Hiking in the Area

Although there are many things to do in the area, many visitors love to hike and visit the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Some of the most popular trails include:

Laurel Falls

One of the most visited waterfalls in the park, Laurel Falls drops 80 feet in two tiers along a paved 2.6-mile round-trip trail. It's accessible year-round and suitable for most fitness levels.

Rainbow Falls

At 80 feet tall, Rainbow Falls is the highest single-drop waterfall in the park. The 5.4-mile round-trip trail starts near Gatlinburg and rewards hikers with a stunning cascade, especially beautiful on sunny mornings when the mist catches the light.

Ramsey Cascades

The tallest waterfall in Great Smoky Mountains National Park at 100 feet, Ramsey Cascades is reached via an 8-mile round-trip trail through old-growth forest. The path follows the Ramsey Prong stream, crossing it several times on the way up.

Alum Cave Trail

One of the most scenic trails in the park, Alum Cave Trail climbs through spruce-fir forest to a dramatic concave bluff. The full trail continues to the summit of Mount LeConte. The 4.4-mile round-trip to the bluff is a great half-day hike with big views.

Grotto Falls

The only waterfall in the park you can walk behind, Grotto Falls sits at the end of a 2.6-mile round-trip trail through a hemlock forest. The path is shaded and relatively gentle, making it a favourite for families.