My Favorite 3 Hikes in Great Smoky National Park
I spent two days hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains and will share my experiences on three trails, including their difficulty levels and my top recommendation for what to do if you have limited time in the park.
Charlie’s Bunion
This hike holds a special place in my heart, not only because I conquered the summit, but also because of the unexpected encounters I had along the way. Meeting two hitchhikers added a unique twist to my journey.
This is one of the most popular hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains, offering a rewarding experience with stunning views and a challenging trail. The hike covers an 8-mile round trip with an elevation gain of 1,640 feet. You’ll definitely feel it, especially if you've hiked the day before, like I did!
The trail begins at the Newfound Gap parking area, located on the Tennessee-North Carolina border. As you start your hike, you'll pass through the highest closed-forest zone in the Great Smokies, featuring the montane woods of Fraser fir and red spruce. The first couple of miles provide beautiful views of the North Carolina high country and the peak-studded massif of Mount Le Conte.
As you continue, you'll reach a junction with the Boulevard Trail, which leads to the summit of Mount Le Conte. A little further along, you'll find the Icewater Spring Shelter, an option for overnight stays. I ventured off-trail to explore the shelter, hoping to see someone there, as I had encountered a couple of thru-hikers earlier.
The final stretch of the hike takes you to Charlie's Bunion, a bare-rock summit featuring some of the most intriguing geology and farthest-reaching views in the Great Smoky Mountains. It was here that I met a couple of day hikers and a thru-hiker who were chatting about the trail and sharing their experiences of thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail.
The trail, with its rocky and potentially muddy terrain, highlights the importance of wearing comfortable footwear and being prepared for unpredictable weather conditions. My own experience on the trail, where the weather fluctuated from extremely cloudy and cool to quite hot, reaffirmed the necessity of these preparations. Despite the challenges, the hike to Charlie's Bunion is a rewarding adventure, offering stunning views and a taste of the famous Appalachian Trail.
Also, a fun fact:
This was the only trail where I actually had cell service. That was surprising since I had no service on any of the other trails.
Alum Cave Bluffs
On my first day, I hiked this and the Chimney Top. Hiking to Alum Cave Bluffs in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is popular. The trail is approximately 4.6 miles round trip, and it begins at the Alum Cave Trailhead.
One of the first major landmarks you'll encounter is Arch Rock, a natural archway that adds a unique touch to the trail. Beyond that, the trail becomes steeper and more challenging.
Alum Cave Bluffs, which is not actually a cave but rather a large concave overhang, is located 2.3 miles from the trailhead. This impressive geological feature towers 75-80 feet high and provides a popular resting point for hikers. Here is where you can either continue on to Mount LeConte, one of the highest peaks in the Smokies—another 5-plus miles that I considered since I kept bumping into people hiking there—or you can turn around and hike back.
One thing you should know is that in the last 3–4 minutes, you will get wet before getting to the top if it has rained recently. This will happen while using the chains to walk across the rocks.
Chimney Tops Overlook
This hike was an unexpected, last-minute trip to Alum Cave. I was driving past when a friend mentioned she got engaged at the top, so I had to check it out! The trail is a 3.5-mile round trip with an elevation change of 1,400 feet, starting at the Chimney Tops Trailhead. It served as an excellent training ground for Charlie's Bunion, featuring steep inclines and numerous stone stairs.
Despite the challenging ascent, the views are picturesque. Along the way, you'll cross rushing streams and encounter stunning mountain vistas, including a breathtaking view of Mount LeConte from atop a ridge.
Unfortunately, you can't reach the top like my friend did, because in 2016, the area experienced a wildfire that changed the landscape, making it more vulnerable to erosion and other hazards. The uppermost section of the trail, the last 0.25 miles, is closed to the public for safety reasons. However, you'll still encounter epic views, and honestly, it's one of my favorite hikes!
I highly recommend hiking Charlie's Bunion if you have a full day to spare. This trail, part of the Appalachian Trail (AT), offers incredible views and is perfect for a day hike. The best part? You can take your picture with the sign, claiming you were in two states at once! Or, if you're feeling adventurous like I was, you can do a headstand. It's a unique experience you won't forget!
If you only have half a day, I suggest the Chimney Tops Overlook. It's a great option for those who want to enjoy beautiful views without covering too many miles. Plus, it's a hike you can comfortably complete in just a couple of hours, making it perfect for a relaxing and enjoyable outdoor experience!
What are your thoughts on these hikes? Which one resonates with you the most? And which one should I explore next? I'm eager to hear your recommendations!
