Climb above the tree line and earn views that are hard to match anywhere in the eastern U.S.
There’s something about reaching a summit in the Smokies that feels well earned. These mountains are beautiful and the views are well worth the climbing you will do for the best views in the park.
During my trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, these three hikes delivered the most dramatic scenery of the entire week. If views are what you’re after, these are your trails. And before you head out, make sure you’ve download the AllTrails app with offline maps — cell service in the park can be spotty. For more travel inspiration, visit Lily Travel.
Top Summit & Scenic Hikes in the Smokies
1. Peregrine Peak via Alum Cave Bluff Trail
Difficulty: Moderate | Distance: 4.6 miles | Elevation: 1,154 ft.
This was a very memorable hike on our trip, and one I strongly recommend if you want great views. The trail begins with one of the most unusual geological features in the park: Alum Cave Bluff, a massive concave arch of rock that curves overhead like a natural cathedral. It’s unlike anything else in the Smokies, and worth the hike all on its own.
But the trail keeps going – up to Peregrine Peak, where the views across the surrounding ridges and valleys are genuinely breathtaking. This is a strenuous climb and the elevation gain is real, so come prepared with plenty of water, good footwear, and enough daylight to take your time.
Check out the route on AllTrails: Peregrine Peak via Alum Cave Bluff Trail
💡 Pro Tip
Start this hike early — both to beat other hikers on the trail and to give yourself ample time for the ascent and descent without feeling rushed. The Alum Cave Bluff section alone deserves time to linger.
2. Chimney Tops Trail
Difficulty: Hard | Distance: 3.7 miles | Elevation: 1,292 ft.
Chimney Tops is one of the most iconic hikes in the park, and even in its current partially accessible state — the area is still recovering from the devastating 2016 wildfire — it’s absolutely worth doing. The trail climbs steadily through dense forest before breaking out onto dramatic rocky outcroppings where the views of the surrounding peaks stretch out in every direction.
The fire recovery has actually created an interesting dimension to this hike: you can see the resilience of the forest up close, with new growth pushing through in the wake of the burn. It’s a powerful reminder of how dynamic these ecosystems are.
Check out the route on AllTrails: Chimney Tops Trail
3. Huskey Gap Trail
Difficulty: Moderate | Distance: 8.4 miles | Elevation: 2,070 ft.
If you find yourself craving a break from the busier corridors of the park, Huskey Gap Trail delivers exactly that. It’s a quieter, more forested walk with lovely views and a genuinely peaceful atmosphere — the kind of trail where you can actually hear the birds and feel like you have the park to yourself, even during peak season.
We did this one mid-trip, and the solitude was exactly what we needed. It’s not a destination trail in the way that Rainbow Falls or Chimney Tops are, but that’s precisely its appeal. Sometimes the best hike is the one where you just walk and breathe.
Check out the Huskey Gap Trail route on Alltrails.
Preparing for Strenuous Hikes in the Smokies
- Start early. Strenuous hikes take longer than expected — give yourself plenty of buffer time before dark. Also, the earlier you go, the fewer hikers you have to share the trail with. This also makes it easier to find parking.
- Bring more water than you think you need. Elevation gain and humidity are a demanding combination.
- Wear proper footwear. Hiking boots with ankle support are strongly recommended on rocky summit trails.
- Download AllTrails offline maps. There’s no cell service at the top of some of these trails.
- Bring a compass. Since technology can fail, even if you’re just taking a short hike, it’s always smart to bring a compass. If you have paper trail maps, those are good to bring along as well if the trails you’re taking won’t be well marked. That being said, all the trails we did in the Smokies were very well marked and easy to navigate.
The summit hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park ask something of you — but what they give back in views, atmosphere, and sheer sense of accomplishment is more than worth it. These three trails are among the best the park has to offer, and if you’re physically up for them, they should absolutely be on your itinerary!
