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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

  • 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.
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  • 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.
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  • Gatlinburg, Tennessee

    Cataract Falls, Smoky Mountains

    4.4
    1.09 mi
    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...
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  • 35.675929,-83.485764

    Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

    5.0
    5.83 mi
    This 6 mile drive is a great way to spend a scenic day in the Smokies. The road is open to cars only (no trucks or RVs) and runs one-way. There are no visitors centers after you head out, so be sure to bring everything you need along. The drive begins at the historic Ogle farmstead, which is als...
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  • Gatlinburg, Tennessee

    Mount LeConte-Cliff Tops via Rainbow Falls Trail

    4.5
    13.37 mi / 3993 ft gain
    Begin at the Rainbow Falls trail parking lot. This is very popular area especially in the summer. If the parking area at the trail head is full there is additional parking located just past the main lot. From here the Rainbow Falls trail is just under 14 miles to the summit of Mount Leconte. Elev...
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  • Gatlinburg, Tennessee

    Grotto Falls Trail

    5.0
    1.83 mi / 585 ft gain
    This is an intermediate hike along Trillium Gap Trail. There are four stream crossings on your way to the falls as you hike through an idyll, often wildflower-sprinkled landscape. Late spring is best for catching blooms. Once at the waterfall, you can walk behind the cascade of water. This is a ...
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  • Gatlinburg, Tennessee

    Quilliam Cave via Courthouse Rock Trail

    2.85 mi / 1404 ft gain
    Quilliam Cave via Courthouse Rock Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
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  • Sevierville, Tennessee

    Laurel Falls Trail

    4.3
    2.45 mi / 314 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...
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  • Gatlinburg, Tennessee

    Hike the Cucumber Gap and Little River Loop

    4.0
    5.5 mi / 800 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...
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  • Sevier County, Tennessee

    Little River Trail to Backcountry Campsite #30

    5.0
    12.34 mi / 412 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...
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  • Gatlinburg, Tennessee

    Hike the Chimney Tops

    4.9
    4.03 mi / 1487 ft gain
    The Chimney Tops 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 common to see a hundred people taking in the views on the same trail, but if you scramble on out after hours, y...
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  • Gatlinburg, Tennessee

    Hike to Mt. LeConte via Alum Cave Bluff

    5.0
    10.68 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 wind...
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  • 35.629385,-83.450994

    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,...
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  • Gatlinburg, Tennessee

    Fern Branch Falls

    5.0
    3.7 mi / 700 ft gain
    Take Porters Creek Trail, a gravel road alongside Porters Creek. You will pass by an old farmstead and cemetery, as well as lots of wildflowers if you're out during the spring. In a mile, keep left, then in another half mile or so you should cross over a small (and somewhat harrowing) footbridge...
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  • Gatlinburg, Tennessee

    Appalachian Trail: Charlie's Bunion and Kephart Loop

    5.0
    16.84 mi / 4429 ft gain
    Appalachian Trail: Charlie's Bunion and Kephart Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Cherokee, North Carolina.
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  • Gatlinburg, Tennessee

    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 ...
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