Rain, snow, and fog often are encountered in the mountains during the winter. Roads are kept open all year, but the transmountain highway sometimes is closed for a few hours during heavy snow or sleet storms when snowplows cannot keep it open. Snows are infrequent in the park, but you should take chains if you plan to drive through in winter. Roads are posted if driving conditions are unfavorable.
Horses, Pack Animals, and Guide Service
In some of the towns bordering the park, horses and pack animals, with guide service, may be rented by the hour, day, or for longer periods.
| Distance | Map | ||||
| Destination | Trail starts | Elevation | round trip | Remarks | Index |
| Feet | Miles | ||||
| Laurel Falls | Fighting Creek Gap | 2500 | 2.5 | One of the most popular hiking trips | E-2. |
| Clingmans Dome Summit | Forney Ridge Parking Area | 6643 | 1 | One-half mile paved trail leads to one of the highest peaks in East; highest in park. | G-4. |
| Andrews Bald | Forney Ridge Parking Area | 5860 | 4 | One of the most popular hikes in park. | G-4. |
| Alum Cave Bluffs | Alum Cave Parking Area | 4900 | 5 | Easy trail, fine views. Best for rose-purple rhododendron in mid-June. Alum Cave Bluffs. | G-3. |
| Mount Le Conte: via Alum Cave Bluffs | Alum Cave Parking Area | 6593 | 10.4 | Shortest way to Mount Le Conte and very spectacular. Foot trail only. | G-3. |
| via Boulevard | Newfound Gap | 6593 | 16 | Follows Appalachian Trail to Mount Kephart and thence along Boulevard Trail to Le Conte. | G-3. |
| via Cherokee Orchard | Cherokee Orchard via Rainbow Falls | 6593 | 13.4 | Trail passes Rainbow Falls and around Rocky Spur. | G-3. |
| Cherokee Orchard via Bullhead | 6593 | 14.4 | Trail passes around Bullhead. | G-3. | |
| Cherokee Orchard via Trillium Gap | 6593 | 16.8 | Good horse trail. | G-3. | |
| via Roaring Fork | Gatlinburg and Trillium Gap | 6593 | 22.4 | Longest trip to Mount Le Conte, but interesting. | G-3. |
| The Jumpoff | Newfound Gap | 6100 | 6.5 | Jagged mountain peaks. | H-3. |
| Charlies Bunion | Newfound Gap | 5375 | 8.6 | Reminiscent of the rugged Rockies. | H-3. |
| Gregory Bald | Cades Cove | 4948 | 11 | Best display of wild azalea in mid-June. | B-4. |
| Chimney Tops | Chimneys Bridge | 4755 | 3 | For the experienced hiker. 3 hours, round trip. | G-3. |
| Mount Cammerer | Davenport Gap | 5025 | 12 | Fine view of valleys and mountains. | K-1. |
| Ramsey Cascades | Greenbrier | 4750 | 12 | Largest cascades; stands of virgin hardwoods. | I-2. |
| Raven Fork Wilderness | Smokemont | 4202 | 16 | Largest stand of virgin red spruce and balsam. | J-3. |
| Mount Sterling Tower | Mount Sterling Gap | 5835 | 5.2 | Accessible fire tower. | K-2. |
| Sharp Top on Noland Divide | Bryson City (at park line) | 3430 | 4 | Interesting hike. | G-5. |
| Bryson Place | Bryson City | 2411 | 20 | Follows Deep Creek to Bryson Place, and Nettle Creek into a fine stand of virgin hardwoods. | H-4. |
Roads and Trails
There are 66 miles of high standard roads in the park including the transmountain highway from Gatlinburg, Tenn., to Cherokee, N. C. Clingmans Dome Highway reaches an altitude of 6,311 feet. Seventy miles of secondary roads and 653 miles of horse and foot trails are available for hiking and riding.
The park highways offer exceptional opportunities to view the grandeur of the Great Smokies. Spur roads and trails lead to many points of interest.
There are trails of all types to suit your individual requirements. Some are 4 feet wide on easy gradients; some are improved footpaths; others merely tracks through the forest. Park forces try to keep trails drained and clear of brush and other obstacles; but the country is rough, and hikers should wear suitable outdoor clothing, including stout low-heeled shoes. If you are an inexperienced hiker, you should be especially careful and watch your footing on the trails.
The Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian Trail crosses the park and follows the ridge of the Smokies for most of its 71 miles. The eastern portion, from Davenport Gap at the northeast corner to Newfound Gap on the transmountain highway, is 31 miles long and follows through an absolute wilderness. The western portion from Newfound Gap to Fontana Dam just outside the park, is 40 miles long. Most of the trail is over 5,000 feet in elevation.