Guide to Backpacking in the Smoky Mountains: 8 Top Trails

Some of the most beautiful places in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park can’t be reached by roads. With over 800 miles of hiking trails in the park, there are plenty of easy day hikes — but for those looking to explore more remote areas immersed in nature, backpacking in the Smoky Mountains is best. 

Before your trek, it’s important to know the specific rules and regulations set by the National Park Service, such as getting Great Smoky Mountains backcountry permits so you can navigate the park.

Rules and Requirements to Follow Before Backpacking in the Smoky Mountains

Before starting your backpacking adventure, following the General Backcountry Regulations of the National Park Service (NPS) in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) is important. Unless you stay at LeConte Lodge, camping in the park is only allowed at designated backcountry campsites and shelters. 

Backpackers should get a Great Smoky Mountains Backcountry permit and make GSMNP backcountry reservations to camp overnight in the park. This is important for your safety and for preserving the park’s natural beauty. Failing to follow these NPS regulations could result in penalties, including fines of up to $5,000 or up to six months in jail.

While the GSMNP does not charge an entrance fee, you will need a paid parking tag if you plan to park for longer than 15 minutes in any of the lots. Daily and weekly parking tags are available on recreation.gov, and if you’re planning to be a park regular, you can purchase annual passes through Smokies Life. If you buy your tag online, print it and display it in your vehicle while visiting the park. Parking tags are also available in the park at the visitor’s center. 

General rules for backpacking in the Smoky Mountains:

• Obtain proper permits and reservations.
• Camp only in designated backcountry campsites and shelters.
• Store food properly to avoid attracting wildlife.
• Use only USDA-certified, heat-treated firewood.
• Follow Leave No Trace principles.

For the most up-to-date information, please check with the NPS. 

Permit or Reservation Requirement	Purpose	Deadline
General Backcountry Permit	To hike in the backcountry of the GSMNP	Anytime up to 30 days in advance
Backcountry Camping Reservations	To sleep at a backcountry campground or shelter	Anytime up to 30 days in advance
Parking Tag	To park in the park or at the trailheads	Up to six months in advance

Top 8 Smoky Mountain Backpacking Trails

Given that the park covers over 500,000 acres of vast wilderness, choosing the best trails near Gatlinburg for your backpacking adventure can be tough. Using recent recommendations and ratings from the AllTrails app, we’ve compiled a list of eight popular backpacking trails in the Smokies to get you started. Explore old-growth forests, rushing waterfalls, and stunning mountain vistas on the trails below. 

         

1. Mount LeConte via Alum Cave Trail

• Best for: Visitors who want to see the main attractions in the park
• Trail length: 11 miles roundtrip
• Elevation gain: 3,061 feet
• Route type: Out & back
• Distance from Gatlinburg: 12 miles
• Hiker rating: 4.8/5
• Difficulty: Hard

Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte is known as one of the best backpacking trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park — and for a good reason. This scenic 11-mile out-and-back trail gains over 3,000 feet in elevation and passes several famous landmarks, including Arch Rock and Alum Cave Bluffs. It’s a great option for a one- to two-night backpacking loop of the Smoky Mountains. Expect panoramic mountain views, rushing waterfalls, and encounters with other hikers along the way.

Pros

• Beautiful views, including the iconic Alum Cave Bluffs and Arch Rock
• Challenging hike with rewarding views at the summit of Mount LeConte
• Well-maintained trail

Cons

• Can get very busy in peak seasons like summer
• Camping reservations can be hard to get
• Can be slippery or icy depending on weather conditions

2. Big Creek Trail

• Best for: Visitors who want to hike along a creek with options for swimming
• Trail length: 10.4 miles
• Elevation gain: 1,312 feet
• Route type: Out & back
• Distance from Gatlinburg: 36.3 miles
• Hiker rating: 4.7/5
• Difficulty: Hard

Big Creek Trail is another popular option near Gatlinburg for backpacking the Smoky Mountains. This 10.4-mile out-and-back trail is open year-round and is known for its refreshing swimming holes at Midnight Hole and Mouse Creek Falls during the summer. The trail is wide, well-marked, and relatively easy, making it a great option for backpackers of varying ability levels. 

