Day Hikes

Before you hike any trail in the park, make sure to download a park trail map or pick one up at a visitor center.

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Day hikes vary in mileage, elevation, and terrain. Choose the best hike for you and your group.

Warren Bielenberg

 

Find a Hike

When choosing a hike, consider factors such as trail mileage, elevation gain, terrain, and weather conditions. Some trails have limited parking and may attract large numbers of hikers. To enhance your experience, consider starting your hike early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds or consider a shuttle for popular trails.

Day hiking is a popular activity in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which offers over 800 miles of hiking trails across more than half a million acres. Before heading out, familiarize yourself with hiking safety in the Smokies.

Below is a selection of various hikes in the park. To make trip planning easier, visit our "Plan Your Visit" webpage, which organizes the park into sections and lists hikes in specific areas.

 

 

Learn More

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  Hiking Safety

  Learn how to be safe while hiking in the Smokies.

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  Trail Closures and Cautions

  Current conditions of park trails.

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  Black Bear Safety

  Do you know how to be safe in bear country?

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  Pets

  Where are pets allowed?

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  Waterfalls

  Learn more about the numerous waterfalls in the Smokies.