Cucumber Gap Loop is a 5.6-mile loop trail near Great Smoky Mountains NP, Tennessee, delivering some of the finest hikeing the Volunteer State has to offer. With 800 feet of elevation change and a Moderate rating, this route provides a satisfying mix of challenge and reward that keeps people coming back season after season.

You'll find the trailhead well-signed and easy to locate. From the first steps, the character of the trail is clear: rugged coves and ridges of the Great Smoky Mountains, black bear, white-tailed deer, and wild turkey spotted regularly along this section at dawn and dusk, and enough visual variety to keep the miles moving quickly.

The mid-section is where this 5.6-mile hike earns its reputation. The grade builds, the terrain demands attention, and the payoff — whether a summit view, a waterfall, or a ridgeline panorama — makes every foot of the 800 feet climb worthwhile. Take your time through this section; the scenery changes with every bend.

The return portion wraps things up cleanly — loop trails bring fresh views, out-and-backs reward you with earned downhills. Best conditions: April–November. Surface: Dirt. Dogs welcome on leash.

Trail Details: 5.6-mile loop. Elevation gain: 800 feet. Difficulty: Moderate. No permit required for day use.

Whether this is your first time exploring Tennessee's trail network or you're a regular logging miles, Cucumber Gap Loop belongs on your list.