Best Hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
New to Great Smoky Mountains NP? Here are the best first hikes, from Clingmans Dome to Alum Cave, with tips to beat crowds and stay safe.
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park has over 850 miles of trails, which makes picking where to start tough if it's your first visit. I focus on four must-do hikes: Clingmans Dome for the highest point and 360-degree views, Alum Cave for rock formations and tunnel climbs, Mt LeConte for a serious summit push via Alum Cave Trail, and Charlies Bunion for ridge views without the full LeConte commitment. I also cover parking passes (required now), bear safety basics, and timing your hikes to avoid crowds. These hikes give you the best scenic payoff and trail quality without requiring backcountry permits or advanced skills.
00:00 The Hikes
00:10 Clingmans Dome
00:30 Alum Cave
01:00 Mt LeConte
01:34 Charlies Bunion
01:57 Where to Stay
02:15 Hike Planning
02:50 Parking Pass
03:13 Bears
04:05 Gear to Use
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Some of these links are affiliate links where I'll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. I only recommend gear I actually use and trust.