There are several things you need to do when hiking the Great Smoky Mountains national. First, it is good to get prepared. The hiking trails at the mountain are long, and it is necessary to get prepared. You can use your RV to reach the nearest campsites from where you can hike and return to base each evening. There are those who go with their horses and hike through the trails.

Before you plan your visit to the hiking trail, you should know it is a long the trail that will require you to plan well. Be prepared to spend several days when at the hiking trail. The Great Smoky Mountains national park is a large area where you will not cover within a day. People who are serious about covering as many hiking trails as possible plan to spend weeks at the national park.

You can as well plan to cover few trails at a time then return later. It is hard to cover all the trails available on the national park at once. Each hiking trail in the mountain park has its own attractions. You will never feel bored even if you will plan several return trips to the national park.

(Best hikes to explore in Great Smoky Mountains national park)

There are several hikes you can explore in the Great Smoky Mountains national park. Here we are going to list top 9 so that you can stay prepared before you visit the park.

There are several other tourists you will find at the park. If you decide to visit, you will find the location very attractive. Here are the top hiking trails you should start with:

1. Andrews Bald Hike 

The trail will lead you to the Clingmans Dome, where you can enjoy taking attractive photos. The Clingmans Dome is a popular destination where many people like to reach then take photos. You will be amazed to find many people who are happy to conquer the trail.

A round trip to the top of the hiking trail takes about 3.5 miles. It is possible to reach the top on your feet. Be prepared to carry enough snacks and water because there is high chance you will sweat a lot. A hiking pole will offer the necessary help as you move up the hike. 

2. Ramsey Cascades Hike 

You can follow the trail, and it will take you to the iconic Ramsey Cascades trailhead, where you will get to enjoy great views. You may have seen your friends posting attractive photos after reaching the trailhead. It will be a great accomplishment on your side if you decide to follow the trail to the top. Many people who have been there offering great reviews.

Be prepared to cover a round trip of 8 miles to the top and then return to base. An elevation of 2190 feet is no joke. You need to be prepared well for the hike before you decide to go. 

3. Charlies Bunion Hike 

You will arrive at the trailhead at the newfound Gap parking area. If you would like to drive to the camping site, your RV will greatly help. The hike takes a round trip of 8.1 miles.

You can plan and visit the location. For a great time, you can visit the location with your family members. They will be happy to accompany you to the top.

The hike has an elevation of 1640 feet. At the top, you will have awesome views of Charlie Bunion and Mount Guyot. 

4. Mount LeConte Hike

You can use several routes to reach the top. For example, you can decide to use the Mt LeConte trillium Gap trail or the Alum cave trail. For a round trip, it will take you 11 miles via the alum cave trail. If you are prepared to walk for 11 miles, then the trail will be a great way for you to work out and stay fit.

The trillium gap trail has a round distance of 13.9 miles, and it will allow you to enjoy great views of the Grotto falls and the attractive Brushy Mountain. 

 5. Deep creek loop hike

You will be happy to enjoy a round trip of 4.6 miles. Although the route has several attractions, it is short enough to allow family members to enjoy a day out. The hike has an elevation of 579 feet, making it fair enough for family members where kids would like to explore the hike.

Some of the attractions you will see at the hike include the Sunkota ridge, the Indian Greek trail, and the Toms branch falls. You will experience an 80-foot long waterfall at the falls that will form a great place to take photos and just relax to admire the landscape. 

6. Brushy Mountain Hike 

The hike has several routes to reach the top. You are free to choose from several hikes. For example, you can go for the trillium gap trail, where you will take around the distance of 6.8 miles.

The hike allows you to come across attractive features such as the Grotto falls and the brushy mountain. You will pass near the Grotto falls park along the trail, where you will get to see salamanders. Kids looking forward to discovering new things will be very happy if you can choose the trail. It is a bit tasking because it will require you to hike for more than 6.8 miles.

The second route you can take is the Greek trail. It is a round distance of 11.7 miles. At an elevation of 3000 feet, it is an attractive hike you can take to enjoy your time out. T

he route has attractive features such as the Elbert Cantrell farmstead and the famous John Messer Homestead. You can stop on the way and take attractive photos as you proceed to the top. 

7. Boogerman Trail Hike 

The trail ends at the Caldwell fork trail. You will cover a distance of 7.4 miles on your round trip. On the way, you will get to enjoy attractive views of the Boogerman trail and the dwarfed white pines. The old trees are not found in other places.

You will get to appreciate the attractiveness of the place after you get to interact with the several trees available. The trail stands out in several ways. Many people flock to the area. You will get to enjoy several adventures after you decide to visit the location. 

 8. Gregory Bald

For a round trip of 11.3 miles, you will have covered an elevation of 2030 feet and enjoy several attractions on the way. For example, you will get to see the Cades Cove and get to come face to face with the flame azaleas. The trail has attractive fowlers during summer.

If you can plan your trip during summer, you will be privileged to enjoy several adventures on the way. It is a trail where you will get to see orange, red, and pink flame azaleas. Fontana Lake will be as well among the attractions where you will get to enjoy attractive views. 

9. Chimney Tops Views

It is another attractive trial where you will get to enjoy a roundtrip of 3.3 miles. It is a short distance, but you will get to enjoy a lot of sightseeing adventures. For example, it has excellent vie3ws of Mount LeConte and the rock steps as you climb.

The hike is not too tasking as it has an elevation of 1487 feet, but you will enjoy it a lot as you try to climb. Several features make it an attractive place where you will get to spend time outdoors. 

