Trails of the Smokies Blog

Hiking guides, trail stories, and tips for exploring Great Smoky Mountains National Park

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Your Complete Guide to Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in America — and it’s not even close. More than 12 million people make the trip each year, drawn by ancient ridgelines, old-growth forest, cascading waterfalls, black bears wandering through morning fog, and more than 800 miles of hiking trails threading through it all. […]

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Trail Guides

Explore some of the best hiking trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Each trail guide includes distance, elevation gain, maps, and helpful tips so you can plan your hike with confidence. Alum Cave Trail Charlies Bunion Laurel Falls

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Alum Cave Trail

Alum Cave Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The trail climbs steadily along Alum Cave Creek through old-growth forest and dramatic rock formations. Highlights include Arch Rock, Inspiration Point, and the massive Alum Cave bluff. Trail Details Distance: 5 miles roundtripDifficulty: ModerateElevation Gain: 1,200 ftTrailhead: Newfound Gap

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