Thru-Hike the Great Smoky Mountains

March to

September

Kilometers

Days

About the Route

WHY TREK IT?

The Great Smoky Mountains are home to old-growth forests and some of the tallest mountains in the eastern United States. With over 800 miles of trails, including 71 miles of the Appalachian Trail (AT), it’s a hiker’s dream. Highlights of the AT in this region include Charlies Bunion (a rock outcropping with panoramic views), Rocky Top (the first of three summits on Thunderhead Mountain), Mt. Cammerer (a mountain with views of Pigeon River Gorge from the summit), and Clingman’s Dome (the highest point in the region).

“There are so many beautiful parts of the Appalachian Trail. So many different landscapes and trails.”

- Stephen Schreck

In addition to the AT, there are numerous other trails in the Great Smoky Mountains worth putting on your hiking wish list. The Alum Cave Trail is known for its streams, gentle waterfalls, and phenomenal views. Rainbow Falls is an 80-foot waterfall that can be reached in 3 to 4 hours with 1,500 feet of climbing. You can also visit some of the AT highlights, like Clingman’s Dome, without doing the entire hike. In short, the opportunities for adventure and witnessing natural beauty in the Smokies are endless.