Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Established in 1934, Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles the border of both Tennessee and North Carolina. With stunning views of mountain ridgelines, waterfalls, and wildlife, there's a reason why this is annually one of the top visited national parks. The park spans 522,427 acres spread almost evenly across the two states. There are 10 campgrounds containing approximately 1,000 campsites, plus an additional 100 backcountry campsites. The park also contains 850 miles of trails. Start planning your next trip!

Top Adventures in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Hike the Chimney Tops

4.9

3.8 mi / 1487 ft gain

The Chimney Top's Trail is one of the most visited trails in the Smokies, which is why I recommend going up just before sunset to beat the crowd! During the summer and fall months, it's easy to see a hundred people taking in the view on the same trail, but if you scramble on out after hours, you can easily find yourself alone just in time to catch the sunset. Get to the trailhead and hour and ...

Hike to Mt. LeConte via Alum Cave Bluff

5.0

11 mi / 3982 ft gain

The Alum Cave trailhead is on Newfound Gap Road, 8 miles from the Sugarlands Visitor Center. Mt. LeConte is the third highest peak in the Smokies, and this is an extremely popular hike, so arrive early to get a parking spot and beat the crowds. Starting from the parking lot the trail gently winds beside Alum Cave Creek for just over a mile before reaching Arch Rock, where hikers will climb a s...

Camp out at Mt. LeConte Lodge via Alum Cave

5.0

9.96 mi

At the summit of Mt. LeConte in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the lodge sits at a elevation of 6400 feet. It is the only "accommodations" inside the park boundaries. It is the highest lodge in the eastern United States. Accessible only by hiking one of the five trails to the summit, one can rent a small cabin with bunk, kerosene lantern, and a small propane heater. Bedding is prov...

Hike to Myrtle Point via Alum Cave

5.0

13 mi / 3100 ft gain

This hike can be started at the Alum Cave trailhead or the Boulevard Trailhead. For this particular adventure, the starting point is Alum Cave. If you're lucky enough to stay the night at the backcountry shelter on top of Mt. LeConte, (add 0.2 miles if coming from the Lodge), head east on the Boulevard Trail and follow signs to Myrtle Point, 1 mile away. The trail first ascends about 200 feet t...

Hike Charlies Bunion

5.0

8.1 mi / 1640 ft gain

From the Sugarlands Visitor Center near Gatlinburg, drive approximately 13 miles south on Newfound Gap Road to reach the Newfound Gap Parking Area (it'll be on your left.) The parking area is free and there are bathrooms. Follow the Appalachian Trail towards Katahdin, Maine (1972 miles away, woah!) At this point, there will not be a sign for Charlies Bunion, don't worry, it's up there! The tr...

Hike to the Jump-Off

4.3

6.2 mi / 1079 ft gain

This trail starts at the Newfound Gap parking lot. Newfound Gap is situated on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. The views from Newfound Gap overlook North Carolina and are worth the trip in their own right. The restroom facilities are clean and have flushing toilets. Follow the crowds over to the Rockefeller Memorial where President Franklin D. Roosevelt formally dedicated the park -...

Browse All Adventures