Stretching along the Tennessee-North Carolina border, Great Smoky Mountains National Park captivates with its biodiverse ecosystems, pioneer history, and majestic scenery. While favorites like Charlies Bunion and Alum Cave Bluff receive hordes of hikers, many trails remain overlooked gems.
Venture off the beaten path across rushing streams, through wildflower meadows, and to lofty vistas revealing the park’s mystical beauty. Escape crowds and uncover hidden highlights with this guide to Great Smoky Mountains’ secluded trails.
Goldmine Loop Trail
Just 15 minutes from Sugarlands Visitor Center outside Gatlinburg, the 5.5-mile Goldmine Loop Trail packs a big scenic punch without hordes of hikers. The route follows an old logging railroad grade through refreshing forest scenery. Cross back and forth over babbling Hazel Creek on wooden footbridges blanketed in ferns. The loop’s far end features the picturesque cascades of Walker Sisters Place.
Cucumber Gap Loop
East of Newfound Gap Road, Cucumber Gap Loop combines mountain meadows, lush forests, and panoramic views over the Smokies. Starting from the Little River Trailhead, the 2.8-mile loop climbs up through huckleberry thickets to emerge at wide Cucumber Gap. Continue on to gaze out at the sawtooth profile of Sawteeth Ridge. Descend back down through mossy boulders and verdant ferns.
Big Creek Trail
Popular with fly fishers, the Big Creek Trail follows tumbling Big Creek through remote wilderness terrain. Starting at the Big Creek Ranger Station, the path winds past swimming holes and waterfalls surrounded by rhododendron tunnels and old-growth tulip trees. Hike up as far as the stunning Mouse Creek Falls or go the full 10 miles to backcountry campsites perfect for an overnight excursion.
Old Sugarlands Trail
For a taste of the park’s history, hike along the well-preserved Old Sugarlands Trail used by early pioneers. The easy 2.1-mile loop passes remnants of settler homes, whiskey stills, and tombstones. Interpretive signs detail the logging communities that once populated the area. Cool off swimming in cascading rapids along the way. Keep an eye out for elk in the meadows.
Chestnut Top Trail
Offering far-reaching vistas without the crowds of neighboring Charlies Bunion, the 4-mile Chestnut Top Trail culminates in spectacular views. Following Turkeypen Ridge, the path winds through grassy balds and thickets dotted with blooming rhododendrons. At the top, 360° panoramas stretch over the town of Gatlinburg to the lofty peaks surrounding Mount LeConte.
Porters Creek Trail
History buffs will love this 7.4-mile trail that leads deep into remote backcountry once home to early Appalachian settlers. Along the way, discover remnants of cabins, churches, and cemeteries. A highlight is the historic Primitive Baptist church, which can be visited with a free permit. In spring, enjoy wildflowers like trillium blanketing the forest floor.
Rough Creek Trail
Starting just off I-40 at the Harmon Den exit, the 4-mile Rough Creek Trail rises through relatively untraveled forest to inspire solitude. Follow an abandoned railroad grade around the creek gorge, crossing log bridges and passing small cascades. Keep an eye out for interesting relics like forgotten Model T Fords. At the end, a clifftop overlook perch has views across piney ridges.
Road Prong Trail
Paralleling the scenic Road Prong waterway, this 6-mile there-and-back trail leads to one of the park’s most powerful waterfalls. The hike winds through mossy boulders and thickets of rhododendron and mountain laurel, with wildflowers painting the ground in spring. The rewarding end point is 120-foot Road Prong Falls plunging forcefully through a rocky cleft in the hillside.
Beyond the well-worn paths, Great Smoky Mountains National Park hides a wealth of secluded trails perfect for intrepid day hikers seeking wilderness immersion. Follow these paths less taken to waterfalls, pioneer homesteads, and stunning vistas without fighting crowds. Discover the Smokies’ overlooked gems on these hidden hikes.
