MEET THE SMOKIES
The Smoky Mountains are just one range in the larger Appalachian Mountain range spanning from central Alabama to the far north Canadian province of Newfoundland. Near the southern end of this mountain range, the Smoky Mountains rise covered in dense forest and wildflowers. Often, it’s plain to see where the Smokies get their name. A gentle haze settles among the mountain tops and ridges almost blue-grey in color.
THE 5 BEST SMOKY MOUNTAIN HIKES
Here are five of the best day hikes for hikers and explorers of all levels to get a taste of what the area has to offer.
Clingman’s Dome
Do not be fooled by the length of this trail. While only one half mile long and fully paved, this trail is STEEP! Right on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, Clingman’s Dome is actually the highest peak in the Smoky Mountains at just under 6,650 feet. The drive takes you up most of the way as you wind through the wild green of the mountain forest.
Alum Cave Trail
The Alum Cave Trail is one of several trails that will eventually take you to Mount LeConte, but for a moderate 5-mile hike, you can take this trail to the Alum Cave Bluffs and then turn back. Sometimes steep and rocky and rooty trails make you slow down and take your time as you follow a bubbling stream most of the way.
Rainbow Falls Trail
You’ll only see the rainbow at the end of Rainbow Falls Trail on a sunny day, but go anyway because this 80-foot waterfall (the highest in the national park) is not to be mist (get it?). This 5.5-mile round trip hike is also moderately rated due to a 1500-foot elevation gain and more rocky and rooted terrain. Sturdy shoes are a must.
Charlies Bunion Trail
Charlies Bunion Trail is not for the faint of heart. This difficult trail is about 8 miles long and quite steep in certain sections. Even still, this trail is pretty popular in the park — not least because the initial segments follow a lovely section of the Appalachian Trail. On a clear day, the view earned from the rocky scramble to Charlies Bunion is one you will never forget.
Ramsey Cascades
The 8-mile round trip trail is fairly strenuous as it climbs over 2,000 feet in elevation before the falls come into view. Like many trails in the Smoky Mountains, you follow swiftly moving streams and rivers for most of the trail until turning into an old hardwood forest.
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Posted by: Cruise America & Canada RV Rentals Inc
Posted on: 23/07/2025