# Great Smoky Mountains Backcountry

**Location:** Gatlinburg, TN | **Difficulty:** Moderate | **Length:** 120+ miles

**GPS:** 35.6532, -83.5070

**Vehicle requirements:** 4WD with low range, all-terrain or mild mud-terrain tires (31–33"), skid plates recommended. Stock-to-2" lift handles most obstacles.

**Best season:** April - November

Forest roads skirting the edge of America's most visited national park. Misty mountain valleys, old-growth hardwood forest, and black bear country define this Appalachian classic.

**Region:** Southeast • **Trail type:** Overlanding • **Rating:** 4.7/5

**Highlights:** Smoky Mountain views, Old-growth forest, Black bears, Misty valleys, Historic cabins

**Nearby campgrounds:**
- [Moonshine Hollow Campground (Gatlinburg, Tennessee)](https://4x4playground.com/camping/tennessee/moonshine-hollow-campground)
- [Elkmont Campground (Gatlinburg, Tennessee)](https://4x4playground.com/camping/tennessee/elkmont-campground)
- [Elkmont Group Campground (Gatlinburg, Tennessee)](https://4x4playground.com/camping/tennessee/elkmont-group-campground)
- [Smokemont Group Campground (Gatlinburg, Tennessee)](https://4x4playground.com/camping/tennessee/smokemont-group-campground)
- [Smokemont Campground (Cherokee, North Carolina)](https://4x4playground.com/camping/north-carolina/smokemont-campground)

Canonical page: https://4x4playground.com/overlanding/trails/great-smoky-mountains