12 Hidden Smoky Mountain Hikes In Tennessee You Need To Explore
The Smokies are full of famous overlooks and busy trails, but the real magic hides off the beaten path.
Tucked deep in Tennessee’s mountains are quiet waterfalls, peaceful forests, and secret views most visitors never see.
Lace up your boots and get ready to discover 12 hidden Smoky Mountain hikes you absolutely need to explore.
Adventure is waiting where the crowds aren’t.
1. Spruce Flats Falls (Tremont Near Townsend)
Tucked away in the Tremont area, this waterfall rewards hikers with a stunning two-tiered cascade that feels like a secret hideaway.
The trail follows an old roadbed for about two miles, making it relatively easy for most fitness levels.
You’ll cross streams on footbridges and walk through peaceful groves of hemlock trees.
Springtime brings wildflowers, while fall paints the forest in brilliant oranges and reds.
Pack a lunch and enjoy it by the falls—it’s usually quiet enough to hear only the water and birds.
2. Middle Prong Trail To Indian Flats Falls (Tremont)
Following an old logging road alongside the Middle Prong of the Little River, this hike takes you through history and nature combined.
You’ll pass remnants of the Civilian Conservation Corps camp from the 1930s, including stone walls and foundations.
Indian Flats Falls appears after about two miles, tumbling gracefully over wide rock slabs.
The sound of rushing water accompanies you the entire way. Summer is perfect for wading in the cool mountain streams.
Bring your camera—the moss-covered rocks and ferns create picture-perfect scenes.
3. Meigs Creek Trail (The Sinks)
Starting near The Sinks parking area, Meigs Creek Trail offers an adventure through dense forests and along a lively creek.
This moderately challenging route takes you past several small cascades and deep pools where brook trout swim.
The trail can get muddy after rain, so waterproof boots are smart.
About three miles in, you’ll find excellent spots for photography and quiet reflection.
Wildlife sightings are common here—watch for deer and salamanders.
Few tourists venture this far, giving you a true wilderness experience.
4. Porters Creek Trail To Fern Branch Falls (Greenbrier Near Gatlinburg)
Greenbrier’s Porters Creek Trail feels like stepping into a fairy tale, especially in spring when wildflowers blanket the forest floor.
The path meanders through an old-growth forest past historic homesites and a charming old cemetery.
After about two miles, a short side trail leads to Fern Branch Falls, a delicate ribbon of water sliding down a fern-covered rock face.
Bring bug spray in summer—the lush environment attracts mosquitoes.
The gentle grade makes this hike family-friendly and absolutely enchanting year-round.
5. Rich Mountain Loop (Cades Cove)
While Cades Cove draws massive crowds, the Rich Mountain Loop remains surprisingly peaceful and offers some of the best views in the park.
Starting from the Cades Cove picnic area, this eight-mile loop climbs steadily through hardwood forests to stunning ridge-top vistas.
You’ll pass historic homesites, including the John Oliver cabin.
Autumn transforms this trail into a kaleidoscope of colors.
The elevation gain is significant, so prepare for a workout.
Your efforts pay off with panoramic mountain views few people ever see.
6. Hen Wallow Falls Via Gabes Mountain Trail (Cosby)
Cosby’s trails see far fewer visitors than other park areas, making Hen Wallow Falls a peaceful destination worth the four-mile round trip.
The trail climbs gradually through rhododendron tunnels and past towering poplars before reaching the 90-foot waterfall.
Unlike many falls, this one tumbles freely through the air rather than sliding down rock.
Spring runoff makes it most impressive, though it flows year-round.
Listen for the distinctive calls of ravens echoing through the valley.
This hike offers solitude and natural beauty in equal measure.
7. Baskins Creek Falls (Roaring Fork Near Gatlinburg)
Despite being close to Gatlinburg, Baskins Creek Falls remains a hidden gem because the trailhead isn’t well-marked and requires some navigation.
The three-mile hike takes you through beautiful forest and across several stream crossings before revealing a gorgeous 30-foot waterfall.
Rock-hopping across the creek adds a bit of adventure.
The falls create a perfect amphitheater of stone and spray.
Visit midweek to avoid the few hikers who know about this spot.
The peaceful setting makes it worth the extra effort to find.
8. Albright Grove Loop Via Maddron Bald Trail (Cosby Area)
Old-growth forests are rare treasures, and Albright Grove preserves some of the most magnificent ancient trees in the entire park.
The seven-mile round trip takes commitment, but walking among centuries-old tulip poplars and hemlocks feels like visiting nature’s cathedral.
Some trees measure over 25 feet in circumference.
The grove loop itself is short, allowing you to circle these giants slowly.
Photographers love the filtered light streaming through the canopy.
This hike connects you with the forest as it existed long before humans arrived.
9. Brushy Mountain Trail (Greenbrier/Roaring Fork Area)
Brushy Mountain Trail offers a challenging but rewarding climb to one of the best viewpoints you’ve never heard of.
The steep ascent through mixed forest leads to Brushy Mountain’s summit, where 360-degree views await on clear days.
You can see Mount LeConte, Mount Guyot, and countless other peaks stretching to the horizon.
Wildflowers bloom prolifically in late spring and early summer.
Pack plenty of water—the elevation gain is substantial.
Reaching the top feels like discovering your own private lookout tower.
10. Andrews Bald Via Forney Ridge Trail (Clingmans Dome Area)
Starting from the highest point in the park, this trail descends through spruce-fir forest to one of the Smokies’ most beautiful grassy balds.
The 3.6-mile round trip is surprisingly easy compared to other high-elevation hikes.
Andrews Bald explodes with flame azaleas and rhododendrons in June, creating a floral spectacle against mountain vistas.
The open meadow provides unobstructed views impossible to find in the dense forests below.
Arrive early to catch sunrise painting the mountains gold.
This accessible alpine environment feels worlds away from typical Smokies terrain.
11. Hickory Flats Quiet Walkway (Fighting Creek Gap Road Near Gatlinburg)
Sometimes the best hikes are the shortest ones, and this quiet walkway proves that point beautifully.
The half-mile loop was specifically designed for peaceful contemplation, with benches placed along the path for resting and listening.
Towering trees create a shaded canopy overhead, while wildflowers and ferns carpet the forest floor.
Bird songs provide the soundtrack to your stroll.
This spot is perfect for families with young children or anyone seeking a gentle nature experience.
Quiet walkways throughout the park offer refuge from busier trails.
12. Little River Trail (Elkmont Near Gatlinburg)
Following the Little River upstream from Elkmont, this relatively flat trail offers easy walking with constant water views.
You’ll pass through the historic Elkmont area with its fascinating abandoned summer cottages before entering pristine wilderness.
The trail continues for miles, allowing you to choose your turnaround point based on time and energy.
Fishing is popular here, and you might spot anglers casting for trout.
The gentle terrain and beautiful river scenery make this perfect for relaxed afternoon explorations.
Every season brings different beauty to this riverside gem.