEst. Time: 2h46m
#3 - Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Rainbow Falls Trail
4.5 (7 reviews)
Length: 4.2 milesEst. Time: 1h6m
See All Routes
Nearby Parks
Mynatt Park
Mills Park
Swain County Recreation Park
Bryson City Island Park
Norman Maney Recreation Park
Patriot Park
Acquoni Road Family Park
Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds
Oconaluftee Park
Latest Check-in
Date Activity Type
9/72024
PacerPal
Running
9/72024
WU
Running
9/62024
Geckomac
Running
9/62024
Hiking
8/272024
Alan
Hiking
8/232024
genejordan1218
Walking
8/172024
ginatoo
Walking
8/162024
izzyroxtv
Hiking
8/162024
William
Walking
8/152024
Walking
*Latest check-in only shows the last 10 users. Only public activities are eligible. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.
Check-in Leaderboard
RankingCheck-ins
Geckomac
9
RJ
5
Steve
4
4Michael
4
5Bettiepn
3
6ken.m.wallace
3
7PacerPal
3
8Cj Melland
3
9胡Hansen
3
10mwatren
3
*Leaderboard only shows top 10 users. Only public activities are eligible for leaderboards. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.
Best Walking Routes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
#1- Clingmans Done
(1 review)
Length: 1.5 milesEst. Time: 58m
#2- Cucumber Gap Trail
(2 reviews)
Length: 7.9 milesEst. Time: 2h46m
#3- Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Rainbow Falls Trail
(7 reviews)
Length: 4.2 milesEst. Time: 1h6m
#4- Appalachian Trail
(5 reviews)
Length: 0.8 milesEst. Time: 13m
#5- Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Appalachian Trail
(5 reviews)
Length: 7 milesEst. Time: 2h28m
#6- Andrews Bald - Forney Ridge Trail
(4 reviews)
Length: 3.5 milesEst. Time: 1h50m
#7- Devils Den - Ramsey Cascades Trail
(3 reviews)
Length: 4.1 milesEst. Time: 1h54m
#8- Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Laurel Falls trail
(2 reviews)
Length: 2 milesEst. Time: 33m
#9- Laurell Falls
(15 reviews)
Length: 1.3 milesEst. Time: 49m
#10- Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Meigs Creek Trail
(2 reviews)
Length: 3.3 milesEst. Time: 57m
#11- Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Clingmans Dome - Clingmans Dome Trail
(19 reviews)
Length: 0.9 milesEst. Time: 15m
#12- Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Alum Cave Trail
(1 review)
Length: 8.2 milesEst. Time: 2h20m
#13- Rainbow Falls Trail
(1 review)
Length: 5.8 milesEst. Time: 1h52m
#14- Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail
(1 review)
Length: 0.5 milesEst. Time: 8m
#15- Clingmans Dome Trail
(1 review)
Length: 0.6 milesEst. Time: 9m
#16- Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Ramsey Cascades Trail
(1 review)
Length: 5 milesEst. Time: 1h23m
#17- Alum Cave Trail
(18 reviews)
Length: 4.5 milesEst. Time: 1h19m
#18- Oconaluftee River Trail
(2 reviews)
Length: 3.4 milesEst. Time: 1h11m
#19- Sweat Heifer Creek Trail
(1 review)
Length: 3.6 milesEst. Time: 1h58m
#20- Road Prong Trail
(1 review)
Length: 2.2 milesEst. Time: 38m
