Editor's Pick
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Trip length
- 2–3 days
- Budget
- $150–$600
- per person · excl. airfare
- Best months
- Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
HikingBackpacking
Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. World renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture, this is America's most visited national park. Plan your visit today!
Highlights
- Misty ridgelines
- Wildflowers & synchronous fireflies
- Clingmans Dome high point
Photos
Photos via Wikimedia Commons under their respective licences.
Map
Trails (7)· Moderate
- View →Sugarland Mountain TrailRepresentative11.7 mi0 ft gainModerate~3.9 h
- View →Cove Mountain TrailRepresentative8.6 mi0 ft gainModerate~2.9 h
- View →Goshen Prong TrailRepresentative7.4 mi0 ft gainModerate~2.5 h
- View →Fork Ridge TrailRepresentative5 mi0 ft gainModerate~1.7 h
- View →Bull Head TrailRepresentative6.2 mi0 ft gainModerate~2.1 h
- View →Appalachian TrailRepresentative4 mi0 ft gainModerate~1.3 h
- View →Boulevard TrailRepresentative5.1 mi0 ft gainModerate~1.7 h
Getting there
- TYS Knoxville McGhee Tyson · 31 mi
- AVL Asheville Regional · 56 mi
- CLT Charlotte Douglas Intl · 147 mi
Straight-line distances to nearby airports. Airfare and drive times are not included.
Permits & access
Reservation required
Backcountry reservation for overnight; a parking tag is required — confirm current rules on the official site.
Official permit & conditions ↗Last verified 7/24/2026