Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee

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

Top Hiking Spots in and near Great Smoky Mountains

  • 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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  • 138 Silver Mine Road, North Carolina

    Hike the Lovers Leap Loop Trail

    5.0
    1.8 mi / 472 ft gain
    Lovers Leap Loop trail is a 1.8 mile loop in Hot Springs, NC. The address of the trailhead is 138 Silver Mine Rd, Hot Springs, NC 28743. Once you arrive at the parking lot, you will see a trail leading up into the mountain with a post next to it. This is where you want to begin. It is part of the...
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  • Brevard, North Carolina

    Hike the Toxaway River Trail

    5.0
    1.25 mi
    This easy 1.25 mile hike is located within the Lake Toxaway community. The trail itself follows a small creek as it winds through the valley. Be warned - there are numerous stream crossings. Most of the crossings are fairly easy at normal water levels, but can be difficult if the water is high. S...
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  • Highlands, North Carolina

    Bouldering Granite City

    5.0
    0.3 mi / 96 ft gain
    At the foot of Blackrock Mountain just outside of Highlands, North Carolina, lies one of the most unique and secluded natural playgrounds around.  Granite City is composed of several massive granite boulders, ranging between 10-40 feet tall.  This spot is most popular for bouldering (mostly V0-V2...
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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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  • 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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  • Cashiers, North Carolina

    Hike to Silver Run Falls

    0.25 mi / 100 ft gain
    The hike to this waterfall is very short and well worth it. The waterfall is about 40 feet tall and has a large volume of water.  This makes for a great place to swim. The bottom of the pool is about 15 feet deep and offers cool mountain water. To get there it is just outside of Cashiers, North C...
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  • Dillard, Georgia

    Hike to Rabun Bald

    5.0
    3 mi / 4696 ft gain
    Starting at the trailhead you begin by following the yellow blazes. The trail isn't well marked so keep an eye out for the blazes you see. The trailhead starts at the dead end of Kelsey Mountain Trail. The path immediately starts to incline and doesn't stop. A few minutes in you will come to a fo...
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  • Brevard, North Carolina

    Hike to John Rock

    5.0
    5 mi / 1000 ft gain
    This 5 mile loop begins at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education and State Fish Hatchery near Brevard, NC. Ample parking is available adjacent to the trailhead with bathrooms and water accessible. Grab a map from inside as well. To start the hike, look at the education center, to the left is t...
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  • Hiawassee, Georgia

    Bell Mountain

    0.13 mi / 24.93 ft gain
    Bell Mountain is an awesome place to experience for everyone of all abilities. Whether you're bringing a picnic lunch or looking to grab an awesome sunset, this is the place to be. Bell Mountain is located only 10-minutes (3.2 miles) right past the downtown area of Hiawassee, GA. Take US-76 E out...
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  • Brevard, North Carolina

    Moore Cove Falls

    4.3
    1.28 mi / 223 ft gain
    The hike relatively quick and has minimal elevation gain, making it a great hike for the family or a quick stop off if you're planning to do another hike in the same day. This part of the Pisgah National Forest is filled with scenic hikes. Once you've parked your car, cross over the stream via a...
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  • Clayton, Georgia

    Camp at Tallulah River Campground

    Tallulah River Campground is located in the Chattahoochee-Oconee national forest. It is just outside of Clayton, Georgia. The campground has about 15 spots that are big enough for a small to medium sized RV. Each camping spot also has a nice tent pad for a big tent. Most spots are also on the riv...
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  • Brevard, North Carolina

    Looking Glass Rock

    4.7
    5.43 mi / 1572 ft gain
    This is a really nice, moderately difficult hike along a cascading creek, up switchbacks, and through wildflower fields. A couple miles in, you'll reach a helipad that is used for rescuing injured rock climbers - Looking Glass Rock is a popular destination for world class climbing. There is a sma...
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  • Knoxville, Tennessee

    Melton Hill Trails

    4.0
    1.46 mi / 98 ft gain
    The Melton Hill Trails in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, offer a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, biking, birding, fishing, and paddling. Located along the picturesque Melton Hill Lake, these trails provide scenic views and diverse terrains for outdoor enthusiasts. Hours of Oper...
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  • Lake Toxaway, North Carolina

    Rainbow Falls and Turtleback Falls in Gorges SP

    4.5
    3.91 mi / 778 ft gain
    Rainbow Falls is one of the most scenic waterfalls in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains. The Horsepasture River swells in the rainy season, dumping a cascade of water 150 feet. The plume of mist at the bottom creates a distinct rainbow effect, giving the falls its name. Hike to Rainbow Falls ...
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  • Marshall, North Carolina

    Laurel River Trail

    5.0
    7.23 mi / 1447 ft gain
    Laurel River Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Marshall, North Carolina.
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