#21- Forney Ridge Trail
(1 review)
Length: 1.7 milesEst. Time: 29m
#22- Forney Creek Trail
(1 review)
Length: 11.1 milesEst. Time: 3h10m
#23- Mingus Creek Trail
(1 review)
Length: 2.8 milesEst. Time: 49m
#24- Long Bunk Trail
(1 review)
Length: 3.5 milesEst. Time: 1h59m
#25- Twin Creeks Trail
(1 review)
Length: 1.9 milesEst. Time: 32m
#26- Laurel Falls Trail
(1 review)
Length: 3.1 milesEst. Time: 52m
#27- Ramsey Cascades Trail
(1 review)
Length: 3.9 milesEst. Time: 1h22m
#28- Laurel Falls Trail
(1 review)
Length: 3.1 milesEst. Time: 52m
#29- Twin Creeks Trail
(1 review)
Length: 1.9 milesEst. Time: 32m
#30- Baskins Creek Trail
(1 review)
Length: 2.7 milesEst. Time: 46m
#31- Porters Creek Trail
(1 review)
Length: 3.6 milesEst. Time: 1h47m
#32- Smokemont Loop Trail
(1 review)
Length: 3.8 milesEst. Time: 1h48m
#33- Smokemont Loop Trail
(1 review)
Length: 3.8 milesEst. Time: 1h48m
#34- Old Settlers Trail
(1 review)
Length: 15.5 milesEst. Time: 4h47m
#35- Lakeshore Trail
(1 review)
Length: 33.5 milesEst. Time: 9h22m
#36- Cemetary Trail
(1 review)
Length: 0.8 milesEst. Time: 14m
#37- Laurell Falls
(1 review)
Length: 1.3 milesEst. Time: 49m
#38- Thunderhead Prong Quiet Walkway
(1 review)
Length: 0.7 milesEst. Time: 11m
#39- Mount Le Conte, TN, USA
(1 review)
Length: 7.5 milesEst. Time: 5h29m
#40- Sweat Heifer Creek Trail
(1 review)
Length: 3.6 milesEst. Time: 1h58m
#41- Clingmans Dome Bypass Trail
(1 review)
Length: 0.5 milesEst. Time: 8m
#42- Appalachian Trail
(1 review)
Length: 33.4 milesEst. Time: 9h25m
#43- Forney Creek Trail
(1 review)
Length: 7.2 milesEst. Time: 2h27m
#44- Sugarland Mountain Trail
(1 review)
Length: 11.7 milesEst. Time: 3h19m
#45- Meigs Creek Trail
(1 review)
Length: 3.4 milesEst. Time: 58m
#46- Goshen Prong Trail
(1 review)
Length: 7.4 milesEst. Time: 2h48m
#47- Rainbow Falls Trail
(1 review)
Length: 8.1 milesEst. Time: 2h40m
#48- Hazel Creek Trail
(1 review)
Length: 3.2 milesEst. Time: 55m
#49- Little River Trail
(1 review)
Length: 6.2 milesEst. Time: 1h16m
#50- Kanati Fork Quiet Walkway
(1 review)
Length: 9.9 milesEst. Time: 2h10m
#51- Kanati Fork Trail
(1 review)
Length: 2.8 milesEst. Time: 49m
#52- Huskey Gap Trail
(1 review)
Length: 4.1 milesEst. Time: 1h31m
#53- Sugarland Mountain Trail
(1 review)
Length: 11.7 milesEst. Time: 3h19m
#54- Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Trillium Gap Trail
(1 review)
Length: 5.9 milesEst. Time: 1h3m
#55- Hickory Flats Quiet Walkway
(1 review)
Length: 0.3 milesEst. Time: 5m
#56- Elkmont Nature Trail
(1 review)
Length: 0.7 milesEst. Time: 12m
#57- Cove Hardwood Nature Trail
(1 review)
Length: 0.7 milesEst. Time: 11m
#58- Miry Ridge Trail
(1 review)
Length: 2.4 milesEst. Time: 41m
#59- Big White Oak Quiet Walkway
(1 review)
Length: 0.5 milesEst. Time: 8m
#60- Old Deep Creek Quiet Walkway
(1 review)
Length: 0.2 milesEst. Time: 2m
#61- Jump Off Trail
(1 review)
Length: 0.4 milesEst. Time: 6m
#62- Indian Creek Falls
(1 review)
Length: 14 milesEst. Time: 4h2m
