Hike the Smokies

NPS Photo and Graphic

Take the Challenge and Hike the Smokies

Experience Great Smoky Mountains National Park on foot! Join numerous hikers who have logged 100+ miles and the park will reward you with mileage pins.

The challenge: keep track and record the mileage from each trail excursion, even if it is the same trail, day after day. Remember you get the added perk of fun exercise when you hike! Don't leave the kids at home because we have a hiking program specifically for families, too.

Pocket-sized booklets to record mileage are available for purchase at the park's four visitor centers (Sugarlands, Oconaluftee, Clingmans Dome, and Cades Cove). When someone has hiked 100 miles, 250 miles, and 500 miles, they can bring their mileage record to one of the park's visitor centers to receive a mileage pin and be recorded in the "Hike the Smokies" record book.

 

NPS Graphic

Hike the Smokies for Families

Looking for a fun activity to do with your family? Why not go on a day hike in the Smokies? Several short nature trails and other family-friendly trails in the park are perfect for exploring with children or for those who need an easy hike.

The challenge: keep track and record the mileage from each trail excursion, even if it is the same trail, day after day. The park will award you with mileage stickers and pins.

The definition of family is broad. It could be a parent with children, a grandparent with grandchildren, two or more siblings, or any other combination of people who are members of a family.

Family booklets to record mileage are available for purchase at the park's four visitor centers (Sugarlands, Oconaluftee, Clingmans Dome, and Cade Cove). When a family has hiked 10 miles, 25 miles, 40 miles, and 50 miles, they can bring their mileage records to one of the park's visitor centers to receive a mileage sticker or pin and be recorded in the "Hike the Smokies for Families" record book.

 

Adopt a Trail

Another way to get some exercise and rack up additional trail miles is to join the Adopt a Trail program and assist the park with maintaining its trails. Maintenance can be anything from picking up litter to cleaning water bars and improving trail tread.

 

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This project was made possible in part by a grant from the National Park Foundation through the generous support of the Coca-Cola Foundation and the Smokies Life.