Hiking in The Great Smoky Mountains

Franklin, North Carolina, is one of the best basecamps for exploring Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the surrounding Nantahala National Forest. This small mountain town is known for its quiet charm, but for hikers, it’s the endless web of trails that truly sets the region apart. 

The Great Smoky Mountains offer a blend of lovely vistas, rushing waterfalls, green forests, and an abundance of local wildlife that includes black bears, elk, deer, and foxes. Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or a casual day hiker, the mountains surrounding Franklin provide both challenge and serenity. 

Below are some of our favorite hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains near Franklin, NC. 

Appalachian Trail

One of the region’s most iconic routes is the Appalachian Trail, which passes through Winding Stair Gap and Wayah Gap, just a short drive from Franklin. These trailheads make it easy to experience one of America’s most legendary footpaths without committing to a multi-day trek. 

Winding Stair Gap 

Winding Stair Gap is one of the most popular and accessible entry points to the Appalachian Trail, offering hikers an immediate sense of the beauty of the southern Appalachians. Located right off U.S. 64, this gap provides quick access to a well-maintained stretch of trail that climbs steadily through rhododendron tunnels, hardwood forest, and gentle switchbacks. 

Many hikers use Winding Stair Gap as a starting point for the rewarding hike to Siler Bald, a scenic, grassy summit with stunning 360-degree mountain views. With its easy access, peaceful forest setting, and connection to some of the region’s most scenic ridges, Winding Stair Gap offers the perfect introduction to the AT experience.

Wayah Bald

Wayah Bald, accessed via the Wayah Gap, is one of the most breathtaking high points along the Appalachian Trail. It offers hikers sweeping, long-range views that stretch across the Blue Ridge, the Smokies, and into multiple states on a clear day. Standing at over 5,300 feet, the bald is crowned by a historic stone fire tower built in the 1930s. This tower provides an elevated panoramic vantage point and a sense of old Appalachian character. 

The hike to Wayah Bald winds through spruce-fir forest, rhododendron thickets, and breezy ridges that make the journey as memorable as the destination. Known for its serenity despite its grandeur, Wayah Bald offers one of the most peaceful and rewarding viewpoints in the region, making it a must-see stop for day hikers, section hikers, and thru-hikers alike.

Deep Creek Trail

Located about 40 minutes from Franklin in Bryson City, the Deep Creek Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a scenic, family-friendly trail. It follows the bubbling Deep Creek, offering hikers a relatively gentle and accessible route through the beautiful southern Appalachian forest. 

The trail is well-known for its series of three lovely waterfalls—Juney Whank Falls, Tom Branch Falls, and Indian Creek Falls—all within a few miles of the trailhead. The terrain is mostly moderate, with well-maintained paths and occasional rocky sections. Deep Creek is also popular for tubing during the warmer months, giving the area a lively, recreational atmosphere. 

Laurel Falls Trail

The Laurel Falls Trail, located about 40 minutes away near Cherokee, is both a popular and accessible hike. It offers a picturesque waterfall experience suitable for hikers of nearly all skill levels. The 2.3-mile round-trip trail is mostly paved and gently graded, making it one of the park’s easiest waterfall hikes, perfect for families and casual walkers. 

The trail winds through a shaded forest of hardwoods and rhododendron that leads to Laurel Falls. This stunning 80-foot waterfall cascades over mossy rocks into a tranquil pool below. Along the way, hikers can enjoy the peaceful sounds of rushing water, birdsong, and the greenery of the Smokies. Its ease of access and stunning natural beauty make Laurel Falls Trail a must-stop for anyone exploring the Cherokee area of the park.

Rainbow Falls Trail

If you’re up for a longer drive–about 2 hours from Franklin–the Rainbow Falls Trail is one of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s most popular and scenic hikes. It begins at the trailhead near the Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness area and climbs steadily through rich Appalachian forest. The trail covers about 5.4 miles round-trip, ascending roughly 1,500 feet. It rewards hikers with the spectacular 80-foot Rainbow Falls, named for the colorful rainbows that appear in the mist on sunny days. 

The route follows a mountain stream, with smaller falls and rock formations along the way. It passes through moss-covered boulders, rhododendron thickets, and dense hardwood forests that showcase the region’s rich biodiversity. While moderately strenuous, the trail is a favorite for day hikers and photographers, offering both the challenge of a climb and the serene beauty of one of the Smokies’ most iconic waterfalls.

Stay at Riverbend RV Park & Cabins

With 18 RV sites and 4 cozy cabins, our RV Park is the perfect place for camping in Franklin, NC. After a long day of hiking, sit around your campfire and roast marshmallows, play a game of horseshoes on our lawn, or take your dog to run in our bark park. A stay with us means comfort and fun.

Our RV sites come with full hook-ups, picnic tables, and fire rings. Our cabins can sleep between 2-10 people, with some of them including hot tubs, fire pits, and grills. All sites have access to the river and to our free Wi-Fi. Book your reservation with us today and make your trip one to remember!