Top 6 Hiking Trails to Explore for the Best Views in the Smoky Mountains
The Smoky Mountains boast some of the most beautiful views in the country! Enjoy them from your cabin, attractions in downtown Gatlinburg, or head out into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to see them up close! There are several beautiful trails you can explore, ranging from easy to difficult! Here are the top 6 hiking trails to explore for the best views in the Smoky Mountains:
1. Clingmans Dome Trail
One of the easiest hikes with incredible views is Clingmans Dome Trail. The roundtrip length is 1 mile, and the trail is paved. However, the path is fairly steep! There are a few benches along the path where you can stop and rest if you need to, but once you’re at the top of the observation tower, you’ll want to take in all of the incredible views!
2. Andrews Bald Trail
An easy-to-moderate hiking trail with some of the best views in the Smoky Mountains is Andrews Bald Trail. The roundtrip length is 3.5 miles, and you’ll make your way through dense forest growth. When you reach the bald, which is a meadow on a mountain top, you’ll take in the sweeping views of the Smokies! Many people enjoy resting at the bald and might even pack a picnic!
3. Alum Cave Trail
A popular hiking trail in the Smoky Mountains you’ll want to experience is Alum Cave Trail. This moderate hike is 5 miles roundtrip, and there are several unique features along the way. You’ll pass through a rock overpass called Arch Rock, and the national park has built several rock staircases to make the trail easier to climb. When you reach Alum Cave, you’ll be blown away by the sheer size of the bluffs and the beautiful views.
4. Chimney Tops Trail
Another hike that has some of the best views in the Smoky Mountains is Chimney Tops Trail. This hike is 3.6 miles roundtrip, but the elevation gain makes it have a difficult rating. Although the 2016 wildfires damaged the trail and made it dangerous to hike to the original lookout, the rebuilt lookout is still incredible to take in. You won’t want to miss out seeing Chimney Tops!
5. Gregory Bald Trail
Gregory Bald Trail is a beautiful trail with jaw-dropping views at the summit. Depending on which trail you take, the roundtrip length can be 8.8 or 11.3 miles, making this trail difficult. Although the hike is steep, the views when you reach the bald are absolutely worth it, especially in the spring! This area is known for its abundance of flame azalea in the spring and summer.
6. Charlies Bunion Trail
For some of the best views in the Smoky Mountains, you’ll want to hike to Charlies Bunion Trail. This trail is considered difficult with a roundtrip length of 8.1 miles. All along your hike, you’ll get to enjoy views of the mountains, and at the end when you reach the rock formation known as Charlies Bunion, you’ll have incredible views of the surrounding mountains.
Want to learn more before you head out on a hike? Find out everything you need to know about hiking in the Smoky Mountains!
There are several ways you can enjoy the best views in the Smoky Mountains, and hiking is just one of them! You’ll have a blast exploring in the national park, but you may be wondering what else you can do when you stay in one of our cabins. Look through our Freedom Fun Pass to see which attractions you’ll receive free tickets for as a thank you for staying with us!
