Showing 20 top-rated hiking area • Updated March 2026
Myrtle Point
Myrtle Point delivers some of the most breathtaking panoramic views in the Smokies, but you'll earn them through a challenging 11-mile round-trip trek. Hikers consistently rave about the spectacular mountain vistas and consider the strenuous 6-10 hour journey absolutely worth the effort. Most access the point via the popular Alum Cave Trail, often combining it with a stop at Mt. LeConte Lodge.
Appalachian trail
Iconic mountain range footpath stretching 2,100+ miles across 14 states from Maine to Georgia.
Charlies Bunion
Charlie's Bunion consistently earns rave reviews for its spectacular panoramic views that hikers agree make the challenging 8-mile round trip worthwhile. 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. While the hike demands reasonable fitness and proper footwear, visitors from novice hikers to experienced trekkers report the breathtaking summit e
Gatlinburg Trail Trailhead
Dog-friendly park featuring a wooded 3.8-mi. roundtrip path with river views & a footbridge.
Old Sugarlands Trail Trailhead
Parking lot & origin point for a moderately strenuous, 7.5-mi forest path with old settlement ruins.
Cove Mountain Trail Trailhead
Trailhead near Sugarlands Visitor Center with a shady path & a short walk to Cataract Falls.
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.
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
Scenic roadway winding past old-growth forest, log cabins & a rushing mountain stream.
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.
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.
Chimney Tops Trail Trailhead
Trailhead for a steep 4-mi. Smoky Mountain hiking route over streams & ridges with dramatic vistas.
Grotto Falls
A 3-mile trail runs through forest & behind this 25-foot waterfall in the Great Smoky Mountains.
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.
Porters Creek Trail Trailhead
Porters Creek Trail earns consistent praise as one of the Smokies' hidden gems, offering a less-crowded alternative 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 journey itself—visitors rave about the stunning old-growth forest, historic settlement ruins including a cemetery, and the beautiful creek that accompanies much of the rou
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
Trillium Gap Trail Trailhead
Rocky hiking trail runs 3 miles round-trip from parking lot through forests to a 25-ft. waterfall.
Cove Hardwood Nature Trail Trailhead
Short, moderate loop winding through a hardwood forest with stream crossings & old-growth trees.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best hiking area 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 area are there in Gatlinburg?
We currently track 20 hiking area 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 area in Gatlinburg?
The best time depends on your preferences. Fall (October-November) offers stunning foliage but larger crowds. Spring (April-May) brings wildflowers and mild weather. Summer is peak season with the most options available. Winter offers lower prices and fewer crowds.