Trails & Hiking

Work off that huge breakfast with a misty morning hike on a trail of your choice--there are a variety of trails, for different interests, times available, and skill level. Whether it's easy, moderate, or strenuous, we’ll help put you on the right path.

Be aware of bears as you hike and camp!  Be informed about what to do. Click here to view the National Park's 6 minute video clip of hiking safety in bear country: http://thegreatsmokymountains.org/hike_smokies_challenge

Hiking & Biking Brochure

Great Smoky Mountains National Park has more than 800 miles of hiking trails. On some trails you can see many beautiful waterfalls. For example, Abrams Falls, one of the largest in the national park, is accessible on a 5-mile round-trip hike starting in Cades Cove.  Other trails lead to high country views or through old growth forest.

For a short, scenic stroll, amble down The Townsend River Walk is a short walking trail along the Little River that lends a peaceful, scenic view of the stream, trees, wildflowers, and wildlife.  Established and maintained by the Tuckaleechee Garden Club, the nature trail has been beautified with more flowers and interpretive signs, in recognition of the 75th Anniversary of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  The entrance is located along the Townsend Bicycle Trail, near the underpass across from Campground United Methodist Church.  For more information call 865-980-6346, email erussell6346@charter.net and to find out more about activities of the club, click here: Tuckaleechee Garden Club. 

  
Garden Club members along the Townsend River Walk.

Visitors are encouraged to stop by the Townsend Visitors Center for maps, book, and advice on the hiking trails. Information is also available at the businesses below:

The Backcountry
8453 State Hwy. 73
Townsend, TN 37882
(865) 448-6628

Little River Outfitters
7807 E. Lamar Alexander Pkwy.
Townsend, TN 37882
(865) 448-9459

Little River Trading Company
2408 E. Lamar Alexander Pkwy.
Maryville, TN 37804
(865) 681-4141

For a list of favorite hiking trails, click here.

Find great guides to the nature and history of Cades Cove and other areas of Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Nature Pods is a company that provides information on wildlife, hikes, scenery, and history of our National Parks--all available for you to download to your personal media device.

Hikers Please Note: Late summer and early fall are times you should be on the lookout for yellojacket wasps. Be careful and observant as you hike! For more information: Yellowjackets

Looking for other ideas of places to go and things to do?  Click here for an itinerary of four days of fun in four seasons: Four Days of Fun