If you want to get up close and personal with Sequoia’s towering giants, the Congress Trail is ideal. Starting near the General Sherman Tree (the world’s largest tree by volume), this gentle loop winds through a forest of ancient sequoias. Along the way, you’ll encounter iconic trees like the “President,” “Senate,” and “House” trees. It’s a peaceful and awe-inspiring hike that’s suitable for families and hikers of all levels.

The Tokopah Falls Trail is a stunning riverside hike that leads to the 1,200-foot-high Tokopah Falls. The trail follows the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River, offering beautiful views of granite cliffs and forested valleys. The waterfall is at its most impressive in late spring and early summer when the snowmelt is at its peak. It’s an accessible hike that provides plenty of scenery without being too strenuous.

The Lakes Trail is a scenic trek that takes you past beautiful alpine lakes, culminating at the crystal-clear Pear Lake. Along the way, you’ll pass Heather Lake, Emerald Lake, and Aster Lake, each surrounded by rugged peaks. The trail offers a variety of landscapes, from lush forests to rocky terrain, and is perfect for those who want a longer day hike with rewarding views. It’s also a popular spot for overnight backpacking.

For an easy, family-friendly hike, the Big Trees Trail is perfect. This short loop circles a serene meadow surrounded by giant sequoias. The trail features educational signs about the ecology of the sequoia groves and the importance of meadows in the park’s ecosystem. It’s a leisurely walk that provides an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of these ancient trees up close.

One of Zion’s most famous and thrilling hikes, Angels Landing is not for the faint of heart. The hike begins with a steady ascent along the West Rim Trail, winding through Refrigerator Canyon before reaching the challenging switchbacks known as Walter’s Wiggles. Once you reach Scout Lookout, the real adventure begins.

From Scout Lookout, the final half-mile section involves a heart-pounding, narrow ridge with sheer drop-offs on both sides, guided by chains bolted into the rock for safety. The reward at the summit is one of the most spectacular panoramic views in Zion Canyon, with a 360-degree vista of the surrounding cliffs and the Virgin River below.

The Narrows is one of Zion’s most iconic and unique hikes, offering a completely different hiking experience as much of the trail involves wading through the Virgin River. The towering canyon walls, sometimes only 20-30 feet apart, rise dramatically above you as you traverse the water. It’s a refreshing way to experience Zion, especially in the heat of summer.

There are two main ways to hike The Narrows: the Bottom-Up day hike, which starts at the Temple of Sinawava and allows hikers to turn around at any point, or the more strenuous Top-Down hike, which requires a permit and is usually done as an overnight trip.

Water levels can significantly impact the difficulty of this hike, so be sure to check with the park for conditions and bring appropriate gear like water shoes and a walking stick to navigate the slippery riverbed

For those seeking the most breathtaking viewpoint in Zion, Observation Point offers an unforgettable reward. This strenuous hike climbs over 2,000 feet from the canyon floor, providing sweeping views that are even higher than Angels Landing. The trail begins at the Weeping Rock trailhead, ascending steep switchbacks and passing through the stunning Echo Canyon, a narrow slot canyon with impressive rock formations.

Once at the summit, hikers are treated to one of the most panoramic vistas in the park, with views of the entire Zion Canyon, including Angels Landing far below. Due to the current closure of the Weeping Rock trailhead, hikers can still access Observation Point from the East Mesa Trail, which is a longer but less steep route.

The Emerald Pools trails offer a family-friendly option for those looking to enjoy Zion’s beauty without the strenuous climbs. The hike consists of three sections: Lower, Middle, and Upper Emerald Pools, each featuring shimmering pools, waterfalls, and scenic canyon views.

The Lower Emerald Pool trail is a relatively flat, easy walk, perfect for families or casual hikers. It leads to a peaceful pool and a waterfall cascading from the cliffs above. From there, you can continue to the Middle and Upper Pools, which require more elevation gain but reward hikers with even more stunning scenery.

This trail is one of the most accessible hikes in the park and provides a tranquil escape surrounded by Zion’s iconic red rock cliffs.

