Best Hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Описание: New to Great Smoky Mountains NP? Here are the best first hikes, from Clingmans Dome to Alum Cave, with tips to beat crowds and stay safe.
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Alum Cave / Mt LeConte: Hike Mount LeConte via Alum CaveThe hike to Mount LeConte from the Alum Cave Trail is considered the marquis trail in Great Smoky Mountains National...12 miles - Hard
Charlies Bunion: https://hikingguy.com/hiking-trails/c...
Clingmans Dome: https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/kuwohi...
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00:00 The Hikes
00:10 Clingmans Dome
00:30 Alum Cave
01:00 Mt LeConte
01:34 Charlies Bunion
01:57 Where to Stay
02:15 Hike Planning
02:50 Parking Pass
03:13 Bears
04:05 Gear to Use

With over 850 miles of trails, Great Smoky Mountains National Park can be overwhelming—especially if it’s your first visit. In this video, I narrow it down to the best hikes to start with, based on scenic payoffs, accessibility, and trail quality. These are the must-do hikes if you want a great introduction to the park and its landscapes.

First up is the paved but steep trail to Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the park. It’s only a half-mile each way, but the views from the top can stretch over 70 miles on a clear day. From there, I cover the Alum Cave and Mount Le Conte hike, which I consider the crown jewel of the park. Whether you stop at Alum Cave or continue to the summit and Myrtle Point, this trail offers a bit of everything: rock formations, sweeping views, and even the chance to stop at the highest lodge on the East Coast.

Another favorite is Charlies Bunion, accessed via the Appalachian Trail. This scenic outcropping offers panoramic views down into Gatlinburg, and the route includes stops at a trail shelter and bonus viewpoints like The Jump Off. All of these hikes are located off the main Hwy 441 corridor, making Gatlinburg a convenient base for lodging and supplies.

I also share tips for navigating the park: how to beat the crowds by hiking at sunrise or visiting in the shoulder seasons, what kind of gear to bring, where to get offline maps, and what to know about bear and elk safety. There’s no park entrance fee, but parking does require a paid permit if you’re staying longer than 15 minutes at a trailhead.

Before you go, check the official park alerts page for closures and conditions. And if you want a list of the hiking gear I actually use—including maps and resources for all the trails mentioned—you’ll find it on my website.




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Some of these links are affiliate links where I’ll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. I only recommend gear I actually use and trust.