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The Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) is America’s most visited national park, with approximately 12 million visitors annually. Many National Park trails are conveniently accessible from Bryson City, North Carolina, as Swain County contains 40% of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
There’s a limitless selection of meandering pathways, panoramic views, waterfalls, and ecological communities to uncover among Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s nearly 800 miles of trails.
For your next family adventure, explore easy hiking paths or kid-friendly options. Explore some historic trails or go on an excursion through the natural areas surrounding Bryson City, ideal for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts of all abilities.
The “Smokies” provide something for everyone, whether you’re a novice or a seasoned hiker. However, before embarking on a mountain trek, it’s usually good to conduct some research.
If you’re looking for the greatest hiking trails Bryson City offers, look no further. Whether you’re hiking, biking, trail running, or participating in other outdoor recreational activities, we’ve got you covered.
Organized by difficulty level, read on for the best hiking trails Bryson City boasts!
*Please note that most of the below hikes are not pet friendly, except where stated, and dogs must be on a leash. In addition, before venturing into Great Smoky Mountains National Park backcountry, remember to obtain a backcountry permit from the ranger’s office.
EASY HIKES
Deep Creek Waterfall Loop | 2.4-Mile Loop
The Deep Creek Waterfall Loop trail begins at the Deep Creek Trailhead, just a few miles from downtown Bryson City. It’s a popular summer camping and tubing destination. The tourists depart during the other months, and the whitewater rapids become considerably more peaceful for an unforgettable rafting experience. This Deep Creek loop hike sees roughly 426 feet in elevation gain.
The 80-foot Toms Branch Falls flows down into the creek, only three-tenths of a mile in on the Deep Creek Trail. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has provided several benches for viewing this spectacular cascade. There is also an abundance of wildflowers along this hike, including bloodroot and wild geranium.
Juney Whank Falls Trail | 0.6-Mile Loop
The parking lot is only a quarter-mile away from Juney Whank Falls. The 170-foot ascent to the viewing platform is very steep for being a short 10-minute trip. The Juney Whank Falls Trail leads to a footbridge with a close-up view of Juney Whank Falls. The 80-foot waterfall begins its plunge right above the footbridge, then runs beneath it before emptying into Deep Creek at the trail’s bottom. Hiking, horseback riding, and walking are all common activities in this area.
Fun Fact: Junaluska “Juney” Whank, a man thought to be buried nearby, is most likely the inspiration for the stream and falls. Some people, however, believe Juney Whank is a Cherokee term meaning “where the bear passes.”
Oconaluftee River Trail | 3.1 Miles Out & Back
The Oconaluftee River Trail is a popular three-mile round trip trek alongside the same-named river. The popular gravel trail is one of two that permits bikes and dogs in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s a mostly level, easy trail with a few short hills that people of all ages can tackle.
While the river is the obvious draw, one of the trail’s more intriguing attractions is located directly behind the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. The Mountain Farm Museum is a group of wooden structures resembling a 19th-century Smoky Mountain farmstead. A blacksmith shop, an apple house, and John E. Davis House, a cabin made of natural chestnut wood ravaged by blight in the 1930s and 1940s, are all on the property.
The log cabin was moved here from its original location in Bryson City, along Indian Creek. Once you’ve finished exploring the open-air museum and learning about the lives of settler farmers through live history demonstrations, take the trail into the woods.
The trail is shaded by a canopy of hemlock, maple, sycamore, dogwood, tulip tree, and yellow buckeye trees, making for a cool walk or ride even in the heat. Elk, deer, and other wildlife can often be seen through the trees. There are interpretative signboards along the path that explain the Cherokee people’s culture and beliefs.
The name Oconaluftee comes from the Cherokee word “egwanulti,” which means “by the river.” It originally referred to a village on the river’s edge, but it has since evolved to refer to the river itself. Along US 441, the trail comes to a close on the outskirts of Cherokee. You can either turn around or continue into town.
Gatlinburg Trail | 3.9 Miles Out & Back
One of the only pet friendly trails on this list is the Gatlinburg Trail. From the Sugarlands Visitor Center to the outskirts of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, the trail is about 1.9 miles one way.
Because it is one of the only two walking routes in the national park that allows pets and bicycles, many use it to exercise, stroll, or simply admire the scenery. This walk will delight history buffs as well. Along the trail, there are several relics of historic homes. The walk also runs alongside the Little Pigeon River, which is eventually crossed by a charming footbridge.
Due to its short length, the Gatlinburg Trail is ideal for individuals who wish to get out and enjoy the fresh mountain air without doing anything too strenuous.
