Trail Guide
The Smokies' Toughest Hikes (For When Easy Isn't the Point)
December 10, 20266 min read
Our family hikes post is for an easy afternoon. These four are for the opposite end of the spectrum - real mileage, real elevation gain, and what to know before you start.
Our family hikes post is for an easy afternoon with kids in tow. These four are for the opposite end of the spectrum - real distance, real elevation gain, and trails that reward hikers who come prepared rather than casual.
Mount LeConte via Alum Cave Trail
The classic route up one of the park's highest peaks, usually 5-7 hours round trip. Alum Cave Bluffs, about 4.4 miles round trip on its own, makes a solid shorter turnaround if you're not going all the way to the summit. Go the distance and you'll find LeConte Lodge near the top - a rustic, no-electricity lodge that books out roughly a year in advance.
Charlies Bunion via the Appalachian Trail
Starting from Newfound Gap, this route follows the Appalachian Trail out to a rocky outcrop with sweeping views back toward the park. It's a serious day hike, but one of the more straightforward ways to say you've hiked a stretch of the AT.
Ramsey Cascades
The trail to the tallest waterfall in the park - about 90-100 feet - and the steady climb makes it a genuine workout even before the final mile, which turns steep, rocky, and root-covered on the approach to the falls. Dogs and bikes aren't allowed on this one.
Chimney Tops
The shortest trail on this list but don't let that fool you - it's a steep climb packed into a short distance. Worth knowing before you go: the final pinnacle has been closed since the 2016 wildfire and remains closed today. The park built a new overlook short of the old summit, which is now the official end of the trail.
Before you go: Cell service is unreliable to nonexistent on all four of these trails, so download maps ahead of time and tell someone your plan. Start early - afternoon thunderstorms are common, especially in summer, and these are long enough days that an early start matters. And check the park's current trail conditions page before you commit: trails in this park do close for storm damage and rehab work from time to time, sometimes for months, so it's worth a quick check the week of your hike.
Looking for something shorter with the family? Our family hikes near Sevierville post covers four easier trails, no technical climbing required.
Start before sunrise, chase the sunset home
These are full-day hikes. Chasing Sunset Cabin's porch is exactly where you want to land after one, hot tub included.
See Chasing Sunset Cabin →More from the blog
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