10 best hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains for beginners (2025 guide)

The Great Smoky Mountains have hundreds of miles of trails, and most of the best ones don't require any real fitness. Here are ten we send first-time guests to.

1. Laurel Falls Trail

Paved, 2.6 miles round trip, ending at an 80-foot waterfall. It's the most popular trail in the park, which is the only catch.

• Difficulty: Easy
• Tip: Arrive before 9 AM. Parking fills by mid-morning.

2. Cades Cove Loop

An 11-mile loop that's flat enough to bike or drive. Bears and deer are routine sightings, especially at dawn or dusk.

• Difficulty: Easy (flat terrain)
• Tip: Wednesdays and Saturdays the road closes to cars until 10 AM. Best day to ride.

3. Gatlinburg Trail

The only trail in the park where pets are allowed. 3.8 miles round trip along the Little Pigeon River.

• Difficulty: Easy
• Highlight: River views and a footbridge crossing

4. Abrams Falls Trail

5 miles round trip to a 20-foot-wide waterfall with a deep pool at the base. Don't swim, the current is stronger than it looks.

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Highlight: The pool below the falls

5. Clingmans Dome Observation Tower

A half-mile paved ramp to the highest point in the Smokies at 6,643 feet.

• Difficulty: Easy but steep
• Tip: Bring a layer. It runs 10-20°F cooler than the valley.

6. Grotto Falls Trail

2.6 miles round trip through old-growth forest, ending at a 25-foot waterfall you can walk behind.

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Highlight: Walking behind the falls

7. Porters Creek Trail

4 miles round trip through wildflower meadows. Best in April when the trilliums and bloodroot peak.

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Tip: April is the window. Off-peak it's still pretty, but quieter.

8. Alum Cave Bluffs Trail

4.4 miles round trip to a huge overhanging bluff with a natural rock tunnel called Arch Rock partway up.

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Highlight: The bluff and Arch Rock

9. Little River Trail

An old logging road along a mountain stream. There's no fixed turnaround. Walk as far as you want and come back.

• Difficulty: Easy
• Highlight: Swimming holes in summer

10. Andrews Bald

3.6 miles round trip to a grassy bald with open mountain views. Pack lunch, the bald is the payoff.

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Tip: Eat at the top, not on the way up.

Hiking basics

What to bring

• At least 1 liter of water per person
• Trail snacks, sturdy shoes, rain jacket
• Sunscreen and bug spray

Safety

• Stay on marked trails
• Don't approach wildlife (bears especially)
• Start early. Afternoon thunderstorms are routine in summer.

Back at the cabin

After a day of hiking, the hot tub on the deck and the indoor pool (heated, 18'x11.5') are why guests pick Whispering Pines as their basecamp. Pick your dates on the booking page.