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Hiking in Tennessee

Tennessee Hiking & Trekking Guide 2026

Explore the best hiking trails and trekking routes in Tennessee.

By Updated Reviewed by Daniel Mercer

This guide covers 10+ hiking trails in Tennessee — Alum Cave Trail to LeConte, Laurel Falls Trail and Chimney Tops Trail top the list. Every recommendation carries its practical details: typical costs, the best time to visit, and what to know before you commit.

Tennessee is the Volunteer State, a land where Appalachian mountain mist meets Mississippi Delta soul. From the neon honky-tonks of Nashville and the legendary blues clubs of Beale Street to the ancient hollows of the Great Smoky Mountains and the white-water rivers of the Cherokee National Forest, Tennessee delivers an extraordinary range of experiences. Home to more live music per capita than almost any state, birthplace of country, blues, and rock-and-roll, and blessed with stunning natural landscapes, Tennessee is a destination that rewards every type of traveler.

Top trails

Routes worth lacing up your boots for.

  1. 1

    Alum Cave Trail to LeConte

    4.4 miles to Alum Cave Bluffs (8.8 miles RT) or 11 miles RT to Mt LeConte summit3–4 hours to Alum Cave Bluffs; 7–9 hours to LeConte summithard2,763 ft gain to Alum Cave Bluffs; 3,593 ft gain to Mt. LeConte (6,593 ft summit)

  2. 2

    Laurel Falls Trail

    2.6 miles round-trip1.5–2.5 hourseasy314 ft gain; leads to a 80-ft two-tiered waterfall

  3. 3

    Chimney Tops Trail

    4 miles round-trip2.5–4 hourshard1,400 ft gain; twin rock peaks at 4,755 ft

  4. 4

    Clingmans Dome via Appalachian Trail

    1 mile to tower (0.5 miles each way) from parking; or 8-mile AT approach from Newfound Gap30–45 minutes from parking area; 5–6 hours via AT from Newfound GapmoderateSummit at 6,643 ft — highest point in the Smokies and highest peak on the Appalachian Trail

  5. 5

    Rainbow Falls Trail

    5.4 miles round-trip3–4 hoursmoderate1,685 ft gain; 80-ft waterfall that creates a rainbow in afternoon sunlight

  6. 6

    Fall Creek Falls Gorge Trail

    3.5 miles loop2–3 hoursmoderate600 ft descent into gorge; Fall Creek Falls is 256 ft — the tallest free-falling waterfall east of the Rockies

  7. 7

    Fiery Gizzard Trail

    12.5 miles one-way (point-to-point) or various out-and-back options6–9 hours for full trail (point-to-point with shuttle)hardMultiple gorges; approximately 2,000 ft cumulative elevation change through rocky canyon terrain

  8. 8

    Hen Wallow Falls Trail

    4.4 miles round-trip2.5–3.5 hoursmoderate700 ft gain; 90-ft cascading waterfall

  9. 9

    Lookout Mountain Trails (Lula Lake Loop)

    5.7 miles round-trip (main loop with waterfall detours)3–4 hoursmoderate900 ft; access to two dramatic waterfalls

  10. 10

    Perimeter Trail (Signal Mountain / Walden's Ridge)

    5–12 miles depending on section3–6 hoursmoderate300–600 ft; Cumberland Plateau bluff-top trail with Tennessee River Gorge views

Trail difficulty levels

Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.

Easy

Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.

Moderate

Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.

Hard

Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.

Expert

Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.

Local hazards

What to watch out for on the trail.

High

Sudden weather changes — always carry rain gear and warm layers.

Medium

Wildlife encounters — make noise on the trail and store food properly.

Medium

Trail conditions can deteriorate after rain — check recent reports before setting out.

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