The Great Smoky Mountains have some of the most invigorating hiking trails in the country, and the winter months only add to the gorgeous scenery and outdoor fun. The weather may be chilly, but for those willing to brave the cold, there is a ton of natural beauty to be experienced.
If you’re looking for a winter adventure with snow covered mountains, breathtaking views, and glittering frozen waterfalls, then check out our list of the 10 best winter hiking trails in the Smokies!
Laurel Falls
Laurel Falls is one of the most popular hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains, but it’s much less crowded during winter. This gorgeous 2.6-mile roundtrip walk is paved, making it ideal for a fun family-friendly hike with kids or novice trekkers. Follow the trail to its namesake, a beautiful cascading waterfall with icicles that form during colder weather. The stunning multi-tiered falls has an upper and lower section with a wooden walkway that takes you right across the water! When the temps have been consistently low for several days, the frozen waterfall transforms into a fantastical crystal tower that even Elsa would admire.
Alum Cave
Get a bird’s eye view of a Smoky Mountains winter wonderland from the top of Mount LeConte. One of the best ways to get there is the Alum Cave Trail. Start your 10-mile roundtrip hike as you traverse log bridges that lead through an old-growth hardwood forest. Take a breather at Inspiration Point and admire the mountain views. Then marvel at the sparkling icicle formations as you trek to the Alum Cave Bluffs. These 80-ft tall geologic wonders are a typical turning point for most hikers, but if you’re up for the challenge keep climbing the full 1,200 feet to the top for majestic winter views that are well worth the effort.
Porter’s Creek
With easy car access and gentle inclines, Porter’s Creek Trail makes for great family-friendly winter hiking in the Smoky Mountains. Plus, the lower elevation means there’s less chance of roads being closed due to inclement weather. This 4-mile roundtrip hiking trail kicks off in the historic Greenbrier area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offering delightful opportunities to learn more about Smoky Mountain history. You’ll pass by the John Messer Cabin and a barn that was built circa 1875. But the best part of this winter hiking trail is the stunning Fern Branch Falls, a 60-ft waterfall that turns into a shimmering icy spectacle during winter.
Andrews Bald
Get picture perfect views of snow-capped mountaintops on one of the best winter hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains. Andrews Bald is a grassy bald with wide-open vistas that deliver the kind of postcard worthy scenes where winter memories are made. But getting there is half the fun. Take Forney Ridge Trail from the parking lot of Clingmans Dome for 1.8 miles. This winter hike is an exhilarating challenge, beginning with a long descent, then leveling off for a bit before a steep final ascension through the snow-covered forest. When you reach the plateau of Andrews Bald, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking mountain views.
Rainbow Falls
This winter hiking trail in the Smoky Mountains comes with impressive ice formations. The steep 6-mile trek – a total elevation gain of 1,700 feet with rocky sections and sharp switchbacks – is not for the faint of heart. But we promise the reward is worth every step. Rainbow Falls is an awe-inspiring 80-ft waterfall that forms giant dazzling icicles on its ledges. If you’re visiting during midwinter, you might get a glimpse of its iconic hourglass ice sculpture that typically forms in the coldest months.
Middle Prong
This less-frequented trail has some of the best winter hiking in the Smokies, especially if you’re hoping to experience the magic of frozen waterfalls. Stretch your legs and lungs on this 8-mile round-trip hike in the Tremont area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You’ll pass three waterfalls and plenty of smaller cascades that become a winter wonderland in the colder months.
Grotto Falls
Right off the popular Roaring Fork Motor Trail, you’ll find Grotto Falls Trail. The driving route is closed to vehicle traffic during winter, but you can hike along the road to get to the trailhead. Take this easy 2.3 round-trip hike through an evergreen Hemlock forest leads you to a majestic 25-foot waterfall that has formed a cave at its base.
Meigs Creek
Start this winter hike at the popular Sinks waterfall and follow the stream to see multiple smaller waterfalls and cascades before arriving at the 18-foot Meigs Falls that really shows off its beauty in wintertime.
Spruce Flats Falls
If you’re short on time – or just don’t want to spend all day in the cold, the Spruce Flats Falls Trail is a short hike that still delivers epic views. This 1.8-mile hike begins at the Tremont Institute in Townsend, TN and takes you past scenic mountain views on your way to the base of the multi-tiered Spruce Flats Falls. Breathe in the crisp mountain air as you snap photos of the fall’s sparkling ice formations.
Ramsey Cascades
This 8-mile trek is strenuous – gaining over 2,000 feet in elevation – but the payoff at the end is absolutely worth it. Standing at a stunning 100 feet tall, the Ramsey Cascades is the tallest waterfall in the Smokies, and is famous for producing fantastic icicle formations during the winter. As long as you take precautions and come prepared with proper gear, this trail is a winter hike in the Smokies that you’ll never forget.
Pro Tips for Winter Hiking in the Smokies
Winter hiking in the Smoky Mountains is a truly magical experience, but safety is key when hitting the trails. Keep these tips in mind as you get ready to experience the mountains in a new way this season.
Check road conditions before you leave. The National Park and Forest Service closes several popular backroads during the winter due to poor road conditions. Before you plan your route to get to a hiking trail, make sure you can actually get there.
Dress for the elements. Weather can vary so be sure to wear layers that you can take off or put on as temps can change with elevation. It’s a good idea to wear a moisture-wicking garment as your base layer. It may be cold, but you can work up a sweat when you’re hiking up steep inclines.
Make sure you’re wearing the right kind of footwear. Something that protects your toes and gives you a lot of good traction is best.
Bring along plenty of water to drink. Even though the temps are cold, it’s easy to get dehydrated on a strenuous hike.
Pay attention to where you step. The snow is beautiful, but it can also hide rocks, roots, and dips in the trail.
Make sure someone knows where you are. Winter weather can often make for dangerous hiking conditions. So, it’s important that someone knows where you are and when you plan to be back.
After a fun-filled day of winter hiking in the Smokies, relax and warm your feet by the fire in a cozy Smoky Mountain cabin!