MODERATE HIKES
Clingmans Dome Observation Tower Trail | 1.2 Miles Out & Back
Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, standing at 6,643 feet. It is Tennessee’s highest peak and the third highest east of the Mississippi. Visitors who brave the steep half-mile hike to the top of Clingmans Dome’s Observation Tower Trail will be rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree views of the Smokies and beyond.
On clear days, the view can stretch for nearly 100 miles. Although the Clingmans Dome Observation Tower is open all year, the road leading to it is blocked from early December to late March and whenever weather conditions require it.
Whiteoak Branch to Forney Creek – “Road to Nowhere” Hike | 8.4-Mile Loop
The “Road to Nowhere” name stems from the hike’s conclusion point, a World War II-era building project. North Carolina and the federal government agreed to collaborate on a road project in the early 1940s.
The state agreed to construct a quarter-mile tunnel through a mountain if the feds built the highway on the other end. The state built the tunnel, and the federal government did nothing. As a result, the journey concludes with a walk through a long, dark tunnel that vehicles have never used.
A section of this hike follows Forney Creek, a sparkling alpine stream with crystal clear water. In addition, you’ll pass some abandoned homesteads and catch a glimpse of Fontana Lake.
Goldmine Loop Trail | 3-Mile Loop
This hike near Fontana Dam starts at the end of Lakeview Drive, the so-called “Road to Nowhere,” which continues northwest out of Bryson City. Birding, hiking, and horseback riding are all popular activities in this area.
The Goldmine Loop Trail is a one-of-a-kind trail located at the southern boundary of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Its setting is a historically significant part of the park, featuring a 1,200-foot-long tunnel.
You may notice a couple of wild hog traps as you make your way around the loop. In the early 1900s, a local rancher introduced two dozen European wild boars to his hunting property. Several of them fled into the mountains.
Unfortunately, this invasive species eats away at native vegetation, damages stream banks, and spreads disease. Wildlife managers have been working on getting the hogs out of the park for decades, using these traps.
Noland Creek Trail | 18.5 Miles Out & Back
The Noland Creek Trail is a historic, low elevation hike in the national park’s Swain County section, ideal for hiking, camping, and backpacking. It has a lovely mountain stream, fascinating human history, and is only moderately challenging.
There are supposedly over 200 graves and innumerable ruins from the historic communities that filled the area before the park was founded. From the 1880s to the early 1900s, logging companies worked in the area, primarily using cattle and flumes. However, given the dense vegetation today, it might be difficult to believe the site was ever logged.
Wesser Bald Loop | 2.2-Mile Loop
You’ll weave your way along a paved state road until you reach the “Tellico Trout Farm” after turning onto Tellico Road from N.C. Hwy-28. The road becomes gravel at this point, and you must continue straight past the farm. After passing the farm, the road begins to climb towards Tellico Gap and the large parking lot for the Wesser Bald Loop trailhead.
When you arrive at the parking area, you’ll note that the Appalachian Trail (AT) runs south to your left and north to your right. Turn right and north to get to the must-see lookout tower at Wesser Bald. Once you reach the top, for those daring enough to climb the tower, be prepared for breathtaking views in every direction.
Located in the Nantahala National Forest, this moderately challenging loop hike provides pockets of solitude.
DIFFICULT HIKES
Lonesome Pine Overlook | 6.6 Miles Out & Back
Are you looking for the best views in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park? Then put in some strenuous physical effort to get to the Lonesome Pine Overlook, a hike full of stunning scenery along the Noland Divide Trail not far from Bryson City.
The out-and-back route up to the overlook gains almost 2,300 feet in elevation. It’s the most challenging climb on the almost 12-mile-long Noland Divide Trail, but it’s spread out enough that the incline isn’t too grueling.
Noland Divide Trail | 11.1 Miles Point to Point
The Noland Divide Trail is lengthy and steep, with the highest net elevation gain of any Smoky Mountain trail. The Noland Divide Trail runs for about five miles from its trailhead near the park’s Deep Creek entrance before linking with its namesake on the peak of Coburn Knob.
This point-to-point trail is more than a day hike for most people. It is highly advised that you make this a two-day overnighter. Along the trail, there are plenty of locations to camp.
There you have it, the best hiking trails in Bryson City for you to enjoy. Choose from 4 easy hikes, 5 moderate ones, or 2 difficult trails. You won’t lack for great hiking opportunities on your next visit to Bryson City so don’t forget to pack your hiking boots!
