Best Hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Best Hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

👀 LATEST GEAR LIST: https://hikingguy.com/best-hiking-gear/
🗺 MAPS & HIKE LINKS: https://hikingguy.com
♥️ SAY THANKS: https://hikingguy.com/support-hiking-guy/

ℹ️ Park Alerts: https://bit.ly/47vvAvl
🐻 Bear Tips: https://bit.ly/47z5VBM

As a seasoned hiking guide I’m excited to share with you the three must-try trails in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park that offer breathtaking views and memorable experiences. First, we have Clingmans Dome, the highest peak in the park, providing panoramic views that are particularly stunning at sunrise or sunset. This moderately challenging hike is accessible via a paved path, making it a popular choice for many. Next, the Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte is a true gem. This trail is more strenuous but rewards hikers with diverse scenery, including Arch Rock, Inspiration Point, and the majestic Alum Cave Bluffs. The final leg to Mount LeConte offers a spectacular view of the park. Lastly, Charlie’s Bunion, a rocky outcrop, is a favorite among avid hikers. The trail, part of the Appalachian Trail, treats adventurers to wildflowers, dense forests, and an unparalleled view of the mountainous terrain. Each trail offers its own unique allure, making them the top picks for anyone visiting the Great Smoky Mountains.

00:00 What
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

Thank you to Overwatch x Rescue:
https://overwatchxrescue.com

🌎 Bucket List Hikes You Should Try:
https://bit.ly/bucket-list-hikes

👀Subscribe For New Hike & Guide Videos
https://www.youtube.com/@Hikingguy

👍Monthly Email For New Hike Updates:
https://hikingguy.com/newsletter/

🎆Instagram For Insider Hike Info:
https://instagram.com/HikingGuy_com/

#greatsmokymountainsnationalpark
#hiking #hike #hikingvlog #hikinggear #hikingtrails #hikingandcamping #hikingandcampingforbeginners #hikingandcampingvlog #hikingandbackpacking #52HikeChallenge #backpacking #healthyliving #trails #outdoors #nature

28 Comments

  1. @DanasCaballes on March 29, 2025 at 1:28 am

    Interesting.

  2. @kirchoffkyle on March 29, 2025 at 1:29 am

    Doing a 3 day backpacking trip soon that’s gonna hit all three of these trails, can’t wait

  3. @billbeyatte on March 29, 2025 at 1:30 am

    We really appreciate the extra work in setting up/taking down your camera

  4. @bizzo1954 on March 29, 2025 at 1:31 am

    Does Overwatch x Rescue work with Garmin Inreach?

  5. @jullieadeleida3197 on March 29, 2025 at 1:31 am

    Your new friends from Indonesia are here to listen and watch your vloq videos wholeheartedly and share beautiful and nice videos 👋👍🇮🇩🙋🔔

  6. @notmyrealname6150 on March 29, 2025 at 1:34 am

    Excellent choices. I’ve been on all 3 multiple times.

  7. @dsrtfitphotography4310 on March 29, 2025 at 1:35 am

    Nice, my former roommate graduated from University of Tennessee in Knoxville, he told me about the majestic beauty of this place. It’s definitely on my bucket list for places to visit.

  8. @Rogerdis215 on March 29, 2025 at 1:37 am

    This was a great and informative video. I appreciate the work put into this.

  9. @ChristopherMarshburn on March 29, 2025 at 1:39 am

    Great video! I was the AT Ridgerunner for Great Smoky Mountains NP last year. Regarding a bear encounter. If you see one you can change your direction of travel. But if the bear seems to be approaching or following you the best practice is to stand your ground, make your self appear bigger by waving your arms, and yell loudly. For more great info on bears go to this link. https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/nature/black-bears.htm

  10. @overwatchxrescue on March 29, 2025 at 1:47 am

    Great compilation video of all the awesome trails at this park!

  11. @SteffenVadla on March 29, 2025 at 1:47 am

    Great video!

