Great Smoky Mountains National Park has four visitor centers providing visitors with information and resources to enhance their understanding and enjoyment of the park’s natural and cultural resources. Below are the addresses for each visitor center, which are open 9 am – 5 pm daily, but hours do vary by season (usually shorter in the […]
Andrews Bald is a beloved scenic destination in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offering wide-open views and high-elevation meadows. The bald is named after Andrew Thompson, a cattle herder who grazed livestock here in the 1840s. The hike to Andrews Bald is a moderately challenging 3.6-mile round-trip trek with over 800 feet of elevation […]
The Little River, Cucumber Gap, and Jakes Creek Trails are nestled in the Elkmont area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Together, these three trails form a scenic 6-mile loop with about 700 feet of elevation gain—an ideal day hike for families. However, pets are not allowed, so your four-legged companions will need to stay […]
Alum Cave Trail is one of the most beloved hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park—and for good reason. This challenging 5-mile round-trip adventure climbs 1,100 feet in elevation, leading hikers to the impressive Alum Cave Bluffs. Trail Overview Distance: 5 miles round-trip Elevation Gain: Approx. 1,100 feet Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous Pet Policy: Pets […]
Abrams Falls is one of the most popular hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, leading to a stunning waterfall tucked deep within the forest. Both the waterfall and the creek are named after a Cherokee chief, Oskuah, who later adopted the name Abram. This moderately challenging trail is a 5.5-mile round trip with approximately […]
The trail to Cataract Falls is an easy and picturesque 0.7-mile round-trip walk with just 50 feet of elevation gain, making it perfect for hikers of all ages. Located near the Sugarlands Visitor Center in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this short trail offers a peaceful escape into nature. Please note: pets are not allowed […]
The Elkmont Nature Trail is a short and scenic 0.8-mile loop located in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with just 100 feet of elevation gain, making it an easy and enjoyable walk for all ages. However, pets are not allowed on the trail, so furry friends will need to sit this one out. Just […]
The Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail is a scenic, family-friendly 0.5-mile loop located just south of the Sugarlands Visitor Center in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. With its flat, paved concrete surface and minimal elevation gain, this trail is fully accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. Note that pets are not allowed, so plan to leave furry […]
The Spruce-Fir Nature Trail is a short but scenic 0.4-mile loop located just off Clingmans Dome Road. With virtually no elevation gain, this trail is ideal for families and anyone looking for an easy, peaceful walk through a unique high-elevation forest. The trailhead is marked by a small sign and pullout, so keep an eye […]
