5 Must Do Day Hikes In The Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
If you are visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for the first time and want to get the most out of your visit here are some great day hikes that should be on any first time visitors list! These hikes are in no particular order just are some cool hikes that offer nice views. Let’s dive in!
Mount Le Conte
Distance: ~11miles
Total Elevation Gain: ~ 2,763ft
Estimated Time: ~ 5hrs 30min
The Trail: Starting at Alum Cave Trail hike to Mt Leconte is a classic hike of the Great Smokey Mountains where you can get lovely views at 6,594ft at the top of Mt LeConte while also catching excellent vistas from the Alum Cave bluffs.
Rainbow Falls
Distance: ~5 miles
Total Elevation Gain: 1,614ft
Estimated time: ~ 3hrs
The Trail: Starting at the Rainbow Falls Trailhead off Cherokee Creek Road although the mileage is low you will encounter some elevation gain so be prepared. At the end of this hike, you will be rewarded with lovely waterfall views.
Charlies Bunion
Distance: ~8miles
Total Elevation Gain: 1,886ft
Estimated Time: ~4hrs 30min
The Hike: This hike along the Appalachian Trail will yield you some incredible panoramic views from above the tree line on the Appalachian Trail. When you arrive at Charlie’s Bunion you will reach a bluff which is an amazing kodak moment!
Clingmans Dome
Distance: 1.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 331ft
Estimated Time: ~20min
Park at Clingmans Dome Visitor center and enter via Clingmans Dome Bypass trail you will enter a very easy paved trail that can be done by the whole family! At the end of this trail, you will arrive at an observation tower where you can get views from elevation. Beware though you may find because it is such an easy trail it may be heavily trafficked during peak seasons. If large crowds are not for you, you may want to avoid this one.
Gregory Bald
Distance: ~11.5miles
Elevation Gain: ~3,020ft
Estimated Time: ~6hrs
The Trail: Starting at Gregory Ridge Trailhead off of Forge Creek Road this hike to Gregory Bald will be especially rewarding in June when the Azaleas of blooming. You will be rewarded with a beautiful palette of colors. throughout your hike and as you near Gregory Bald, you will get amazing vistas of the eastern Smokies.