#63- Beech Flats Quiet Walkway
(1 review)
Length: 0.6 milesEst. Time: 11m
#64- Curry Mountain Trail
(1 review)
Length: 3.4 milesEst. Time: 58m
#65- Laurel Falls Quiet Walkway
(1 review)
Length: 0.3 milesEst. Time: 5m
#66- Cucumber Gap Trail
(1 review)
Length: 2.3 milesEst. Time: 39m
#67- Baskins Creek Trail
(1 review)
Length: 2.7 milesEst. Time: 46m
#68- Porters Creek Trail
(1 review)
Length: 2.6 milesEst. Time: 45m
#69- Clingmans Dome Bypass Trail
(1 review)
Length: 0.5 milesEst. Time: 8m
#70- Roundtop Trail
(1 review)
Length: 7.4 milesEst. Time: 2h3m
#71- Swinging Bridge Quiet Walkway
(1 review)
Length: 0.5 milesEst. Time: 8m
#72- Huskey Gap Trail
(1 review)
Length: 4.1 milesEst. Time: 1h31m
#73- Metcalf Bottoms Trail
(1 review)
Length: 0.7 milesEst. Time: 11m
#74- Kanati Fork Quiet Walkway
(1 review)
Length: 0.2 milesEst. Time: 3m
#75- Chimney Tops Trail
(1 review)
Length: 2 milesEst. Time: 33m
#76- Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail
(1 review)
Length: 0.5 milesEst. Time: 8m
#77- Elkmont Nature Trail
(1 review)
Length: 0.7 milesEst. Time: 12m
#78- Balsam Point Quiet Walkway
(1 review)
Length: 0.9 milesEst. Time: 14m
#79- Thomas Divide Trail
(1 review)
Length: 4.6 milesEst. Time: 1h24m
#80- Road Prong Trail
(1 review)
Length: 2.2 milesEst. Time: 38m
#81- Old Settlers Trail
(1 review)
Length: 15.5 milesEst. Time: 4h47m
#82- Fork Ridge Trail
(1 review)
Length: 5 milesEst. Time: 1h41m
#83- Sweat Heifer Creek Trail
(1 review)
Length: 5.3 milesEst. Time: 1h29m
#84- Bull Head Trail
(1 review)
Length: 6.3 milesEst. Time: 1h24m
#85- Fork Ridge Trail
(1 review)
Length: 5 milesEst. Time: 1h41m
#86- Brushy Mountain Trail
(1 review)
Length: 0.4 milesEst. Time: 6m
#87- Greenbrier Ridge Trail
(1 review)
Length: 4.1 milesEst. Time: 1h19m
#88- Bull Head Trail
(1 review)
Length: 6.3 milesEst. Time: 1h24m
#89- Balsam Point Quiet Walkway
(1 review)
Length: 0.9 milesEst. Time: 14m
#90- Boulevard Trail
(1 review)
Length: 5.2 milesEst. Time: 1h43m
#91- Forney Ridge Trail
(1 review)
Length: 5.5 milesEst. Time: 1h4m
#92- Hickory Flats Quiet Walkway
(1 review)
Length: 0.3 milesEst. Time: 5m
#93- Rough Creek Trail
(1 review)
Length: 2.7 milesEst. Time: 46m
#94- Ramsey Cascades Trail
(1 review)
Length: 3.9 milesEst. Time: 1h22m
#95- Eagle Creek Trail
(1 review)
Length: 8.6 milesEst. Time: 2h1m
#96- Smokemont Nature Trail
(1 review)
Length: 10.6 milesEst. Time: 3h42m
#97- Mingus Creek Trail
(1 review)
Length: 12.3 milesEst. Time: 3h38m
#98- Rainbow Falls Trail
(1 review)
Length: 5.8 milesEst. Time: 1h52m
#99- Gunter Fork Trail
(1 review)
Length: 4 milesEst. Time: 1h24m
#100- Cliff Top Trail
(1 review)
Length: 0.4 milesEst. Time: 7m
#101- Boulevard Trail
(1 review)
Length: 5.1 milesEst. Time: 1h44m
#102- Spruce Fir Nature Trail
(1 review)
Length: 0.3 milesEst. Time: 5m
#103- Chimney Tops Trail
(1 review)
Length: 2 milesEst. Time: 33m
Reviews of Great Smoky Mountains National Park
jabiddle2024/06/12
5

