Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
Smokies Ridge & Waterfalls
Fog in the hollows, waterfalls in every drainage.
Moderate
Difficulty
12 mi
Distance
2,600 ft
Elevation
27 h
Drive time
Apr – Jun, Oct
Best season
Trail map
Trail to take
Smokies Ridge & Waterfalls — 12 mi · Moderate
No coordinates for this one yet — open it on Trailforks by name.
Overview
Layered blue ridges at dawn, a stretch of the Appalachian Trail to Charlies Bunion, and a waterfall day in the Little River drainage.
Permits: Parking tag required. Backcountry permit for shelters on the AT.
Where to get your permit
Fees, lottery dates and quotas change every season — confirm on the agency page before you plan around them.
Where to camp or stay
Popular sites open on a booking window months ahead and sell out fast.
Highlights
Sunrise at Clingmans Dome
Charlies Bunion
Ramsey Cascades
Cades Cove at first light
Suggested itinerary
Day 1
Cades Cove + Abrams Falls
Loop the cove early for wildlife, walk to Abrams Falls after.
Day 2
AT to Charlies Bunion
Newfound Gap north on the AT, 8 miles round trip on the spine of the range.
Day 3
Ramsey Cascades
Old-growth forest to the tallest waterfall in the park, then drive out.
Packing list
Checked against your gear closet — 6 items to sort out.
- Rain shell
- Quick-dry layers
- Trail shoes with tread
- Bug spray
- Water filter
- Dry bag for the camera
Add gear for this trip
Suggestions shift with the trip length, activities and the forecast above.
2.5 L
Per person, per day
2 L
Heaviest carry
4.4 lb
Water weight (2.2 lb/L)
4.4 lb
Gear 0.0 lb + water
- Sources unconfirmed — this assumes one mid-day refill. Check conditions before you go.
Food plan
- Breakfast: oats + coffee
- Lunch: PB tortillas
- Dinner: skillet dinners at camp
Weather & conditions
Trail conditions
We don't have a trailhead pinned for this route yet.
Nearby camping
Gear recommendations
Know before you go. Routes, distances, elevation and conditions shown here are estimates and may be inaccurate or out of date. Trail conditions change, and closures happen. Check with the managing land agency, carry a topographic map and compass or GPS, tell someone your plans, and know your limits — you're responsible for your own safety in the outdoors.