Experience the Great Smoky Mountains in all their glory with an invigorating summer hike. Breathe in the fresh mountain air, discover cascading waterfalls, and even spot wildlife like deer and elk as you stretch your legs and lungs. There are over 850 miles of trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and even more beyond its borders. Get up close and personal with the beauty of nature and explore the mountains on foot with the best summer hikes in the Smokies!

Porters Creek Trail

Explore both the beautiful natural landscape of the Smokies as well as a few historical spots on this moderate 4-mile round trip hike near Gatlinburg, TN. Stroll through the thick forest canopy alongside rushing streams as you follow an old gravel road that leads to historic homesites and archaic stone walls. Don’t miss the gorgeous 60-foot Fern Branch Falls that sits about 2 miles from the trailhead!

Clingmans Dome

One of the most popular hiking trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the half-mile hike to the top of Clingmans Dome. You can drive to a large parking area located about 7 miles from Newfound Gap.  Once there, hike the half-mile trip up a paved trail to the observation tower, where you’ll take in the sights from the highest viewing point in the Smokies on the second-highest mountain east of the Mississippi River. Although the trail is quite steep, it’s paved and provides plenty of photo ops for those stunning mountain vistas. Check out a first-hand experience of Clingman’s Dome and a whole lot more in our Explorations section.

Andrews Bald

After taking in panoramic views from Clingmans Dome, take the 3.5-mile round trip hike to Andrews Bald for some of the most majestic views of Fontana Lake and the Smoky Mountains. Stroll down the Forney Ridge Trail for about 1.7 miles until you reach the outskirts of Andrews Bald, where you’ll be greeted by a vibrant display of flame azalea and rhododendron that bloom during late spring through early summer. It’s a truly breathtaking sight with views of the Smokies that you won’t find anywhere else.

Laurel Falls

Laurel Falls is a favorite trail to enjoy the best summer hikes in the Smokies. This gorgeous 2.6-mile roundtrip walk is paved, making it ideal for a fun family-friendly hike with kids or novice trekkers. (While the hiking trail is paved, it is rough and uneven in spots with short, steep sections that can become slippery in wet weather. Portions of the trail also have steep drop-offs, so it is not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs. Watch your kids closely!) Follow the trail to its namesake, a beautiful cascading waterfall. The stunning multi-tiered falls has an upper and lower section with a wooden walkway that takes you right across the water. Enjoy the cooling mist along the walkway but stick to the path. The rocks are slick with water and algae – no wading or climbing.

Little River Trail

Another great trail for families, especially ones with young children, is Little River Trail. Located in the historical district of Elkmont inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this trail is perfect if you’re looking for a relaxing hike by the river. The 4.9-mile roundtrip trail meanders beside the peacefully burbling stream and features gorgeous riverside views, historic cottages, and a flowing 20-foot waterfall.

Alum Cave

Alum Cave’s moderate one-way 4.4-mile trail takes you through some of the most fascinating geological formations in the entire Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Along the hike, you’ll pass through a narrow tunnel underneath Arch Rock, a large concentration of black slate that formed a natural, arch-like shape over time. Next, you’ll hit Inspiration Point. At an elevation of 4,700 feet, this spot serves up stunning panoramic mountain views. Hike on to Alum Cave Bluff, which technically is not a cave. It’s a massive rock overhang that towers 75-80 feet high. Rest in its shade as you soak up the summer sights and be sure to turn around and admire the bluffs behind you!

Chimney Tops Trail

The rugged nature of a section of this hike makes Chimney Tops Trail very popular among hikers. Rising at just over 4,800 feet, Chimney Tops is not the tallest mountain in Great Smoky Mountains National Park but is definitely one of the more challenging hikes. The trailhead can be accessed on US 441 (Newfound Gap Road), and it’s two miles to the top. The first mile features relatively flat terrain and is an easy hike. However, the last mile becomes much steeper with tree roots and rocks that you have to climb over, making it an epic hiking adventure.

Middle Prong Trail

One of the best waterfall hikes in the Smokies, Middle Prong Trail boasts three major waterfalls, as well as a lot of smaller falls along the way. This 8.3-mile roundtrip hike is a moderately strenuous trek and is located in the Tremont area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In addition to the refreshing waterfalls, you’ll also find historic artifacts from days gone by like a chimney from an old homestead and even the remains of an old Cadillac!

Ramsey Cascades

Another fantastic waterfall hike is the trail to Ramsey Cascades. Towering 100 feet in height, Ramsey Cascades is the tallest waterfall in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and the hike to it passes through an awe-inspiring old-growth forest that is gorgeous in the fall. You’ll take the trail for 4 miles and gain 2,000 feet in elevation along the way. It’s an intense hike, but the trek is so worth it when you hear the rushing water as it flows over a line of glistening rocks. Don’t forget your camera!

Oconaluftee River Trail

Over on the Cherokee side of the Smokies, you’ll find one of only two trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that allows dogs. (The other is the Gatlinburg Trail, a 1.9-mile hike from the Sugarland Visitor Center to the outskirts of Gatlinburg, TN) The Oconaluftee is an easy 3-mile round trip hike along the river with a wide smooth path that’s perfect for strollers, wheelchairs, and bicycles.

Along the way, there are opportunities to learn about the inspiring stories of the East Band of the Cherokee. The trail actually ends at the boundary of their reservation. Return to the visitor’s center, or explore the local shops. As you’re exploring and hiking, keep an eye out for the wild elk herd. These magnificent beasts are often seen in the fields around the Oconaluftee Visitor’s Center and along the trail. Just be sure to keep a safe distance of 150 feet or more and snap your photos from there.

Where to Stay After Discovering the Best Summer Hikes in the Smokies

You’ll need a place to rest after these beautiful summer hikes. Check out the STAY section of Smokies Adventure for our top recommendations on cabins, chalets, classic roadside motels and more Smoky Mountain accommodations.