10 Most Challenging Hiking Trails in the United States

Great Smoky Mountains

This Appalachian Trail is well-known for its scenery and its difficulty, specifically because of its low clouds and wet ground. It is considered a landmark mountain, located in North Carolina, and spans about 32 miles in length, presenting a breathtaking challenge for hikers.

The elevation change of 12,300 feet, make it a challenging hike over certain areas of the mountain range, but the mud, rocks, roots, bugs, and humidity during a majority of the year, also make it particularly challenging for those who aren’t used to these conditions.