Do you want to check out some hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains, but you want to avoid huge crowds of people? There are several trails you can hike without being around a ton of people! We know getting out in nature is more enjoyable when you also get away from people, so we want to share some of the top not-so-busy trails with you. Check out these 5 less-crowded hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains:
1. Spruce Flats Falls
A great trail to hike is Spruce Flats Falls. The roundtrip length is 1.8 miles, and it is considered easy to moderate. The trail is located near Townsend Tennessee. When you hike this trail, you will see wooded views, with a ton of native plants, and you could possibly see wildlife. At the end of this out-and-back trail, you’ll find Spruce Flats Falls, which is 30 feet tall. A fun fact about this trail is it’s technically not on the official national park map!
2. Baskins Creek Falls
Want to go on a less-crowded hiking trail in the Smoky Mountains near Gatlinburg? Baskins Creek Falls is the perfect trail to hike! The trailhead is off of Roaring Fork Motor Trail. The roundtrip length is 3 miles, and it is considered easy to moderate. As you make your way along the trail, you’ll have wooded views and even see a mountain view between the trees. Right before you reach the waterfall, the trail descends, so the trip back starts out a little tough. But the view of Baskins Creek Falls is worth it!
3. Hen Wallows Falls
Another waterfall hiking trail that doesn’t have a ton of people is Hen Wallows Falls. This trail is considered moderate at 4 miles roundtrip. The trailhead is located in the Cosby area, which is a less traveled part of the national park. The trail has a ton of native plants and tree overhang, providing you with a shaded hike. Once you reach Hen Wallows, you’ll see the 90-foot-tall waterfall come into view.
4. Porters Creek
If you want to see wildflowers in the spring and enjoy walking through the woods, you should go on Porters Creek Trail. The roundtrip length is 5 miles, and the hiking trail in the Smoky Mountains is considered moderate. You’ll see wildflowers near the beginning of the trail, and then you’ll also find historic buildings you can explore. This is a great trail if you just want to immerse yourself in nature and get away from the rest of the world.
5. Metcalf Bottoms Trail
Metcalf Bottoms Trail is another trail where you can get away from people and enjoy being outside. It is considered easy with a roundtrip length of 1.5 miles It’s also a great trail for kids since it is shorter than other trails. There’s an old schoolhouse along this trail, which is cool to see. You’ll also hike alongside the river.
These hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains aren’t as crowded as some of the more popular trails. It’s the perfect way to get outside, explore the national park, and get away from the world! Want to know what else you should do while you’re in town? Check out these things to do in the Smoky Mountains for some ideas!