What you should not miss in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

There are several things you should not miss out on at the Great Smoky Mountains national park hike. Different people have different preferences, but the mountain park has everything for people to choose from. Several hiking trails can accommodate several people. Here are some of the things you should try when at the national park:

Hike Three Waterfalls Loop

The three waterfalls loop have attractive views. You can plan your visit to the location and get to hike the waterfall loop. If you love seeing falling water, then the waterfall loop will be a great place where you will get to enjoy seeing great views. Many people prefer the loop. It has a lot for you to enjoy. 

Hike to Clingmans Dome

The dome is another attractive destination. People from different parts of the country prefer it. It is an attractive destination where you will get to enjoy yourself with your group. The hike has signs that will guide you to the top. Ensure you plan early and get necessary items such as carrying enough snacks to keep you energized on the way. 

Catch a Sunrise at Newfound Gap

In most cases, you would like to camp at the destination. You can plan to visit the Newfound Gap, where you will get to catch the sunrise. People interested in taking attractive photos prefer visiting the destination. It will be a great way to capture great outdoor moments. 

Hike Charlies Bunion

The Charlie bunion is among the places you should have in your list of things to do. It is an attractive place where you will enjoy taking photos. Many people who visit the location have good things to offer. Be prepared to spend the night time at the hike. It is a place to relax and enjoy your time out. 

Hike to Spruce Flats Falls

The spruce flats are another place of interest. It has good reviews from many people who have decided to venture into the hike. You will get all details about the hike from the maps available at the park. Form a group and try the hike; you will create good memories to share. 

 

Is it safe to hike in the Great Smoky Mountains national park, especially if you go solo and what to be prepared for?

It is safe to hike but be prepared to find many other people. Always ensure you stay on the hiking route where the game safety team will find you in case of something. The hike will require a lot of planning. It is good to plan in advance. Check out to ensure the weather is favorable.

There are times when it can rain in the park. In such a case, ensure you carry enough clothing to cover you. It is also essential to check out the condition of the trail. Some trials are too long, and they will take you to a whole day.

Ensure you plan and have necessary accommodation facilities. If you plan to camp on-site, then ensure you have a tent and beddings required to keep you warm at night. Remember, it can become too cold in some incidences. 

Fantastic Camping Spots along the way while hiking Great Smoky Mountains national park:

The Great Smoky Mountains national park has attracted a lot of people from different parts of the country. It is a well-established hiking spot where you will get several amenities you need.

For instance, if you would like to camp in the national park, then you will never feel let down. There are several camping grounds where you will get to spend the nights or even days when you would feel like it is time to relax before proceeding with the journey.

Here are some of the camping spots you need to keep in mind:

Cades Cove Campground 

It is a camping ground that is located towards the west of the park. At the campsite, you can hire bikes and use them to go for hikes. The camping spot also offers you the best opportunity to see wildlife and take attractive photos. Some of the foods you can buy on the camping spot include sprinkles, soft-serve ice cream, and chocolate waffles.

Other amenities you can get include a fireplace where you can keep warm and a picnic table to enjoy your outdoors. 

Cataloochee Campground 

The camping spot is located towards the east. If you would like to go hiking towards the eastern side of the national park, the camping spot will significantly help. You will get to enjoy activities such as trout fishing with your loved ones. It is a significant camping ground that attracts a lot of people.

The camping ground can get sold out; it is necessary to call in advance and book your space. You will be required to pay for the services, but generally, the cost is affordable. People looking forward to enjoying the great outdoors prefer the place. The restrooms have flushing toilets and enough water. You will always feel good staying at the camping spot. \

Elkmont Campground 

The camping ground is located towards the north of the national park. There are several hiking trails you may like to visit towards the north. If you decide to go for such spots, it will be advisable to try the camping ground. It has all you need to enjoy camping with friends and family.

The campsite has driveways that make it ideal for people who would like to go camping on their RVs. Several groups gather at the campsite. You will always feel comfortable staying at the campsite with your RV. The campsite charges a small feel. Be prepared to book in advance, and you will start enjoying your nights. 

Cades Cove Campground

The campground is big enough to allow those who would like to stay in tents or those who prefer to enter the campsite with their recreational vehicles. You will enough space to enjoy the evening. On-site caretakers well maintain the ground.

You will book in advance, and you will get to enjoy your stay. There are different grounds to choose from; you can go for the campground with a dump station or opt for the camp ground without a dump station. 

Big Creek Horse Camp

Would you like to go camping with your horse? If yes, then you need to try the big Greek horse camp. It is a location where you will get to enjoy camping with your horse. It is carefully designed to accommodate your horse. The hose will get drinking water and other necessary features required to make you enjoy the camp. 

Road Trip Ideas when going to Great Smoky Mountains national park:

Visiting Great Smoky Mountains national park hikes on a recreational vehicle will be a great idea. You will have somewhere to sleep comfortably after you have hiked the whole day. The park has narrow roads. It is necessary to be careful as you drive through.

An experienced driver is required. You should as well check the weather forecast to avoid cases where you will end up being stuck. Planning is always necessary for a successful road trip. 

Awesome viewpoints to explore to for awesome photos at the Great Smoky Mountains national park
There are several places you can visit to have great views of the surrounding areas. For instance, if you would like to take attractive photos, you can visit newfound gap, Clingmans Dome, cade cove, Mount LeConte, and the chimney tops. They are all attractive places where you will get to learn new things. 

What to expect at the Great Smoky Mountains national park

At the Great Smoky Mountains national park, expect to find many people hiking. Provided you follow the hiking routes, you will not have to worry about getting lost. Some of the camping spots get crowded, it is necessary to book early.

As you travel to the Great Smoky Mountains national park, you can choose to stay on the camping grounds or at a nearby hotel. Some of the famous hotels nearby include The Lodge at Buckberry Creek, The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa, Hotel Indigo. You can eat in restaurants such as The Admiral, Jack of the Wood, and the Pancake Pantry for those who would like to eat out.