The Best Hiking Trails in Tennessee’s Mountain Cities

Tennessee’s mountain cities offer some of the best hiking trails in the country. From steep, rugged terrain to rolling hills, there is something for every kind of hiker. Whether you’re looking for a short day hike or a multi-day backpacking adventure, Tennessee has you covered. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the best hiking trails in the mountain cities of Tennessee.

Chimney Tops Trail in Gatlinburg

The Chimney Tops Trail in Gatlinburg is one of the most popular hikes in Tennessee. This 4.5-mile out-and-back trail is a strenuous hike with a 2,200-foot elevation gain. The trail follows the ridgeline of the Smokies and offers incredible views of the surrounding mountains. Along the way, you’ll pass through a variety of ecosystems, including hardwood forests and grassy meadows. Once you reach the summit, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Great Smoky Mountains.

This hike is not for the faint of heart, so come prepared with plenty of water, snacks, and proper footwear. The hike takes approximately 4-6 hours round trip, so plan accordingly. It’s best to start early in the morning to avoid the crowds and the afternoon heat.

The Chimney Tops Trail is one of the best hikes in the Smokies, and it’s not to be missed.

Mount Cammerer Trail in Cosby

The Mount Cammerer Trail in Cosby is a moderate to strenuous 7.5-mile out-and-back hike. This trail offers incredible views of the Great Smoky Mountains and the surrounding area. Along the way, you’ll pass through a variety of ecosystems, including hardwood forests, grassy meadows, and rocky outcroppings. The trail culminates at the summit of Mount Cammerer, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

This hike is not for the faint of heart, and it takes approximately 6-8 hours to complete. Come prepared with plenty of water, snacks, and proper footwear. It’s best to start early in the morning to avoid the afternoon heat. This hike is a great way to experience the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains.

The Mount Cammerer Trail is a must-do for any hiker looking for a challenging and rewarding experience.

Fiery Gizzard Trail in Tracy City

The Fiery Gizzard Trail in Tracy City is a moderate to strenuous 13.1-mile out-and-back hike. This trail follows the ridgeline of the Cumberland Plateau and offers incredible views of the surrounding area. Along the way, you’ll pass through a variety of ecosystems, including hardwood forests, grassy meadows, and rocky outcroppings. The trail culminates at the summit of Fiery Gizzard, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

This hike is not for the faint of heart, and it takes approximately 6-8 hours to complete. Come prepared with plenty of water, snacks, and proper footwear. It’s best to start early in the morning to avoid the afternoon heat. This hike is a great way to experience the beauty of the Cumberland Plateau.

The Fiery Gizzard Trail is a must-do for any hiker looking for a challenging and rewarding experience.

Mount LeConte Trail in Gatlinburg

The Mount LeConte Trail in Gatlinburg is a moderate to strenuous 8-mile out-and-back hike. This trail follows the ridgeline of the Great Smoky Mountains and offers incredible views of the surrounding area. Along the way, you’ll pass through a variety of ecosystems, including hardwood forests, grassy meadows, and rocky outcroppings. The trail culminates at the summit of Mount LeConte, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

This hike is not for the faint of heart, and it takes approximately 6-8 hours to complete. Come prepared with plenty of water, snacks, and proper footwear. It’s best to start early in the morning to avoid the afternoon heat. This hike is a great way to experience the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains.

The Mount LeConte Trail is a must-do for any hiker looking for a challenging and rewarding experience.

Alum Cave Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Alum Cave Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a moderate to strenuous 5.5-mile out-and-back hike. This trail follows the ridgeline of the Great Smoky Mountains and offers incredible views of the surrounding area. Along the way, you’ll pass through a variety of ecosystems, including hardwood forests, grassy meadows, and rocky outcroppings. The trail culminates at the summit of Mount LeConte, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

This hike is not for the faint of heart, and it takes approximately 4-6 hours to complete. Come prepared with plenty of water, snacks, and proper footwear. It’s best to start early in the morning to avoid the afternoon heat. This hike is a great way to experience the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains.

The Alum Cave Trail is a must-do for any hiker looking for a challenging and rewarding experience.