Pros

• Refreshing swimming holes to jump in during warmer months
• Beautiful creek views throughout
• Relatively gradual elevation gain, making it accessible for backpackers of varying skill levels

Cons

• Trail and parking lots can get crowded during peak seasons
• Swimming is dependent on weather and water levels
• Trailhead is further from Gatlinburg than some of the others here

3. Mount Cammerer via Low Gap Trail

• Best for: Experienced hikers seeking a challenging climb with rewarding views at the summit
• Trail length: 11.1 miles
• Elevation gain: 3,149 feet
• Route type: Out & back
• Distance from Gatlinburg: 22.3 miles
• Hiker rating: 4.7/5
• Difficulty: Hard

If you’re looking for more of a challenge, this trail gains over 3,100 feet of elevation and offers great views at the top. Backpackers can start by taking the Low Gap Trail, hiking forested switchbacks, and climbing the Crosby Creek Valley before reaching the Appalachian Trail. 

From there, you can continue to Mount Cammerer, whose summit is 4,928 feet high and overlooks the Pigeon River Gorge. Open year-round, the trail is well maintained and has plenty of options for adding on miles with connecting trails, making it a great choice for creating a two- to four-day backpacking loop in the Smoky Mountains. 

Pros

• Incredible views at the top of Mt. Crammerer
• Easy-to-find parking
• Less crowded than Mount LeConte or Big Creek Trail

Cons

• Strenuous uphill climb with high elevation gain in the first few miles
• Hike itself not as scenic as some of the other options on this list
• Can be slippery when wet

4. Deep Creek Loop

• Best for: Visitors who want a moderate multi-day trek including waterfalls and a creekside trail
• Trail length: 4.9 miles
• Elevation gain: 895 feet
• Route type: Loop
• Distance from Gatlinburg: 45.2 miles
• Hiker rating: 4.6/5
• Difficulty: Moderate

This nearly five-mile loop on the North Carolina side of the Smokies is known for its waterfalls, river spots, wildlife sightings, and a tubing site at the trailhead. This relatively easy trail in the Smokies is well-marked and well-maintained, making it a great option for families or younger adventurers. 

Backpackers often choose to do Deep Creek as a two- or three-day backpacking loop in the Smoky Mountains. You can take the trail clockwise for a long, slow incline, or go counterclockwise to save some of the best views for last. 

Pros

• Waterfalls views
• Creek and river spots for swimming
• Mix of creekside paths, forested hills, and open meadows

Cons

• Can get crowded in the summer, especially by the tubing site at the beginning of the trail
• Limited parking
• May not be challenging enough for more experienced backpackers

5. Smokies High Peaks Loop

• Best for: Intermediate and experienced backpackers looking for a challenging trek that passes through iconic spots like Clingmans Dome and Mount LeConte
• Trail length: 26 miles
• Elevation gain: 6,824 feet
• Route type: Loop
• Distance from Gatlinburg: 24.4 miles
• Hiker rating: 4.7/5
• Difficulty: Hard

This 26-mile high peaks loop connects solitary trails with some of the most spectacular mountain views while backpacking in the Smoky Mountains. While this loop can be completed in several days, we recommend taking extra time to check out more areas and fully enjoy the park’s natural beauty. You can easily make this a four- or five-day backpacking Smoky Mountains trip. 

Backpackers can start at the Kephart Prong Trail, which links to the Appalachian Trail and continues through Newfound Gap, Chimney Tops, Alum Cave, Mount LeConte, Boulevard Trail, and finally Charles Bunion. To shorten the route, backpackers can begin at Newfound Gap or Alum Cave Trailhead instead of Kephart Prong.

Pros

• Some of the best vistas in the GSMNP
• Ideal for a longer Great Smoky Mountains backpacking trip
• Mix of popular spots with less crowded sections

Cons

• Long, strenuous loop only for experienced backpackers
• Rocky and rooty parts of the trail
• Unpredictable weather at high elevation points

6. Porter Creeks Trail

• Best for: Visitors who want a family-friendly trail with great scenery and historic structures
• Trail length: 7 miles
• Elevation gain: 1,512 feet
• Route type: Out & back
• Distance from Gatlinburg: 10 miles
• Hiker rating: 4.5/5
• Difficulty: Moderate

This seven-mile backpacking trail is open year-round but is most popular in the spring due to the variety of wildflowers. While the trail can get crowded during peak blooms, many day hikers turn around after Fern Branch Falls, allowing backpackers to find solace as they continue to the campsite. 

Porters Creek Trail is also known for historic structures along the trail, including Elbert Cantrell farmstead, Ownby Cemetery, and John Messer’s barn. With its close proximity to Gatlinburg, hikers get the best of both worlds with nearby lodging available in creekside accommodations for after the trek.

