Great American Hikes

Rising high above the heart of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the hike to Mount LeConte via the Alum Cave Trail is widely considered the best hike in the Smoky Mountains. The popular 13-mile round-trip trek combines moderate-to-strenuous elevation gain with nonstop scenery, including rushing mountain streams, old-growth forest, unique rock formations like Arch Rock and Alu...

The hike to Grotto Falls in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most popular waterfall hikes in the Smokies, known for its unique feature as the only waterfall where hikers can walk directly behind the cascade. Following the scenic Trillium Gap Trail, this moderately easy Smoky Mountains hike passes through dense old-growth forest, towering Eastern hemlocks, and se...

If you’re searching for one of the best short but strenuous hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Chimney Tops Trail delivers a powerful punch. The popular hike packs steep elevation gain, multiple scenic creek crossings over Road Prong and the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River, and a relentless climb that ranks among the toughest in the park. While access to the...

If you’re searching for one of the best hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Ramsey Cascades Trail stands out as a must-do adventure. The moderately strenuous 8-mile roundtrip hike winds through towering old-growth forest, follows the rushing waters of Ramsey Prong, and climbs steadily into a rugged mountain gorge before reaching its grand finale—Ramsey Cascades, th...

If you're looking for one of the best hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the trek to Mount Cammerer should be at the top of your list. The moderately strenuous day hike combines steady elevation gain, diverse forest scenery, and a rewarding finish at the historic Mount Cammerer Lookout Tower—one of the most unique viewpoints in the Smokies. Typically hiked via the Low...