Explore the park in new ways with Friends of the Smokies!
‘Classic Hikes of the Smokies’ are offered on the 2nd Tuesdays of the month, March thru December, and feature interpretation of the trail, history and updates on park projects supported by Friends of the Smokies. Guided hikes vary in distance, difficulty and location within the park. Each hike offers an enriching experience from tours of historic structures nestled in the valleys, to high Appalachian vistas, to fields of wildflowers, and streams teeming with aquatic life. The series is a fundraiser for Trails Forever, a program supporting the restoration and rehabilitation of some of the Smokies most impacted trails.
If you’re interested in participating, please read the information below, including details regarding GSMNP Parking Tags.
2023 Hikes
March 14 – Jakes Creek
5.8 miles | Easy/Moderate
Wildflowers, Elkmont Historic District. Out & Back
April 11 – Smokemont Loop & Chasteen Creek Falls
7.5 miles | Moderate/Difficult
Wildflowers, Cascades, Forest Walk, Loop
May 16 – Big Creek SOLD OUT!
June 13 – Chimney Tops SOLD OUT!
July 11– Hemphill Bald from Polls Gap
9.4 miles | Moderate/Difficult
Mountain Views, Out & Back
August 8 – Schoolhouse Gap
4.4 miles | Easy/Moderate
Wildflowers, Forest Walk Out & Back
September 12 – Mt. Cammerer Via Low Gap
11.2 miles | Difficult
Mountain Views, Forever Places Project, Historic Fire Tower, Out & Back
October 10 – Charlies Bunion
8 miles | Difficult
Appalachian Trail, Mountain Views, Out & Back
November 14 – Cove Mountain SOLD OUT
December 12 – Deep Creek Waterfall Loop
5.5 miles | Easy/Moderate
Waterfalls, Holiday Celebration, Loop
Pricing:
- $20 for current members of Friends of the Smokies
- $35 for non-members. Become a member here.
How to Register:
Step 1: Review the Classic Hike of the Smokies Waiver here.
Step 2: Register for your hike(s) and submit payment.
After completing registration, you will receive an email the Friday before the hike with directions, and more information. All hikes begin at 9 a.m.
GSMNP Parking Tags
Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s new ‘Park it Forward’ program requires visitors to buy and display a valid parking tag for any vehicle parking for more than 15 minutes beginning March 1, 2023.
Participants of ‘Classic Hikes of the Smokies’ are responsible for obtaining a parking tag prior to attending a hike. Annual passes are available through Great Smoky Mountains Association at smokiesinformation.org, daily and weekly passes are available at recreation.gov.
You can learn more about Park it Forward HERE.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out by emailing olivia@friendsofthesmokies.org
Special Thanks to our 2023 ‘Classic Hikes of the Smokies’ sponsors:
