The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has been named the best park for hiking by KURU Footwear, a shoe manufacturer that analyzed all 63 national parks in the United States. The park's lush forests, rolling hills, and misty views, along with its reported number of hiking trails, average trail rating, and visitation number, contributed to its top ranking. The park's 4.4 average trail rating and 2025 visitation number helped it beat out other popular national parks like the Grand Canyon and Rocky Mountain. The park's 348 recognized trails, according to KURU, are a significant draw for hikers, although the park only has 150 official trails. The park's trails vary in difficulty, with easy, moderate, and difficult options available. Some of the most popular trails include the Gatlinburg Trail, Elkmont Nature Trail, Oconaluftee River Trail, Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte, Chimney Tops Trail, Rocky Top/Thunderhead Mountain trail via Bote Mountain, Deep Creek loops, Fighting Creek Nature Trail and Cataract Falls, and Laurel Falls Trail. The park's trails offer a variety of experiences, from scenic overlooks and waterfalls to challenging hikes and family-friendly options. The park's popularity and the variety of its trails make it a top destination for hikers, and its ranking as the best park for hiking is well-deserved.
