5 of the Best Hikes in The Smoky Mountains to Get Your Workout In

April 28, 2021

Why hit the gym when you have the best workout tool right in front of you? The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has some of the most strenuous and challenging hikes in the country. If you’re looking for a great way to exercise and have fun while doing it, the Smokies are here for you. Here are 5 of the best hikes in the Smoky Mountains to get your workout in:

1. Mount Cammerer

Mount Cammerer is an awesome hike to take any time of the year, but especially during the fall when you can see all the beautiful colors of the Smokies! This 11-mile hike gives you a 360-degree view of the mountains when you reach the lookout tower at the summit. Take in the rolling mountains and foothills of Southern Appalachia on this challenging, yet rewarding hike. Even if you consider the journey to be more important than the destination, you won’t want to miss the rewards of Mount Cammerer at the finish line!

2. Rainbow Falls Trail to Mt. LeConte

Mt. LeConte is the third tallest peak in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with an elevation of 6,595 feet, and is considered one of the most sought-after views in the Smokies. While there are multiple ways to get to Mt. LeConte, we recommend taking the Rainbow Falls Trail. The Rainbow Falls Trail gives hikers a chance to see a beautiful waterfall on their way to the summit. This trail is rocky and washed out in some areas, so make sure you’re wearing good shoes!

3. Rich Mountain Loop

Skip the traffic of Cades Cove while still getting to see the beautiful sights on the Rich Mountain Loop! On this trail you will get to see beautiful wildflowers, historic Appalachian sites, and mountain views. Get up-close-and-personal with the natural beauty of the Smokies on this 8.5-mile roundtrip hike. While it is still considered strenuous, the elevation isn’t as intense as other hikes in the Smoky Mountains you may take.

4. Chimney Tops

This fan-favorite hike will give you one of the best views in the Smokies! Don’t let the length of this hike fool you, while there may only be 4 miles to the Chimney Tops, this is a steep and rugged hike that will make you work for the view. The summit of this hike sits at 4,724 feet and is identified by the weathered metamorphic rock. After parts of the trail were damaged by flooding and fires, the Chimney Tops Trail was renovated into a steep, intricately constructed trail that challenges both experienced and rookie hikers.

5. Rocky Top/Thunderhead

You’re going to want to get an early start for the Rocky Top/Thunderhead Trail. This 13.9-mile hike takes most hikers all day to finish if they want to get back before dark. With over 3,600 feet of elevation, this hike is not for the faint of heart. If you’re willing to make the climb, you’ll be greeted with an absolutely breathtaking view of the North Carolina side of the Smokies. If it’s your leg day, skip the lunges, and try this amazing hike instead.

Now that you know about all these awesome hikes in the Smoky Mountains, you can plan all your workouts before the big game! Check out all of our upcoming events and register yourself or your team today!