Trails in the Park

Abrams Falls Trail (5 miles round-trip) is a moderate, relatively flat trail leading to the 20-foot-high Abrams Falls, which spills into a scenic pool. The trail begins at the Abrams Falls parking lot at the west end of Cades Cove Loop Road. Elevation gain is 340 feet. 

Alum Cave Trail (11 miles round-trip) starts off easy, but becomes difficult. An initial 1.5-mile trail takes you through Arch Rock's erosion-created tunnel. The next 0.8-mile is steeper and leads to Alum Cave Bluffs, which is a 100-foot-high cliff. The last 3.2 miles lead to Mount LeConte, one of the park's best viewpoints. This last half of the trail is steep and, at times, hikers must grip trailside cables to traverse cliffs. The trail begins at the Alum Cave Bluffs parking area at Newfound Gap Road between Newfound Gap and Chimney Tops. Elevation gain is 2,800 feet.

The Appalachian Trail (2,167 miles) was proposed by conservationist Benton MacKaye in 1921. Work on the trail began the following year, and by 1937, the trail was complete. The first person walked its entire length from Georgia to Maine in 1948. Every year, some 100 hikers repeat the feat. Successful hikers include a six-year-old boy, several octogenarians, and a visually impaired man with his service animal. The entire trip takes four to six months, crossing 14 states, eight national forests, two national parks and 15 major rivers. Elevations range from 6,643 feet at Clingmans Dome in the Smokies to near sea level at the Hudson River in New York. The segment within the park follows the Smokies' ridgeline 68 miles for nearly the entire length of the park. You can access the trail at Newfound Gap, Clingmans Dome, the end of Highway 32 just north of Big Creek Campground and from Fontana Dam. A popular section of the trail is from Newfound Gap to Charlie's Bunion, which passes through a spruce-fir forest with spectacular vistas. The 8-mile round-trip walk has an elevation gain of 980 feet. 

Boulevard Trail (16 miles round-trip) is the easiest of the five trails to Mount LeConte's summit. However, many people still consider it strenuous. Take the Appalachian Trail from Newfound Gap to Boulevard Trail. Elevation gain is 1,545 feet.

Chimney Tops Trail (4 miles round-trip) is a strenuous trail that winds through virgin forest to the Chimney Tops pinnacles. It starts at the Chimney Tops trailhead, located on Newfound Gap Road. Elevation gain is 1,335 feet.

Hen Wallow Falls Trail (4 miles round-trip) is a moderate trail that makes a good, short day hike. The main trail leads to the top of the falls; a steep, narrow side trail leads to the bottom. The trailhead is before the picnic area on the road to Cosby Campground. Elevation gain is 520 feet.

Indian Creek Falls Trail (2 miles round-trip) is a flat trail that offers an easy walk to picturesque Indian Creek Falls, which cascades 60 feet down a series of ledges into a wide pool. The trailhead is at the end of Deep Creek Road just past the Deep Creek Campground. Elevation gain is 100 feet.

Laurel Falls Trail (2.5 miles round-trip) is the most popular waterfall trail in the park. The paved trail is relatively flat and passes through a forest of pine and oak trees. The trailhead is located at the Laurel Falls parking area on Little River Road. Elevation gain is 200 feet. 

Ramsey Cascades Trail (8 miles round-trip) is a strenuous hike leading to the park's highest waterfall. It passes through an old-growth deciduous forest before reaching the 100-foot-high Ramsey Cascades. Do not attempt to climb to the top of the falls; several attempts have resulted in fatalities. From Greenbrier, follow signs to the Ramsey Cascades trailhead. Elevation gain is 2,375 feet.

Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail (3,000-foot loop) is a paved trail built in 1993 to accommodate visitors with disabilities. The level trail leads to distinct forest life zones, a river and the remains of pre-park dwellings. Special communications media assist in interpreting nature and is available at the Sugarlands Visitor Center. The trail is a favorite with visitors with mobility and sensory impairments as well as with older visitors and families with children in strollers. The trailhead is located off Newfound Gap Road, 0.25-mile south of Sugarlands Visitor Center. -