Showing 20 top-rated hiking areas • Updated June 2026
Myrtle Point
<p>Myrtle Point features views in the Smokies, accessible via an 11-mile round-trip hike. Hikers often mention the mountain scenery and consider the strenuous 6-10 hour trek worthwhile. Most take the Alum Cave Trail, frequently stopping at Mt. LeConte Lodge along the way.</p>
Appalachian trail
Iconic mountain range footpath stretching 2,100+ miles across 14 states from Maine to Georgia.
Charlies Bunion
<p>Charlie’s Bunion offers great views that hikers say make the challenging 8-mile round trip worth it. This section of the Appalachian Trail from Newfound Gap features a moderately difficult ascent of about 1,800 feet, with rocky terrain and uneven footing that will leave you feeling it the next day. The hike requires reasonable fitness and proper footwear, and visitors from novice hikers to experienced trekkers report the impressive summit experience.</p>
Gatlinburg Trail Trailhead
Dog-friendly park featuring a wooded 3.8-mi. roundtrip path with river views & a footbridge.
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
Experience a scenic drive through the Smokies on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, where you can spot wildlife and explore historic homesteads.
Old Sugarlands Trail Trailhead
Parking lot & origin point for a moderately strenuous, 7.5-mi forest path with old settlement ruins.
Chimney Tops Trail Trailhead
Trailhead for a steep 4-mi. Smoky Mountain hiking route over streams & ridges with dramatic vistas.
Elkmont Nature Trailhead
Elkmont Nature Trail consistently delights visitors as an easy, accessible loop that's perfect for a quick nature fix. The trail follows Little River with plenty of spots to stop and enjoy the water, and most hikers complete the roughly one-mile loop in under an hour. Reviewers emphasize the gentle, mostly flat terrain and peaceful forest setting, with many noting it's ideal for mixed-ability groups. The area also offers river access, picnic facilities, and well-maintained restrooms.
Jakes Creek Trail Trailhead
Starting point for a well-traveled 3.7-mile forest route passing by remains of old abandoned houses.
Grapeyard Ridge Trailhead
Grapeyard Ridge Trail delivers exactly what crowd-weary hikers crave: genuine solitude in the Smokies. Visitors consistently praise this route for its peaceful, secluded atmosphere and beautiful scenery, with many reporting they encountered no other hikers along the way. The trail connects Greenbrier to Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail through shaded coves and alongside small streams, though getting there requires navigating narrow mountain roads that can be tricky to find.
Cove Mountain Trail Trailhead
Trailhead near Sugarlands Visitor Center with a shady path & a short walk to Cataract Falls.
Sugarland Valley Nature Trail Head
Flat, paved 0.5-mile loop through the forest, plus streams & historic stone chimneys en route.
Baskins Creek Trail Trailhead
Moderate 2.7-mi uphill route through a forest with an access path to a picturesque waterfall.
Grotto Falls
A 3-mile trail runs through forest & behind this 25-foot waterfall in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Fighting creek Nature trailhead
Fighting Creek Nature Trail earns consistent praise as an accessible, well-maintained path that's perfect for a quick nature fix. Most visitors appreciate the easy terrain and the bonus of Cataract Falls at the end, though there's some disagreement about difficulty—while many find it flat and leisurely, at least one hiker warns of unexpected elevation changes that proved challenging for an elderly parent. The trail connects to the convention center and Sugarlands Visitor Center, making it a conv
Trillium Gap Trail Trailhead
Rocky hiking trail runs 3 miles round-trip from parking lot through forests to a 25-ft. waterfall.
Alum cave
Alum Cave Trail earns enthusiastic praise for its stunning views and well-maintained path that steadily rewards hikers as they climb. The hike features varying terrain—from riverside walking to dramatic sections through Arch Rock—with scenery that gets progressively better. However, the trail's popularity creates significant parking challenges, with lots often full by 7:15am even on weekdays, and some visitors feel the 'cave' itself (actually a rock bluff) doesn't live up to its billing.
Cove Hardwood Nature Trail Trailhead
Short, moderate loop winding through a hardwood forest with stream crossings & old-growth trees.
Porters Creek Trail Trailhead
Porters Creek Trail earns consistent praise as one of the Smokies' alternatives, offering a less-crowded experience with genuine rewards. The hike begins on an easy gravel road before transitioning to a rockier, root-filled path that climbs steadily toward Fern Branch Falls at the 2-mile mark. What sets this trail apart is the experience—visitors appreciate the old-growth forest, historic settlement ruins including a cemetery, and the creek that accompanies much of the route.
Bullhead Quiet Walkway
Bullhead Quiet Walkway delivers exactly what its name promises: a short, peaceful stroll along the Little Pigeon River that's perfect when you want natural beauty without the commitment of a long hike. Most visitors rave about the quick access to scenic riverside spots ideal for simply sitting and soaking in the surroundings. The trail itself is intentionally wild and less manicured than typical park paths, which some find charming and others find confusing, though the general consensus is you s
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best hiking areas in Gatlinburg?
Based on our TSM Score™ rankings, Myrtle Point is currently the top-rated hiking area in Gatlinburg with a rating of 5.0 from 195 reviews.
How many hiking areas are there in Gatlinburg?
We currently track 20 Hiking areas in Gatlinburg, all rated and reviewed by real visitors. Our list is updated regularly as new businesses open and reviews come in.
When is the best time to visit hiking areas in Gatlinburg?
The best time depends on your trip style. Peak weekends bring the most demand, while weekdays and shoulder seasons are usually easier for parking, reservations, and better lodging value.
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