1. Gregory’s Bald
The trek to the top of Gregory’s Bald is totally worth the views you’ll experience at the top! This 11.6-mile trail is considered challenging in difficulty and reaches an elevation of 3,359 feet at its highest point. Throughout the trail you’ll see tons of Smoky Mountains wildflowers and you may run into some wildlife. Keep an eye out for deer, birds and black bears on this hike. Once you reach the top of Gregory’s Bald you can take in the breathtaking sights of bright reds, oranges and yellows as the leaves continue to change with the season.
2. Alum Cave
Alum Cave is considered a more moderate hike, extending only 4.4 miles roundtrip. This is one of the best hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the fall because you’ll have consistently incredible views throughout the trail. You’ll even cross a few streams and travel under a narrow tunnel through the Arch Rock. Once you make it to Alum Cave, take a seat and enjoy the beautiful views of the mountains, as well as the bluffs behind you.
3. Andrews Bald
With a roundtrip length of 3.5 miles and an elevation change of 1,200 feet, Andrews Bald is another moderate hike with unbeatable views. The Trails Forever program has created rock stairs in order to make the hike easier for travelers, so you’ll be able to tackle the steeper parts without straining yourself. The top of Andrews Bald is a grassy field that offers great views and a quiet place to rest. Bring a blanket and a few snacks and have a picnic once you reach the top. If you come at sunrise or sundown, make sure to snag a few pictures of the fall colors lit by the sun.
4. Mt. Cammerer
If you’re craving more of a challenge, we recommend the hike to Mt. Cammerer. This trail is 11.9 miles in total, featuring plenty of opportunities to see the fall views of the mountains along the way. Note that there are a few rocky parts throughout the trail, but once you reach the top, it’s worth the trek. In addition to great views, you’ll also come across an old fire lookout that was once used to catch forest fires.
5. Chimney Tops
Don’t let the length of the Chimney Tops hike fool you, this is one of the toughest trails in Smokies. Only 3.6 miles in length, this trail picks up elevation quickly and remains steep for most of the hike. Unfortunately, part of the trail was damaged in the 2016 wildfires, but hikers can still take in the amazing views from the recently built observation platform. You’ll no doubt be able to see all the stunning fall colors from this point.
Now that you know about a few of the top fall hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you can decide which ones you want to try on your next vacation. Are you still looking for a place to stay on your next trip to the Smokies? Check out all of our rooms and find the one that fits all your needs. We look forward to seeing you!
