This challenge brings you to the classic high places of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Includes 10 classic, trailed peaks lying within GSMNP with some of the best trails and most rewarding summit views in the range... hence most are extremely popular (but worth it!). 7 of the 10 peaks lie on or near the 71 miles of Appalachian Trail in the park. Note: includes some "peaks" that are more lookouts than actual peaks, but due to their incredible views they're included in this challenge.
Highest peak
Kuwohi
6,643 ft / 2,024 m
Most prominent peak
Kuwohi
4,503 ft / 1,372 m prom
Most climbed peak
Kuwohi
283 climbs
Most difficult peak
no info yet
Difficulty breakdown
no info yet
Highlights
- Before you drive, buy and print a Great Smoky Mountains National Park Parking Tag at https://www.recreation.gov/activitypass/AP2510
Latest climbs

"Warm day, but trail is well shaded. Consistent slope, but not overly difficult. Fire Azaleas at the top were well worth the trip. Navigated Parsons Branch Road in a 2WD Rav4. It was possible as the stream crossings were all very low, but a high clearance vehicle would have avoided some tricky spots." — walterczekaj • Jun 23, 2024

"Last big hike in the GSMNP started out around 8am. A little chilly and 3,000’ of climbing. Minimal whining from the kids. As we got on top of Cammerer the sun came out as we approached the fire watch observation tower and everything turned around. Soaked up the sun, fought off the hangries and enjoyed the panoramic views of the Smokey’s.
Mount Cammerer is a mountain on the northeastern fringe of the Great Smoky Mountains, in the Southeastern United States. The mountain is situated on the state line between Cocke County, Tennessee and Haywood County, North Carolina. The Appalachian Trail traverses Cammerer's south slope and a restored fire lookout at the summit offers panoramic views of the eastern Smokies, Cocke County, and the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Mount Cammerer was named for Arno B. Cammerer, Director of the National Park Service (1933–1940) and an instrumental figure in establishing a national park in the Great Smoky Mountains. Before its renaming, Mt. Cammerer was known as "White Rock," referring to the bright white rocks that burst through the treeline at the summit. On some North Carolina maps, Mt. Cammerer is called "Sharptop". At least one story tells of a lightning ..." — wiweasel • Nov 24, 2023

"“Rest day” today. 🤣 Drove out to Clingman’s Dome road in SMNP. Hiked the icy paved trail up to the observation tower with hundreds of folks. Picked up the AT to head down via Mount Buckley and snagged Andrew’s Bald before hitting the Clingman’s visitor center and motoring up to Pigeon Forge to catch Dolly Parton’s Stampede." — wiweasel • Nov 23, 2023

"“Rest day” today. 🤣 Drove out to Clingman’s Dome road in SMNP. Hiked the icy paved trail up to the observation tower with hundreds of folks. Picked up the AT to head down via Mount Buckley and snagged Andrew’s Bald before hitting the Clingman’s visitor center and motoring up to Pigeon Forge to catch Dolly Parton’s Stampede." — wiweasel • Nov 23, 2023

"We left the cabin at 5:45am and got to the trailhead by twilight to make a go on Mount LeConte 12 miles and 3,000+’ of elevation in GSMNP - through Arch Rock, past Alum Cave and on up. Got into LeConte Lodge as they were locking it down for winter and strolled around camp. LeConte Lodge is the only lodging in the NP and you have to hike in on foot. No road access, resupplied by air drop.
At its highest elevation of 6,593 feet at High Top, Mount Le Conte rises more than 5,300 feet above its base in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
As we summited, it started snowing as we made our way out to Myrtle Point to check out the scenic vistas across the Smokey’s - but there were none - we were surrounded by fog and cloud in every direction. Regardless we made the best of it. Descended by 1pm and headed to dumb ole' Cades Cove.
" — wiweasel • Nov 22, 2023