  12. @kenwbrenner on March 29, 2025 at 1:50 am

    Thanks for the great video.
    I hope to start hiking the trails in this park, and your videos will be a great help.

  13. @rypatmackrock on March 29, 2025 at 1:54 am

    After recently learning the story of how elk were re-introduced to the Cataloochee valley of the park in North Carolina, please give me your best advice for lodging near the valley in the NC half of the park.
    Otherwise, I will do my own research. Great recommendations all the same. I’ve only tasted Appalachia through a summer camp near Hendersonville North Carolina on the border with South Carolina. It was a nice two month intro to the area.

  14. @ervinslens on March 29, 2025 at 1:55 am

    Masterfully edited as always bud, outstanding list and narrated brilliantly!

  15. @shyrulllonewolf on March 29, 2025 at 1:56 am

    I just moved back to TN, in oakridge now and looking into hikes for me and my 12 year old daughter 2 do u recommend this?

  16. @CastawayCj on March 29, 2025 at 2:02 am

    Me and my girlfriend just finished the hike to Mt Lecont, and dude it was not easy. Don’t get me wrong, we loved every second of it with the views and water ways. But this is one difficult hike. An older gentlemen had to be rescued on the way back down by search and rescue. Thank you so much for this recommendation, your nice narrative voice made it sound like a nice walk in the park, and boy was I wrong to think that 😂
    I recommend this hike to anyone.

  17. @TheBirds830 on March 29, 2025 at 2:04 am

    Great video! We love the Smoky Mountains, and our favorite place to stay is a particular cabin in Sevierville. It’s perfectly located—close to everything but away from the crowds. It’s called Secluded in the Smokies.

  18. @MollysMum-A.K. on March 29, 2025 at 2:07 am

    So sad that these great trails are all not dog friendly 😢

  19. @JS-L90 on March 29, 2025 at 2:07 am

    Check out the trail info before you go and don’t feel bad about turning back if you find out some element of the trail is going to stretch your skills a little too far. Some of these trails can go from zero to scary fast if you don’t know the trail beforehand, and be careful about going off trail. Some of the soil near cliffs isn’t exactly stable. While most visitors are okay, people do die hiking in the Smokies. These mountains are beautiful, but they demand respect

  20. @thomza on March 29, 2025 at 2:07 am

    What Hokas were you using at 00:54 and do you like them?

  21. @williamfowler9518 on March 29, 2025 at 2:09 am

    You have get off the paved road to really appreciate the Smokies. You and I have a difference of opinion about Gatlinburg. There are better, less crowded & less commercialized "great base" choices other than Gatinburg; Townsend or Maggie Valley.

  22. @grozenblat on March 29, 2025 at 2:12 am

    Man, every YouTube video should be like this one. Well narrated, informative, short and sweet. Thanks!

  23. @TrailsTailsHikesRails on March 29, 2025 at 2:12 am

    Great info, thanks Cris! I’m planning an October hiking trip to GSM and wondered, with lack of cell signals, do you think I’d have any issues with my Garmin Fenix there? I just rejoined my channel membership, too, I didn’t realize it was not current!

  24. @itssmeena on March 29, 2025 at 2:12 am

    on the trails is it very common to encounter brown bears?

  25. @MurCurieux on March 29, 2025 at 2:13 am

    Before embarking on any of these hikes, please ensure you are white.

  26. @carlscottamos6501 on March 29, 2025 at 2:21 am

    Gatlinburg TN was flooded Tuesday 1/9/2024, the waters have receded, I don’t know what’s closed.

  27. @Beautyaddixion on March 29, 2025 at 2:24 am

    Clingmans Dome is no joke!!

  28. @Dolphin43271 on March 29, 2025 at 2:25 am

    Theres only one great hike in the smokeys. To jump off lookout and clungsman dome then camp at kephart shelter then hike back to the car at newfound gap. Its a great circle. You see it all. H8ghest peaks and lowest points where the bears sleep couldnt get better

Leave a Comment