Smoky Mountain Fall Hiking Recommendations

The Smoky Mountains don’t just feel like a magical place, they really are a mystical destination. The phrase “old as the hills” rings true when you really dive into the old lore of the mountains. When you come to visit, take this otherworldly tour and investigate for yourself. Here are six of the Smokies’ best kept secrets.

1. Elkmont Trollbridge

Escape to a place that really feels like a glimpse into a mythical land. The Elkmont Trollbridge is a true hidden gem that only locals know about. Hike along the Little River Trail until you reach this spot. Covered in moss and mushrooms, the Trollbridge is perfect for capturing pictures or looking for hidden fantastical creatures.

2. House Of The Fairies

This whimsical spot is only a mile from downtown Gatlinburg yet it feels like you’ve been transported into another realm. Map to this magical place, then go out and explore. Here, you’ll find towering trees and moss covered logs and boulders. Then at the end of the trail you’ll see it...an arched doorway, that looks like it’s almost cut into the side of the hill, sits with a wooden ladder leaning against the frame. Step inside and find a cool spring, filled with water that tinkles like bells. 

3. Synchronous Fireflies

The synchronized fireflies that come out every year like clockwork might be more science than magic but when you’re sitting among the trees and they begin to spark in unison, flickering in and out of sight, it feels like something otherworldly. This rare phenomenon is only seen in a few places in the world and The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of them.

4. Elkmont Ghost Town

Once a thriving vacation spot for the Knoxville elite, the Elkmont Ghost Town looks like a legend brought back to life. Recently restored, explore inside the homes and hike trails where you will find the remains of homes once occupied by Appalachian locals who would serve, supply and work in the town. This piece of history is frozen in time and feels like stepping back into the past.

There are many magical places in the Smokies and these are only four of them. Don’t stop here, continue to search for more mystical creatures and sprites living in the trees and hollows. To discover more, stay overnight in the mountains in a log cabin. This cabin is even called Magical Moments, which is exactly what you’ll find when you visit the Smoky Mountains.

Albright Grove Loop Trail 

• The Baxter Cabin (one-room historic cabin).


• Historic stone walls.


• Old-growth forest.


• Very large tuliptree standing more than 135 feet.


• Connects to additional trails and paths.

Alum Cave Trail 

• Plentiful rosebay rhododendron.


• The Arch Rock landmark.


• A heath bald that showcases views of Little Duck Hawk Ridge.


• "The Eye of the Needle".


• Stairs cut into the rock ground leading to the "cave".


• The Alum Cave itself. Alum Cave is not really a cave, but a huge concave rock structure that is worth the excursion to see.


• Trail has been renovated and restored in recent years.

Andrews Bald 

• Spruce-fir trees dating back to the Ice Age.


• Access to the Appalachian Trail.


• Famous open grassy meadow where views are at their peak. Often used as a picnic spot.

• Short, easy trail for casual hikers.


• Views of Gatlinburg in Winter months.


• Falls Branch - the first waterfall on the trail.


• Baskins Cemetery.


• The Baskins Creek waterfalls that give the trail its name.

Bullhead Trail 

• A heath-covered bald providing wonderful views of the mountains.


• Views of several rock cliff faces along the trail.


• Two small caves created by overhanging slabs of rock.


• Connection to Mt. Leconte path.

Grapeyard Ridge Trail

• Proximity to the Little Pigeon River.


• Views of enormous mountains Mt. Chapman, Mt. Sequoia and Mt. LeConte.


• Rhododendron Creek.


• Old homestead sites.


• Injun Creek with remains of old steam engine.

Gregory Bald

• Incredible flame azaleas that are found along the path.


• Summit is the bald that gives it its name with many views worth the challenging climb. Cades Cove, Fontana Lake and Thunderhead Mountain are among them.


• Backcountry site with three footbridge crossings required to get there.


•  Blueberry patches that ripen toward the end of August and into early September.

Little River Trail 

• Old gravel railroad bed.


• Proximity to Townsend Wye River.


• Homesteads of vacation cottages that were built in the 1920s.


• Rhododendron patches.


• Huskey Branch Falls cascades.


• Connects to other hiking trails.

Mt. Cammerer 

• Old world hardwood forest.


• Gorgeous wildflower patches.


• Summit overlooks dozens of miles of Appalachia and the Pigeon River Gorge.


• Stone house fire lookout building.


• Trail overlaps with Appalachian Trail and others.

Porters Creek Trail 

• Proximity to Porter's Creek.


• Elbert Cantrell farmstead.


• Historic stone walls.


• Ownby Cemetery.


• John Messer historic farm site.


• Fern Branch Falls waterfalls.

Rich Mountain Loop 

• Proximity to and views of Cades Cove.


• Turkeys may be seen.


• John Oliver cabin.


• Lots of wildflowers expected. Mountain laurel, flame azalea, purple phacelia, violets, rattlesnake hawkweed, yellow ragwort, butterfly weed and more.


• Access to Cerulean Knob, the highest point of Rich Mountain.


• Rich Mountain Fire Tower remains.


• Crooked Arm Falls waterfalls.