There is little doubt that, when visiting the Smoky Mountains, exploring the area’s abundant natural beauty is among the top things to do. We have previously covered some of the best hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains for families, with a collection of trails that range from easy to moderate in difficulty and are ideal for a variety of ages. However, today we wanted to go ahead and share some of the more challenging Smoky Mountains hiking trails that you can check out if you are looking to push yourself a bit! Plus, many of these trails will reward you with amazing views if you decide to take them on. Let’s get started:
1. Mount Cammerer Fire Tower
The first of the Smoky Mountains hiking trails on this list is the hike to the Mount Cammerer Fire Tower, which will actually take you through several trails in the area. If you take the most common route, starting at Low Gap Trail, the total roundtrip distance will be 11.2 miles, and the elevation gain definitely adds to the difficulty. However, once you reach the top, the Mount Cammerer Fire Tower is a cool location to check out, and the views of the surrounding area that you can take in from the structure will make your effort well worth it!
2. Charlies Bunion
Next up on our list of challenging Smoky Mountains hiking trails is the path to Charlies Bunion, which is an 8-mile roundtrip with considerable elevation gain. There are several points along the way that are ideal for taking a rest and admiring the views, so make sure to pace yourself and stop to enjoy the sights. Once you reach Charlies Bunion, you will be able to take in panoramic views of the surrounding area. Like the other trails on this list, you should make sure that you wear good hiking shoes and bring plenty of drinking water when you set out for a hike.
3. Ramsey Cascades
Finally, we have a challenging hike that will reward you with views of the tallest waterfall in all of Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Ramsey Cascades Trail is an 8-mile roundtrip hike that includes over 2,000 feet of elevation gain, meaning it will certainly require some effort to traverse. At the end of the trail, however, you will find the waterfall itself, standing at 100 feet tall! Since this trail and the others on this list take many hours, we strongly recommend that you start early in the day to allow yourself plenty of time.
When you check out some of these challenging but rewarding Smoky Mountains hiking trails, you will not only be able to explore the natural beauty of the area, you will also get some quality exercise in! Now that you know about these excellent hiking options, you are one step closer to enjoying all that the Smokies have to offer when you come to visit. Plus, you can learn about even more of the best ways to explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park right here!