Pros

• Variety of wildflowers blooming in the spring
• Historical sites to see along the way, including a barn, homestead, and cemetery
• Fern Branch Falls is located on the trail

Cons

• Can get very crowded during peak wildflower blooms
• Trail can be rocky, with occasional downed trees
• Parking often fills up on weekends

7. Bote Mountain Trails

• Best for: Backpackers who want a challenging trek without driving too deep into the backcountry
• Trail length: 13.3 miles
• Elevation gain: 3,448 feet
• Route type: Out & back
• Distance from Gatlinburg: 23.8 miles
• Hiker rating: 4.3/5
• Difficulty: Hard

This challenging trail near Gatlinburg is a great option for serious backpackers who don’t want to drive too far into the National Park. This is another great option for multi-day treks, as Bote Mountain Trail connects to four other trails before reaching the Appalachian Trail: Finley Cane Trail, West Prong Trail, Lead Cove Trail, and Anthony Creek Trail. At the top,  you can check out Spence Field, a grassy high-elevation meadow, and Rocky Top, one of the summits on Thunderhead Mountain with views of Cades Cove and Fontana Lake. 

Pros

• Don’t need to drive deep into the backcountry
• Multiple connecting trails to explore
• Rocky Top and Spence Field along the trail

Cons

• Weather can change quickly at high elevations
• Very limited parking at Bote Mountain Trailhead, but there is another lot 200 yards away at the Schoolhouse Gap Trailhead
• Rattlesnakes often spotted on the trail in warmer months

8. Gregory Ridge Trail

• Best for: Backpackers looking for a challenging hike and to explore Gregory Bald, especially during the Azalea bloom
• Trail length: 11.6 miles
• Elevation gain: 3,359 feet
• Route type: Out & back
• Distance from Gatlinburg: 35.5 miles
• Hiker rating: 4.6/5
• Difficulty: Hard

Gregory Ridge Trail is open year-round, but it’s best known for seeing Flame Azaleas, which usually reach peak bloom around mid to late June. This 11.6 out-and-back trail can be quite challenging after the first few miles and is generally recommended for more experienced backpackers. Hikers often report wildlife sightings on this trail, including black bears, deer, otters, and rattlesnakes. A drawback of this route is that you must drive through Cades Cove to get there, which can often be backed up by traffic. 

Pros

• See the Flame Azaleas in bloom in late spring/early summer
• Great views from Gregory Bald at the top
• Trail usually not crowded outside of the Azalea bloom

Cons

• Fewer scenic views before the summit compared to other options on this list
• Some sections can be narrow and muddy when wet
• Traffic on the Cades Cove Loop coming and going from the trail

Tips for Backpacking in the Smoky Mountains

Backpacking in the Smokies can be an amazing adventure, but it’s important to prepare yourself for a safe and enjoyable experience in the backcountry. 

In addition to following the National Park Service regulations, backpackers need to monitor changing weather conditions and prepare for wildlife encounters, particularly from black bears. Before you backpack in the Smokies for the first time, review what to bring, wear, and prepare.

• Obtain GSMNP backcountry permits and make camping reservations 30 days in advance.
• Inform someone of your route and expected return time.
• Bring enough food, water, a Great Smoky Mountains backpacking map, and a travel guide.
• Carry a flashlight or headlamp and emergency signaling tools.
• Bring warm layers and wear sturdy hiking shoes.
• Check the weather and be prepared for changing conditions.
• Bring bear spray and store food properly while camping.

         

When Is the Best Time of Year to Backpack in the Smoky Mountains?

We often hear the best time of year in the Smoky Mountains is in the late spring, summer and early fall.

Spring is when everything comes alive, and visitors can enjoy warming weather before large summer crowds arrive. Summer temperatures are great for exploring all 800 miles of hiking trails in the park, and this is the best time for water activities like swimming and rafting. 

This is also the most crowded season in the park, so plan ahead. Fall brings vibrant foliage and cooler temperatures, perfect for outdoor activities. While chilly weather and icy roads can deter visitors in winter, this is great for those seeking solitude and expansive mountain views after the leaves have fallen.

• Spring (March-May): Best for seeing trees bud, wildlife become more active, and wildflowers bloom.
• Summer (June-August): Best for lush green forests and warm weather for swimming. Be mindful of the peak of tourist crowds.
• Fall (September-November): Best for colorful foliage and cooler, comfortable hiking weather.
• Winter (December-February): Best for escaping the crowds to take in clear mountain views.

Stay at Elk Springs Resort to Relax After Your Backpacking Trip

No matter where or when you go backpacking in the Smoky Mountains, you will surely have an incredible adventure and create lasting memories. After your backpacking adventure, unwind in a relaxing luxury cabin and continue experiencing the magic of the Smokies with the creature comforts you need after a trek.