Step Outside and Hike the Smokies
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're hiking to hidden waterfalls, casting a line in pristine streams, or cooling off in a mountain swimming hole, here's your guide to making the most of your adventure.
🥾 Hiking in the Smokies: Trails, Tips & Must-Know Info
🌿 Important Info Before Your Adventure
Always follow Leave No Trace principles to protect the park's natural beauty:
You must purchase a parking pass to park inside the National Park. They can be purchased at kiosks around the park but your best bet is to visit the Sugarlands Visitor Center where you can get all sorts of great information and plan your day accordingly!
Pack out all trash, including food wrappers and used toilet paper.
Use catholes 6–8 inches deep and at least 200 feet from water sources for human waste. Pack out toilet paper in a sealed bag.
Stay on marked trails to prevent erosion and protect vegetation.
Respect wildlife by observing from a distance and not feeding animals.
What to Pack
Sturdy hiking boots
Rain jacket and extra socks
Warm layers for higher elevations
Bear spray or bear bell
Snacks and ample water
Offline trail maps (download via AllTrails)
Toilet paper and ziplock bags for waste. Leave no trace!
Favorite Waterfall Trails
Escape the crowds and explore these lesser-known waterfalls:
Ramsey Cascades: A challenging 8-mile round trip to the park's tallest waterfall.
Mouse Creek Falls & Midnight Hole: A moderate 4-mile hike featuring a scenic waterfall and a popular swimming hole.
Hen Wallow Falls: A 4.4-mile round trip through lush forest to a 90-foot waterfall.
Cataract Falls: An easy, family-friendly trail near the Sugarlands Visitor Center.
Family-friendly Trails
Hen Wallow Falls A 4.4-mile round trip through lush forest to a 90-foot waterfall.
The beginning sections of Porters Creek or Ramsey Cascades (not full trail)
Mouse Creek Falls
Andrews Bald
Abrams Falls
Laurel Falls
Grotto Falls
Baskins Creek Falls
Walkers Sisters Place
Noah Bud Ogle Trail
Gatlinburg Trail
Cataract Falls: An easy trail near the Sugarlands Visitor Center.
Top Scenic Hikes & Drives
Mount LeConte via Alum Cave: A strenuous hike with rewarding views.
Charlies Bunion: A 4-mile hike along the Appalachian Trail with panoramic vistas.
Andrews Bald: A moderate 3.5-mile hike to a grassy bald with stunning views.
Porters Creek Trail: A 4-mile round trip featuring wildflowers and historic sites.
Cades Cove Loop Road: A scenic 11-mile drive with opportunities to see wildlife and historic buildings.go early on a week day to avoid crowds! Cades Cove is open year-round, but is closed to automobiles on Wednesdays so rent a bike there and ride!
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail: Open 4/08/22 – 11/28/22
Clingmans Dome: The highest point in the park, offering a short hike to an observation tower with 360-degree views.
🎣 Fishing in the Smokies: What You Need to Know
The park boasts over 2,900 miles of streams, many of which are excellent for fishing. Reach out to Smoky Mountain Angler if you’d like to rent any fly fishing gear or to schedule a guided day trip!
What to Bring
Fishing tackle and waders
Valid fishing license (see below)
Gatlinburg Trout Permit (if fishing in certain areas)
Cooler & Ice for your catch (or let em go)
Licensing Requirements
You must keep a copy of your license on you (physical printout or on your phone) to fish any time, even at the cabin!
Tennessee Fishing License: Required for all anglers aged 13 and older.
Gatlinburg Trout Permit: Needed for fishing in Gatlinburg and certain parts of the park.
Licenses can be purchased through the TWRA website or the TWRA mobile app. You will be applying as a non-resident so look for the appropriate length, non-resident license (1, 2, or 3 week depending on the length of your trip.)
Best Fishing Spots
Fishing at River Rest Cabin: Down by the wooden picnic table (where the swimming hole is) there's a trail down to the deeper part of the river. Rainbow trout, carp, perch, small mouth bass, and red eye bass can be found there. Over behind the back porch is the shallow and more swiftly moving water, which in cooler months you will be able to catch trout.
Greenbrier Area: Known for its cool, oxygen-rich waters, ideal for trout. To fish in Greenbrier, you’ll need to have the Gatlinburg trout license add-on.
Middle Fork of the Little Pigeon River: Accessible from the cabin, offering trout, smallmouth bass, and more.
Deep Pools Near the Picnic Table: Great for rainbow trout and bass.
🌊 River Fun: Swimming Holes & Tubing
Best Swimming Spots
The Riviera (exclusive to guests of River Rest Cabin!): A private swimming hole near the cabin.
Flint Rock: A secluded spot with clear waters.
Midnight Hole: A deep, emerald pool perfect for a refreshing dip.
The Sinks: A popular spot with waterfalls and swimming areas.
Metcalf Bottoms: A family-friendly area with picnic spots and shallow waters.
The Wye: Where the Little River and Middle Prong meet, offering excellent swimming.
Tubing & Rafting
Smoky Mountain River Rat: Offers tubing adventures in Townsend.
Big Creek Expeditions: Provides guided rafting trips in Hartford, TN.
🌅 Sunrise & Sunset Spots
Clingmans Dome: Offers breathtaking sunrise views from the observation tower.
Morton Overlook: A popular spot for sunset photography, located along Newfound Gap Road.
Pro Tips for a Great Adventure
Start Early: Arrive at trailheads before 8 AM on weekdays to avoid crowds.
Check Road Closures: Some roads, like Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, are seasonal.
Pack a Picnic: Many areas have scenic spots perfect for a lunch break.
Stay Safe: Always let someone know your plans and expected return time.
Download the All Trails App for access to trail maps when there’s no service or wifi.
Bring enough water and snacks if you’re going for a long exursion
Stay on the trails. The number one reason hikers get lost is because they don’t stick to the trails.
DON’T get to close to the wildlife and definitely DO NOT FEED THEM. This keeps you and the animals safe.
Wear a lifejacket if swimming in the river or engaging in any river activities. The current is strong and can take your feet right out from under you.
Whether you're seeking solitude in nature or thrilling outdoor activities, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has something for everyone. Pack wisely, respect the environment, and enjoy all that this natural wonder has to offer.