Really enjoyed this hike! It was a tough one, though, as it is mainly all uphill until you reach the bluffs. Then the walk back is mainly all downhill.

Patti2019/07/13
4

Beautiful hike, but I have never made a round-trip in a day. We stayed overnight in one of the cabins on LeConte.

jennifershupe162021/05/19
5

Views were amazing! When they say bring a jacket... listen! It gets chilly on the mountain

PacerPal2021/05/26
5

This is a good workout for about 1 1/2 hours round trip. Great view at the bald.

Dalton2023/04/11
5

Close to a part of Appalachian Trail and a fun little hike!

ken.m.wallace2022/10/07
5

Great hike and views

PacerPal2021/09/23
5

Great trail.

Lance2023/07/30
5

Amazing!

brianti20122024/09/05
5
izzyroxtv2024/09/05
4
Harold2024/08/23
4
Yogi Bear2024/07/26
5
Regina2024/07/25
5
Amanda S.2024/06/11
5
Mirela2024/06/11
4
Elvin2024/05/24
4
Imelda2024/05/04
4
svail2024/04/14
4
Colton Jordan2023/11/24
5
PacerPal2023/09/18
5
Christi2023/06/24
5
webbfamilyof42023/05/01
5
Jay2023/04/30
4
webbfamilyof42023/03/27
5
PacerPal2023/03/19
5
William2022/12/19
5
PacerPal2022/11/07
5
karenhemmings632022/11/02
5
metnut412022/10/27
5
adamtrogers2022/10/22
5
Rashmi2022/10/18
5
gs2022/10/15
4
PacerPal2022/09/30
5
Steve2022/09/16
4
Anneliese2022/08/25
5
PacerPal2022/07/29
5
胡Hansen2022/07/27
5
胡Hansen2022/07/27
5
vic_peligro2022/07/05
5
solveigmatthews2022/06/25
5
Kimberly2022/06/19
4
Veronica2022/06/09
5
Hayley2022/05/29
5
tom.mitic2022/05/04
5
glenn.smith.12022/04/20
4
webbfamilyof42022/04/16
5
sprink352022/04/05
5
Enrique2022/03/26
5
PacerPal2022/02/02
5
webbfamilyof42021/12/28
4
webbfamilyof42021/12/20
5
lawpaul2021/12/04
5
jwzzx2021/12/03
5
mlindsey6142021/10/31
5
Gary2021/09/20
5
Nadya2021/08/22
5
PacerPal2021/08/21
5
h_rice20142021/08/08
5
Vicki2021/08/06
5
PacerGal_19702021/07/27
5
PacerGuy_19662021/07/22
5
Pritchard2021/07/07
5
PacerPal2021/06/19
5
Hong2021/06/11
4
sprager20132021/05/16
3
sprager20132021/05/09
5
Christopher2021/03/25
5
Christopher2021/03/25
5
Jasmin2021/03/02
5
webbfamilyof42020/11/23
5
Tony2020/11/19
5
Lazarito2020/11/16
5
pamcart582020/10/19
5
bealrdtaylor2020/10/14
5
E_Engle19802020/09/21
5
Stella2020/09/17
5
Jenna2020/09/16
5
Ron2020/09/10
5
Daren2020/09/02
5
LMarieC2020/08/08
5
Andrew2020/08/01
5
walktherapy2020/07/28
5
Andrew2020/07/28
5
PacerGal_19572020/07/21
5
versettoe2020/07/15
5
rbkfox_842020/07/06
5
Wambui2020/07/03
5
BoyScoutDave2020/06/19
5
Isabella2020/06/15
4
Nico G2020/06/10
5
Bevvy2020/05/31
5
Mehrzad2020/05/13
5
4.8/5
340 ratings