Harrison Bay Trail in Chattanooga

The Harrison Bay Trail in Chattanooga is a moderate to strenuous 5.5-mile loop trail. This trail follows the ridgeline of the Tennessee River and offers incredible views of the surrounding area. Along the way, you’ll pass through a variety of ecosystems, including hardwood forests, grassy meadows, and rocky outcroppings. The trail culminates at the summit of Harrison Bay, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

This hike is not for the faint of heart, and it takes approximately 4-6 hours to complete. Come prepared with plenty of water, snacks, and proper footwear. It’s best to start early in the morning to avoid the afternoon heat. This hike is a great way to experience the beauty of the Tennessee River.

The Harrison Bay Trail is a must-do for any hiker looking for a challenging and rewarding experience.

Husky Trail in Pigeon Forge

The Husky Trail in Pigeon Forge is a moderate to strenuous 7.5-mile out-and-back hike. This trail follows the ridgeline of the Great Smoky Mountains and offers incredible views of the surrounding area. Along the way, you’ll pass through a variety of ecosystems, including hardwood forests, grassy meadows, and rocky outcroppings. The trail culminates at the summit of Mount LeConte, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

This hike is not for the faint of heart, and it takes approximately 6-8 hours to complete. Come prepared with plenty of water, snacks, and proper footwear. It’s best to start early in the morning to avoid the afternoon heat. This hike is a great way to experience the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains.

The Husky Trail is a must-do for any hiker looking for a challenging and rewarding experience.

Laurel Falls Trail in Townsend

The Laurel Falls Trail in Townsend is a moderate to strenuous 8-mile out-and-back hike. This trail follows the ridgeline of the Great Smoky Mountains and offers incredible views of the surrounding area. Along the way, you’ll pass through a variety of ecosystems, including hardwood forests, grassy meadows, and rocky outcroppings. The trail culminates at the summit of Mount LeConte, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

This hike is not for the faint of heart, and it takes approximately 6-8 hours to complete. Come prepared with plenty of water, snacks, and proper footwear. It’s best to start early in the morning to avoid the afternoon heat. This hike is a great way to experience the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains.

The Laurel Falls Trail is a must-do for any hiker looking for a challenging and rewarding experience.

Abrams Falls Trail in Cades Cove

The Abrams Falls Trail in Cades Cove is a moderate to strenuous 5-mile out-and-back hike. This trail follows the ridgeline of the Great Smoky Mountains and offers incredible views of the surrounding area. Along the way, you’ll pass through a variety of ecosystems, including hardwood forests, grassy meadows, and rocky outcroppings. The trail culminates at the summit of Mount LeConte, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

This hike is not for the faint of heart, and it takes approximately 4-6 hours to complete. Come prepared with plenty of water, snacks, and proper footwear. It’s best to start early in the morning to avoid the afternoon heat. This hike is a great way to experience the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains.

The Abrams Falls Trail is a must-do for any hiker looking for a challenging and rewarding experience.

Mount Sterling Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Mount Sterling Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a moderate to strenuous 6-mile out-and-back hike. This trail follows the ridgeline of the Great Smoky Mountains and offers incredible views of the surrounding area. Along the way, you’ll pass through a variety of ecosystems, including hardwood forests, grassy meadows, and rocky outcroppings. The trail culminates at the summit of Mount Sterling, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

This hike is not for the faint of heart, and it takes approximately 4-6 hours to complete. Come prepared with plenty of water, snacks, and proper footwear. It’s best to start early in the morning to avoid the afternoon heat. This hike is a great way to experience the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains.

The Mount Sterling Trail is a must-do for any hiker looking for a challenging and rewarding experience.

Conclusion

Tennessee’s mountain cities offer some of the best hiking trails in the country. From short day hikes to multi-day backpacking adventures, there is something for every kind of hiker. Whether you’re looking for a short day hike or a multi-day backpacking adventure, Tennessee has you covered. The Chimney Tops Trail in Gatlinburg, the Mount Cammerer Trail in Cosby, the Fiery Gizzard Trail in Tracy City, the Mount LeConte Trail in Gatlinburg, the Alum Cave Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Harrison Bay Trail in Chattanooga, the Husky Trail in Pigeon Forge, the Laurel Falls Trail in Townsend, the Abrams Falls Trail in Cades Cove, and the Mount Sterling Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park are just a few of the amazing hikes that Tennessee has to offer.

So why wait? Pack your bags and head to Tennessee for a hiking adventure of a lifetime!