The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a popular destination for hikers, but some trails are less crowded than others. Whether you’re looking for a challenging trek or a leisurely stroll, these least crowded hikes in the Smoky Mountains offer a chance to escape the crowds and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the park.
Alum Caves Trail
Alum Caves Trail is a strenuous hike with a roundtrip length of 4.4 miles. This trail is less crowded if you start early in the morning, allowing you to enjoy the stunning views and rock formations without the hustle and bustle of the more popular trails.
Balsam Mountain Road
Located off the Blue Ridge Parkway, Balsam Mountain Road is often overlooked, making it a great option for avoiding crowds. This trail is particularly beautiful during the fall season when the leaves are changing colors.
Mount Cammerer
Mount Cammerer is a strenuous hike that offers unparalleled views of the Smoky Mountains. The roundtrip length is 11.6 miles, which deters some hikers, making it a less crowded option.
Lakeshore Trail
Starting from Fontana Dam, the Lakeshore Trail is a challenging hike with a roundtrip length of 13.4 miles. This trail is less crowded and offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Big Creek Trail
Located in a less visited area of the park, the Big Creek Trail is suitable for all skill levels and has a roundtrip length of 5.5 miles. This trail is less crowded and offers a peaceful hike through the forest.
Abrams Creek Trail
The Abrams Creek Trail is a moderate hike with a roundtrip length of 4.2 miles. This trail is less crowded and particularly beautiful during the spring when wildflowers are in bloom.
Middle Prong Trail
The Middle Prong Trail is located near Tremont and offers a moderate to difficult hike with a roundtrip length of 8.3 miles. This trail features three major waterfalls and historic remains, making it a less crowded option.
Baskins Creek Trail
The Baskins Creek Trail is off the Roaring Fork Motor Trail and offers an easy hike with a roundtrip length of 3 miles. This trail features a 40-foot waterfall and is less crowded than some of the more popular trails.
Spruce Flats Falls
Located in Townsend, the Spruce Flats Falls trail is easy to moderate with a roundtrip length of 1.4 miles. This trail features a 30-foot waterfall and is less crowded than some of the more popular destinations in the park.
Porters Creek Trail
The Porters Creek Trail is located near Greenbrier and offers an easy to moderate hike with a roundtrip length of 4 miles. This trail features historic buildings and wildflowers in the spring, making it a less crowded option.
Hen Wallow Falls
The Hen Wallow Falls trail is located in Cosby and offers a moderate hike with a roundtrip length of 4.4 miles. This trail features a 90-foot waterfall and is less crowded than some of the more popular trails in the park.
Metcalf Bottoms Trail
The Metcalf Bottoms Trail is an easy hike with a roundtrip length of 1.5 miles. This trail features an old schoolhouse and a river, making it a less crowded option for those looking for a leisurely stroll.
These are just a few of the least crowded hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Whether you’re looking for a challenging trek or a relaxing stroll, these trails offer a chance to escape the crowds and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains.
References:
– https://www.reddit.com/r/nationalparks/comments/12njyeb/suggestions_for_quiet_lesser_known_hikes_in_smoky/
– https://www.moon.com/travel/national-parks/beat-the-crowds-great-smoky-mountains-national-park/
– https://www.visitmysmokies.com/blog/smoky-mountains/best-smoky-mountain-hikes-avoid-crowd/
– https://terradrift.com/beat-crowds-on-quiet-side-of-great-smoky-mountains-national-park/
– https://www.topcabinrentals.com/blog/less-crowded-hiking-trails-smoky-mountains/