Knoxville, Tennessee

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

Top Hiking Spots in and near Knoxville

  • Gatlinburg, Tennessee

    Hike to Upper Meigs Falls

    5.0
    3.55 mi / 791 ft gain
    Parking available off of Little River Gorge Road (State Hwy. 73) at The Sinks/Meigs Creek Trailhead. The trail starts with winding elevation gain until it crests around 1 mile into the hike (notice pine trees at higher elevation). After the crest it starts descending towards Meigs Creek. While f...
    Read more
  • Townsend, Tennessee

    Whiteoak Sinks

    3.0
    4.55 mi / 640 ft gain
    Whiteoak Sinks is an out-and-back trail that provides a good opportunity to view wildlife located near Townsend, Tennessee.
    Read more
  • Townsend, Tennessee

    Spruce Flats Falls

    4.8
    1.64 mi / 495 ft gain
    To get to Spruce Flats Falls, you will want to drive down 2.2 miles down the scenic Tremont Road to the Great Smoky Mountains Institute and park in the visitor center parking area. You will then want to ascend up the gravel road past the sign that says restricted to unrestricted traffic (meaning ...
    Read more
  • Tallassee, Tennessee

    Abrams Falls Trail

    4.6
    4.96 mi / 466 ft gain
    One of the biggest perks of hiking Abrams Falls is the drive to get there. The trailhead is located approximately 5 miles into the scenic Cades Cove Loop. Cades Cove is an adventure in itself. Keep your eye out for black bears, deer and wild turkey. If you are taking the self guided auto tour, Ab...
    Read more
  • 35.604955,-83.770373

    Rocky Top

    5.0
    12.61 mi / 3786 ft gain
    Rocky Top is known to be the spot that inspired the famous fight song of the University of Tennessee, which is also an official song for the state of Tennessee.  The trailhead for this hike begins in the Cade’s Cove picnic area parking lot towards the back side. There are a few parking spots ri...
    Read more
  • Townsend, Tennessee

    Backpack to Spence Field

    1.0
    13.15 mi / 3261 ft gain
    Start your hike at Anthony Creek Trailhead (elevation 1,800 ft), in the Cade’s Cove area. The trailhead is located at the far end of the day-use picnic area near Cade’s Cove campground. There are a few parking spots right at the trailhead, but note that the picnic area closes at dusk (a gate clos...
    Read more
  • Sevierville, Tennessee

    Laurel Falls Trail

    4.3
    2.45 mi / 400 ft gain
    This straightforward, yet scenic hike follows a paved trail to the falls, which is among the most popular in the park. This trail can be especially crowded during the summer, so be sure to arrive early. Keep an eye out for a few steep drop-offs on either side of the trail along the way. There ha...
    Read more
  • Gatlinburg, Tennessee

    Sugarland Mountain Trail

    12.02 mi / 4715 ft gain
    Starting on the AT at just under 6,000 feet and ending at Fighting Creek Gap, just under 2,300 feet in elevation, the Sugarland Mountain Trail is a grand descent from the high divide of the Smokies. The spruce-fir forest where the trail begins is a remnant of the last ice age, when a cooler clima...
    Read more
  • Upper Tremont Road, Tennessee

    Hike to Indian Flat Falls via Middle Prong Trail

    4.5
    7.21 mi / 1102 ft gain
    One of the best trails in the Smokies is the Middle Prong Trail. The trail passes three major waterfalls, in addition to numerous smaller falls, cataracts and cascades. Once you've parked, you'll start at the trail head and immediately see your first cascade. From the trailhead hikers will cro...
    Read more
  • Townsend, Tennessee

    Gregory Bald via Gregory Ridge Trail

    5.0
    11.88 mi / 3245 ft gain
    The Gregory Bald summit is indisputably picturesque – the 10-acre meadow at the top hosts magnificent azalea blooms in June, wild blueberries in August, and views of Cades Cove, Rich Mountain, Fontana Lake, Thunderhead Mountain, and Clingmans Dome, year-round. Start this hike at the Gregory Ridg...
    Read more
  • Sevier County, Tennessee

    Little River Trail to Backcountry Campsite #30

    5.0
    12.34 mi / 1273 ft gain
    The trailhead parking area is large but if no spaces are available additional parking can be had at the Jake's Creek trailhead at the top of the hill and to the right of the Little River trail parking lot. After parking, the trailhead itself will be to the left of the parking area. Parking Lot Co...
    Read more
  • Gatlinburg, Tennessee

    Hike the Cucumber Gap and Little River Loop

    4.0
    5.54 mi / 0 ft gain
    This loop offers a scenic 2.5 mile hike next to the river before looping back around via the Cucumber Gap Trail. At the tail end, you'll connect with the Jakes Creek Trail for about 0.7 miles to return you back to the parking lot.  Many people hike this trial clockwise, but if it's a hot day, it...
    Read more
  • Gatlinburg, Tennessee

    Gatlinburg Trail

    5.0
    3.8 mi / 351 ft gain
    Gatlinburg Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
    Read more
  • Gatlinburg, Tennessee

    Cataract Falls

    4.3
    1.09 mi / 92 ft gain
    You will find the trailhead to this gravel path just to the left of the Sugarlands Visitor Center. The easy walk along Fighting Creek is scenic and tends not to be crowded, either. At the end of the hike you will find a beautiful 25-foot waterfall. Please refrain from climbing on or around the f...
    Read more
  • Gatlinburg, Tennessee

    Twin Creeks Trail

    4.0
    4.54 mi / 879 ft gain
    Twin Creeks Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
    Read more
  • Caryville, Tennessee

    Triple Falls AKA Little Egypt

    4.4
    1.95 mi / 682 ft gain
    Triple falls trail otherwise known as little egypt is known for its cooling waterfalls in the summer and fall and the beautiful views from the top of the mountain year round. Getting to it is pretty easy all you have to do is follow your GPS until you see a small dirt parking lot off the side of ...
    Read more