If you’re looking for a short but rewarding hike, the Canyon Overlook Trail offers incredible views with minimal effort. This one-mile round trip trail begins just east of the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel and takes you along a scenic path with a few narrow ledges (guardrails provided) and fascinating rock formations.

The endpoint of the trail provides a jaw-dropping view of Zion Canyon, with the road winding below and the towering cliffs of Zion in the distance. This is a great option for sunrise or sunset hikes, offering beautiful light and fewer crowds than some of the longer hikes.

Located in the quieter Kolob Canyons section of Zion, the hike to Kolob Arch offers solitude and one of the park’s most impressive natural features. Kolob Arch, one of the largest free-standing arches in the world, is the reward at the end of this 14-mile round-trip hike.

The trail follows the La Verkin Creek through a beautiful canyon with towering red rock walls, lush vegetation, and a peaceful creek. While the distance is long, the terrain is relatively flat, making it more manageable for hikers with endurance. This hike is ideal for those looking to explore a less-traveled part of Zion and enjoy some backcountry serenity.

One of the most iconic hikes in the Smokies, the Alum Cave Trail takes you through some of the park’s most diverse terrain. The hike begins with a relatively gentle climb through old-growth forests, crossing streams via rustic log bridges. As you ascend, you’ll pass landmarks like Arch Rock, a unique natural tunnel, and Alum Cave Bluff, an overhanging cliff offering stunning views of the valley below.

The final push to Mount LeConte is challenging but rewarding. At the summit, you can visit LeConte Lodge, a rustic retreat only accessible by foot, and enjoy panoramic views of the Smokies. This trail is ideal for hikers looking for a longer day hike or an overnight adventure.

For those seeking a shorter but more challenging hike, the Chimney Tops Trail offers a steep, rocky ascent with a huge payoff at the top. The trail, though only 3.3 miles round trip, climbs sharply through forested switchbacks. The final section involves scrambling up rocks to reach the twin peaks, where you’ll be rewarded with sweeping 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains.

The climb can be tough, but it’s one of the best short hikes for those who want a bit of adventure in a short timeframe. Be sure to bring plenty of water and take your time on the steeper sections.

If you’re looking to combine the  Best Smoky Mountain Hikes and the beauty of the Appalachian Trail with spectacular mountain views, the hike to Charlies Bunion is perfect. This trail begins at Newfound Gap and follows the Appalachian Trail through dense forests before breaking out onto a rocky outcrop.

Charlies Bunion provides a stunning panorama of the Smoky Mountains, with views stretching for miles on clear days. The hike itself is moderately challenging but very rewarding, offering opportunities to spot wildlife and enjoy the park’s incredible biodiversity.

For a gentler hike with plenty of scenic rewards, Andrews Bald is an excellent choice. This trail starts at the Clingmans Dome parking lot, making it easily accessible for day hikers. It descends through a beautiful forest of spruce and fir, emerging at a grassy bald that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Balds are unique, grassy areas atop the mountains that provide unobstructed views, and Andrews Bald is one of the best in the park. Pack a picnic and take your time soaking in the scenery at the bald before making the moderate return ascent.

The Smoky Mountains are home to many beautiful waterfalls, and Ramsey Cascades is the tallest. This strenuous hike takes you deep into the forest, passing giant trees and following a stream for much of the journey. The trail ends at a stunning 100-foot waterfall, where water cascades down a series of rocky steps.

While the trail is long and challenging, the destination is worth every step. Ramsey Cascades offers one of the best waterfall views in the park, and the trail itself is less crowded than some of the more popular routes, making it a peaceful retreat for those seeking solitude.

For families and those looking for a shorter, more accessible hike, Laurel Falls is one of the most popular options. This paved trail is perfect for a leisurely stroll through the woods, leading to a beautiful 80-foot waterfall. It’s a great spot for photos and offers a serene break from the hustle of everyday life.

Because it’s relatively easy and short, Laurel Falls can get crowded, especially during peak tourist season. To beat the crowds, try visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon.