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Log Cabin Rentals Gatlinburg, TN

Hikes near Gatlinburg

From a paved stroll to a waterfall to the long climb up Mount LeConte — the trails worth the drive, with the honest numbers: distance, climb, and how early you need to be at the trailhead.

9trails 8free to get into tours from$85

Before you go

1

Trailheads fill first

Laurel Falls, Alum Cave and Chimney Tops lots are full by mid-morning in season. An early start is the difference between a hike and a circling car.

2

Rocks and roots

Even the 'easy' waterfall trails are uneven and wet near the falls. Proper shoes, not sandals.

3

Weather changes fast

The high trails can be 15–20°F colder than Gatlinburg, with afternoon storms in summer.

Our take

Lace up if

You want the Smokies beyond the car window — waterfalls, old-growth forest and the high ridges are only reached on foot.

Pick carefully if

You have small children or limited mobility — stick to the short, graded trails and skip the steep ones.

Built for hikersactive familiesearly risers

The 9 trails

  1. Abrams Falls pouring over its sandstone ledge into the pool, in February 01 Cades Cove Free · park parking tag Abrams Falls Trail Hike down to Abrams Falls 3–4 hours on the trail, plus the loop drive to reach it Read the verdict →
  2. An open viewpoint on the upper Alum Cave Trail, with Clingmans Dome behind 02 Newfound Gap Road Free · park parking tag Alum Cave Trail Scramble up to Alum Cave Bluffs A half-day to the Bluffs and back; a full day to Mount LeConte Read the verdict →
  3. A hiker on the bare rock of Charlies Bunion on a clear summer day 03 Newfound Gap Free · park parking tag Charlies Bunion Walk the AT to Charlies Bunion 8 miles round trip; plan a half-day on the trail, plus the drive up Read the verdict →
  4. The Chimney Tops pinnacles in May 2017, the fire's burn scars still raw 04 Newfound Gap Road Free · park parking tag Chimney Tops Trail Grind up the Chimney Tops stairs A half-day with the drive; the hike is short but slow going Read the verdict →
  5. The Kuwohi observation tower and its ramp under a low cloud ceiling 05 Clingmans Dome Free · park parking tag Clingmans Dome Climb the Kuwohi tower ramp Free to visit · optional guided tours from $85 Read the verdict →
  6. Hikers on the boulders below Grotto Falls on a June day 06 Roaring Fork Free · park parking tag Grotto Falls (Trillium Gap Trail) Duck behind Grotto Falls 2.6 miles round trip, about 2–3 hours with time at the falls Read the verdict →
  7. Hen Wallow Falls, off the Gabes Mountain Trail near Cosby 07 Gatlinburg (meeting point) Ticketed Guided Waterfall Hikes Follow a guide to the falls from$89on GetYourGuide Read the verdict →
  8. Laurel Falls in September, before the trail's rehabilitation 08 Little River Road Free · park parking tag Laurel Falls Trail Plan Laurel Falls for reopening 2.6 miles round trip, a short outing plus time at the falls Read the verdict →
  9. Rainbow Falls dropping over layered rock on LeConte Creek in summer 09 Cherokee Orchard Free · park parking tag Rainbow Falls Trail Climb LeConte Creek to Rainbow Falls 5.6 miles round trip, about 3–5 hours Read the verdict →

“From” prices are the lowest GetYourGuide offer on each page, in USD, checked Sep 2026.

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