4. Charlies Bunion Hiking Trail
- Location: Newfound Gap Road, Tennessee
- Length: 8.1 miles round trip
- Difficulty Rating: Difficult
- Best For: Intermediate hikers looking for a rewarding mountain view
- Dogs: Not allowed
It’s no secret that Charlies Bunion is one of the most view-packed hikes in the Smokies. It’s an 8-mile hike that is a steady climb up to the top. The hike begins at the Newfound Gap Road parking lot which is a popular pull-off spot for people to take pictures of the mountain views.
The trail begins to the left of the parking lot and immediately starts off as a gradual climb up trail steps. As you round the corner, you will reach a rock scramble that eventually flattens out as you work your way up to the summit. Be careful if it is wet. The rocks will be very slippery, so be sure to take your time.
Once you reach the top, the trail opens into this huge rock outcropping where you can see layers of mountains as far as the eye can see. The top can get very crowded because there is limited space at the summit, therefore, many people take turns getting up to the rock.
6. Ramsey Cascades Day Hike
- Location: Near Gatlinburg, Tennessee
- Length: 8 miles round trip
- Difficulty Rating: Moderate to difficult
- Best For: Intermediate hikers seeking virtually undisturbed nature
- Dogs: Not allowed
A beautiful hike to the tallest waterfall in the park, Ramsey Cascades will be less crowded than other waterfall trails but can still be busy during the peak summer season. You’ll separate yourself from less ambitious hikers, though, because Ramsey Cascades Trail gains more than 2,000 feet over its 4-mile course. Towards the end of the trailhead, the path becomes especially rugged. Requiring you to scramble over more than a few roots and stones before rock hopping over an additional stream and crossing over large boulders, the trip ends at the base of a dramatic waterfall that is well-worth the effort.
7. Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte
- Location: Newfound Gap Road, Tennessee
- Length: 11 miles round trip
- Difficulty Rating: Moderate to difficult
- Best For: Hikers looking for an adventure
- Dogs: Not allowed
This is a well-known hike thanks to its unique cave-like structure. Alum Cave Trail has many different features to keep you entertained, from narrow bridges to caves. For the first mile, you’ll walk alongside the creek on a wide, smooth trail. Then you will cross a bridge and trek under Arch Rock to continue the trail. At 2.3 miles, you’ll come across the Alum Cave Bluffs, where you can sit and take in the magnificent view of the cave and mountains. After taking a break, push forward on the trail for another 2.5 miles to reach the summit of Mount LeConte.
Other Activities in the Smokies
Fishing: Fishing is permitted year-round in the park’s nearly 3,000 miles of streams. Brook, rainbow and brown trout thrive here, along with smallmouth bass and rock bass. Available from nearby towns, a valid fishing license or permit from either Tennessee or North Carolina is required. Make sure to check local regulations before planning your trip.
Horseback Riding: There are four riding stables throughout the park where you can arrange to take guided horseback rides from mid-March through late November.
Kayaking/Canoeing: Flatwater paddling is available on Fontana Lake, which lies along the southern, North Carolina border of the park. Several private companies offer canoes and kayaks for rent here.
Snowsports: Because the park is open year-round, you can enjoy some snowy solitude by planning a well-equipped winter trip. That kind of adventure often entails hiking at lower elevations, then switching to cross-country skis or snowshoes higher up.
For more adventures, get involved with REI classes and events at your local REI location. From hiking to paddling, we offer a variety of ways to help you get outdoors.
