Route Overview
A classic 3-day loop that balances waterfalls, ridgelines, and wildlife with early starts and smart pacing. Built for first-timers who want Cades Cove, Newfound Gap, and the best short hikes without overloading the day.
Itinerary
Sugarlands Visitor Center
Get oriented with current trail conditions, maps, and road updates.
Pick up the current parking tag and ask about waterfall flow levels.
Laurel Falls Trail
Hike 2.6 miles (4.2 km) roundtrip through a mixed hardwood forest to an 80-foot (24-m) waterfall. Enjoy a few views of the mountain landscape before arriving at the waterfall. PLEASE NOTE: Laurel Falls Trail is expected to close starting in mid-December for 18 months.
Classic Smokies waterfall hike on a paved trail.
Arrive early for parking; the trail gets busy by mid-morning.
Newfound Gap Overlook
A scenic high-elevation overlook with panoramic mountain views and a large parking area.
Iconic ridge view on the TN/NC line with wide mountain layers.
Bring a light layer; wind can be strong at the gap.
Clingmans Dome sunset
Short walk to the observation tower for sunset views.
Bring a headlamp for the return; temps can drop fast.
Cades Cove Loop (sunrise)
Wildlife-rich valley loop with historic cabins and open fields.
Enter at sunrise for the best wildlife viewing and light.
Abrams Falls Trail
Walk 5 miles (8 km) roundtrip through rhododendron, hemlock, and pine-oak forest to a 25-foot (7.6-m) waterfall and scenic pool. Swimming in the pool is not recommended due to slippery rocks and a dangerous undertow.
Moderate hike to one of the park's most impressive falls.
Trail is rocky; watch your footing near the river.
Cades Cove Picnic Area
Shaded picnic break before finishing the loop.
Bring your own lunch; services are limited inside the cove.
Cades Cove historic cabins
Short walks to historic churches and cabins.
Stop at pullouts to avoid blocking loop traffic.
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
Narrow one-way road with rushing streams and historic structures.
Road is closed in winter; check seasonal openings.
Grotto Falls Trail
Hike 2.6 miles (4.2 km) roundtrip on Trillium Gap Trail as it crosses multiple streams and sections of old-growth forest to reach a unique waterfall you can walk behind. This trail is well-traveled but prone to muddy and slippery conditions.
Popular waterfall where you can walk behind the falls.
Bring shoes with grip; the path can be slick.
Oconaluftee Visitor Center + Mountain Farm Museum
The Mountain Farm Museum is a unique collection of historic farm buildings that showcases what life was like in a typical rural Appalachian community over a century ago.
Historic buildings and exhibits on Smokies culture.
Check the elk update board for evening viewing.
Oconaluftee elk viewing (sunset)
Evening wildlife viewing in the open fields near the river.
Keep distance and use binoculars; elk are most active at dusk.
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3
Days
12
Stops
moderate
Difficulty
Best Season
April-May and September-November for mild temps and clear views
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