Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. World renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture, this is America's most visited national park. Plan your visit today!
Hike 5.6 miles (9 km) roundtrip through varied forest to a popular waterfall named for the misty rainbow that often appears at its base. This trail is well-traveled and maintained, but the climb to the falls is relatively steep.
A parking tag is required to park in the Smokies for more than 15 minutes.
Hike 8 miles (12.9 km) roundtrip on this popular but relatively challenging trail through cove hardwood forest to see the tallest waterfall in the park. The trail begins on an old roadbed but becomes narrower and rockier crossing multiple footlog bridges and streams as it ascends.
A parking tag is required to park in the Smokies for more than 15 minutes.
Porters Creek is a peaceful trail that is filled with history and natural wonders, hike as far as you'd like to explore. If you are up for about a 4-mile roundtrip hike you can visit the beautiful Fern Branch Falls.
A parking tag is required.
Hike 1.2 miles (1.9 km) roundtrip along a wide gravel roadbed that follows a mountain stream to a cascade surrounded by moss-covered rocks and mixed hardwood forest.
A parking tag is required to park in the Smokies for more than 15 minutes.
Hike 4 miles (6.4 km) on Lakeshore and Goldmine Loop trails through a hardwood forest filled with signs of old homesites and farms. This trail is moderate but includes some rocky areas and shallow stream crossings.
A parking tag is required to park in the Smokies for more than 15 minutes.
Hike 2.6 miles (4.2 km) roundtrip through a mixed hardwood forest to an 80-foot (24-m) waterfall. Enjoy a few views of the mountain landscape before arriving at the waterfall. PLEASE NOTE: Laurel Falls Trail is expected to close starting in mid-December for 18 months.
A parking tag is required to park in the Smokies for more than 15 minutes.