Great Smoky Mountains National Park · North Carolina, Tennessee

Smokemont Nature Trail

0.6 mi of trail, end to end · Hike Smokemont Nature Trail: 0.62 mi round trip in the Service's write-up · about 150 ft of climbing · 2,209 ft–2,370 ft · native surface · trail class Developed

2,220 ft 2,218 ft · 0.5 mi high 2,370 ft

Trailhead Smokemont Nature Trail Trailhead 2,212 ft Drive there

Hike Smokemont Nature Trail 0.62 mi round trip · the Park Service's write-up

no dogs · entrance fee applies

A footlog bridge over a stream in the forest.
Hike Smokemont Nature Trail Photo: NPS

Overview

This scenic loop hike near Smokemont Campground provides a peaceful escape and views of the surrounding peaks. Hike across narrow foot log bridges over pristine Bradley Fork and enjoy wildflowers, lush trees, and bird song. Once known as Bradleytown, the Smokemont region’s history is tied to early 1900s logging and Champion Fibre Company before the establishment of the park and included barracks, stores, churches, and sawmills.

This hike is suitable for hikers of many skill levels, especially for families or hikers camping in the area looking for a short hike away from the bustle of Cherokee or Gatlinburg. This trail also has designated picnic areas near the trailhead, which are perfect for a post-hike snack or lunch.

Begin at the trailhead, located across from campsite B31 in the Smokemont Campground. The trail is marked by a sign reading “Smokemont Self-Guided Nature Trail.” Cross two small foot log bridges, then look for a sign with an arrow pointing to the right: this is the start of the loop trail.

At the start, the trail follows the Bradley Fork upstream before turning right and climbing gently to the top of the loop where one can enjoy scenic views to the east and northeast from the ridge. The trail then curves to the west side of the mountain and begins a gentle descent back to the Bradley Fork and the log bridges.

Length

0.62-mile (1 km) roundtrip

Elevation Gain

168 feet (51 meters)

Parking & Trailhead

18 parking spots for day use at the Smokemont Campground. The trailhead is located directly across from the campground at site B31. Hikers should not park in campsites. Don't forget your parking tag .

Nearest Restroom

Smokemont Campground

Alternate Hikes

Smokemont Loop Trail with Bradley Cemetery: 6 miles (9.66 km) roundtrip

Pets The Gatlinburg Trail and Oconaluftee River Trail are the only two park trails where pets are permitted. Pets are also allowed in picnic areas, in campgrounds, and on roads.

Accessibility No designated accessible parking spaces. The trail has two narrow foot log bridges with handrails. The trail has some steep sections and occasional roots/rocks.

This hike on nps.gov

On the parks map

All 244 trails in Great Smoky Mountains National ParkFind a trailOn the parks mapPark on nps.gov

About this trail's facts

The lines are the National Park Service's public trails layer, the trailheads and the waterfalls, views, peaks and historic places along them the Service's public points of interest, read 2026-10-16 and simplified for the map; the length is the line's, end to end. The write-ups are the Service's own "things to do" text, unedited. Heights come from USGS 3DEP through Terrain Tiles on AWS (Mapzen/Tilezen), read along each line and rounded; a short trail on steep ground can be off by a few tens of feet. Closures change: check the park's own site before you go.