Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Looking for the best hiking in Gatlinburg? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Gatlinburg. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Hiking Spots in and near Gatlinburg

  • Canton, North Carolina

    Shining Rock via Shining Creek Trail

    4.3
    8.69 mi / 2569 ft gain
    There are several ways to access the Shining Rock Wilderness Area, but go for the main trail head off of Hwy 276. The trail is split by the Pigeon River, providing a seemingly infinite combinations of trails and routes, keeping in mind that this area intersects often with the well known Art Lobe ...
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  • Canton, North Carolina

    Hike Big East Fork Shining Rock Loop

    4.0
    14 mi
    We began this trip by camping overnight in Graveyard Fields. Those camp sites are .5 miles from the car, so we kept our food there over night. Bear activity has increased, so it's strongly advised to bring a bear canister and be wise about food storage. We woke up early the next morning made bre...
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  • Glenville, North Carolina

    Hike to Frolictown Falls

    1.5 mi / 350 ft gain
    This is an awesome hike to do if you're short on time or have hours to kill. Because it is so easy to access, it doesn't take very long to get down to it and can be accessed by two separate trails. Both trails are well maintained, however, while there are some blazes, it is not heavily marked. Th...
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  • Glenville, North Carolina

    Hike to Blackrock Overlook

    3 mi / 700 ft gain
    This is probably one of my favorite hikes I've done in Panthertown Valley. Its also one of the easier views to access. You start from the Salt Rock Gap Parking lot, taking the Blackrock Trail (447) up Blackrock Mountain. This trail is located about 100 yards to the left if you are standing lookin...
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  • Glenville, North Carolina

    Hike to Granny Burrell Falls

    2.4 mi / 440 ft gain
    Panthertown Valley has a unique system of trails, with each trail having a specific number. Some of the trails listed at the information hut in the parking lot are accessed by taking one or two other trails to get to the start of the trail you are seeking. That is the case when hiking to Granny B...
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  • Glenville, North Carolina

    Hike to Wilderness Falls

    1.4 mi / 300 ft gain
    Wilderness Falls offers a beautiful hike with a simple yet captivating falls. All of the maintained trails in Pantertown Valley are marked by a number system (there is an information hut in the parking lot with information about other local trails, distance of different trails, and emergency cont...
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  • Canton, North Carolina

    Graveyard Ridge Trail and Mountains to Sea Trail Loop

    3.89 mi / 623 ft gain
    Graveyard Ridge Trail and Mountains to Sea Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Canton, North Carolina.
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  • Canton, North Carolina

    Graveyard Fields-Black Balsam Knob Circuit

    4.4
    9.83 mi / 1522 ft gain
    When the weather is in your favor, these treeless mountain tops will have your jaw on the floor with layers upon layers of Blue Ridge Mountains. This hike can be done in one day, but with panoramic views at multiple points, you'll want to take your time along this link of trails. This ~10-mile l...
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  • Balsam Grove, North Carolina

    Hike to Courthouse Falls

    4.7
    0.07 mi / 40 ft gain
    First off, I want to say although the road is gravel it is accessible for 2WD cars you do not need a 4WD car to access this hike. The trail begins just over the bridge that crosses Panther Branch Creek. Just over the bridge there is a pullout where you can park that should fit at least 3 cars. Th...
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  • Canton, North Carolina

    Skinny Dip Falls

    4.8
    1.03 mi / 148 ft gain
    Park at the Looking Glass Rock Overlook. After enjoying the view of Looking Glass Rock, gear up and head to the right side of the parking area (right side if your back is to the overlook). On the opposite side of the road you'll see a mile marker and a little trail to the left of the marker. Foll...
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  • Highlands, North Carolina

    Dry Falls

    4.6
    0.35 mi / 26 ft gain
    Dry Falls is located off of Hwy. 64, which has been designated as the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway, and the road does not disappoint. Hwy. 64 is a two lane road which hugs the northern side of Cullasaja Gorge, which has been carved by the Cullasaja River. Besides Dry Falls, Hwy. 64 leads you past...
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  • Canton, North Carolina

    Climb Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower

    4.5
    1.5 mi
    This is an extremely easy trail with a minimal incline. The tower, built in 1941, standing 70 feet above the summit, can be nerve wracking, even for those who aren't scared of heights.  However, most feel it's worth the view. Expect to see fellow hikers. On pretty days there can be a few people w...
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  • Otto, North Carolina

    Hike to and Climb Pickens Nose

    4.8
    1.5 mi / 200 ft gain
    From the parking area (fits about 6 cars) follow the trail on the same side of the road up the ridge through dense rhododendron. Several spur trails branch off of the main trail and lead to rock outcroppings with excellent views. Getting to the parking area is slow. The narrow gravel road winds...
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  • Canton, North Carolina

    Camp at Mt. Pisgah

    5.0
    The Mt. Pisgah campground is nestled right off of the Blue Ridge Parkway near Canton, NC.  Since it is at an elevation of 4,980 feet the campground is a perfect destination to beat the heat and humidity that the region can be known for in the summer months.  Reservations and information can be fo...
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  • Andersonville, Tennessee

    Norris Dam State Park Campground Trail

    14.6 mi / 2310 ft gain
    Norris Dam State Park Campground Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Rocky Top, Tennessee.
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  • Lake Toxaway, North Carolina

    Rhapsodie Falls

    2.98 mi / 623 ft gain
    Rhapsodie Falls is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Lake Toxaway, North Carolina.
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