The 20 Best Hiking Trails in Gatlinburg, TN
Rolling hills, steep inclines, striking waterfalls, and stunning vistas converge in Gatlinburg, “The Gateway to the Smoky Mountains.” The East Tennessee town provides for some of the best hiking trails and experiences in the United States. Located at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg is best when explored by foot. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly hikes, more difficult treks, or photo-worthy waterfalls, we’ve compiled a list of 20 of our favorite hiking trails in Gatlinburg.
Family-friendly
1. Gatlinburg Trail
Let’s start with the namesake Gatlinburg Trail. For visitors to the area, this might be the ideal trail to ease into exploration. The easy, out-and-back trail is 3.9 miles in length, and takes about 45 minutes each way. The gravel surface is accommodating to bikes and pets, and the casual nature makes it one of the area’s most popular trails.
2. Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail
Easy, paved, and flat, this family-friendy trail is well-suited for strollers and wheelchairs. Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail is a quick half-mile, 30 minute jaunt through some of the most lush stretches of the Smoky Mountains. Pack a lunch for a serene picnic in the forest, without having to schlep far from your car.
3. Cove Hardwood Nature Trail
This breezy hike is just under one mile long, and should take a leisurely hour or two to complete the loop. You’ll bear witness to one of North America’s richest ecosystems, the Southern Appalachian cover forest. The beauty is at its peak in May, when the wildflowers are in full bloom. Come autumn, the canopy of broadleaf trees creates a multi-hued delight. You’ll want to bring your camera to this one!
4. Metcalf Bottoms Trail
Popular with walkers and runners, this is an easy 1.5 mile trail. Along the dirt path, you’ll encounter stream crossings and picnic areas on the way to Little Greenbrier School. The log cabin was built in 1882 and used as a school house and church for over 50 years. Feel free to explore! The log cabin is preserved and still contains the desks and blackboard that were used over a hundred years ago.
Because of the welcoming length and sights, Metcalf Bottoms is great for a family hike, however, we advise forgoing the stroller, since the terrain is a little too uneven to accommodate it.
5. Fighting Creek Trail
Another educational excursion, Fighting Creek Trail offers more glimpses of the past. The path is an easy one, a 1.2 mile loop that’s great for families or as a warm-up for more ambitious offerings.
The trail passes through old farmsteads of the Forks of the River community that have been recolonized. You’ll also see a piece of history in the John Ownby cabin, which was built in the 1860s and restored by the National Park Service. This area has been known to be frequented by black bears, so heed warnings for such activity. In the event of a sighting, the trail will be closed.
6. Twin Creeks Trail
Another trail close to town is Twin Creeks, which is easy but a little longer at 4.5 miles out-and-back. Take a trip back in time when you pass by the Noah “Bud” Ogle cabin, constructed in the 1880s. Another landmark awaits as you traverse the serene path: you can access the House of Fairies, one of the most unique relics in the Smoky Mountains. The rustic architecture includes a staircase that leads up to an arched stone wall that is open to exploration. The House of Fairies was built as a springhouse on the Voorheis Estate, a mountain retreat built by Louis Voorheis in the late 1920s. Take the kids along and let their imagination run wild!
Amp up the effort
7. Jumpoff
For sightseers, the Jumpoff is a can’t miss. The moderately challenging trail begins at Newfound Gap and connects to Boulevard Trail. Prepare to be wowed upon arrival to the Jumpoff and its panoramic views of the Smoky Mountain Range, Mount Guyot, and the Appalachian Trail ridge. Round trip, the hike is 6.5 miles, highly rated, and highly Instagram-worthy.
8. Trillium Gap Trail
This robust hike is one of five trails to the summit of Mount LeConte and according to TheSmokyMountains.com, is considered well-balanced due to its “total distance, complexity, and sights along the way.” You’ll pass through verdant forests, peak behind waterfalls, and breath in the fragrance of wildflowers that thrive along the 14 mile path. Albeit strenuous, the beauty of your surroundings will make it all worthwhile.
9. Forney Ridge Trail
Forney Ridge Trail is a popular route to Andrews Bald, the highest grassy bald in the Smokys. Expect everything from wide open views to rich forestscapes on this 3.6 mile round trip hike. The path begins at Clingmans Dome, and takes a few dips down and back up through elevation, so plan accordingly — layers of clothing will come in handy here. Photo opps abound along the way, so don’t be surprised if you hike past an engagement or senior picture photo shoot.
10. Newfound Gap Road Drive
If a moderately challenging, all-day hike is calling to you, Newfound Gap Road Drive is the one. The 29.4 mile stretch takes between 12 and 13 hours to complete. You’ll take in heavenly views from pull-off points throughout, and you may feel compelled to linger in order to properly take it all in.
The most popular drive in the Smoky Mountains, Newfound Gap Road sees car, bike, and foot traffic. However, it’s not too congested. The drive is open year-round, so you can witness some of the most diverse forest ecosystems in all seasons. “A trip over the Newfound Gap Road has often been compared to a drive from Georgia to Maine in terms of the variety of forest ecosystems one experiences,” according to AllTrails.com.
11. Huskey Gap Trail
The name is derived from Sam Huskey, one of the early settlers to the area who owned a homestead near the gap in the late 1800s. The moderately difficult, 4.2 mile hike begins with a heavily forested path, immersing trekkers in the sights and sounds of the forest — and the sights are plentiful!
“The Huskey Gap Trail is usually one of the trails included on the hiking schedule of the Great Smoky Mountains Association’s Annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimmage Tour (held in April), which means this is a great hike if you’re looking to spot a variety of wildflowers,” according to HikingInTheSmokys.com. You’ll see Canadian violets, yellow trillium, wild geranium, and many more species throughout. Try to peel your eyes away from the wildflowers to catch glimpses of Mount LeConte as it peaks through the dogwoods.
12. Old Sugarlands Trail
Beautiful scenery and a gradual climb are the calling cards of Old Sugarlands Trail. Moderately challenging, it will take a little over three hours to walk the 7.5 mile wide, gravel trail. The initial incline is steep, but evens out for a peaceful, serene walk along the Little Pigeon River. Sparsely populated, this trail is perfect for a contemplative stroll. Take in some history as you pass by one of the cemeteries of the old Sugarlands community, where prolific pioneers like the Ogle’s and Huskey’s are laid to rest.
Chase waterfalls
13. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
Expect major payoff on this trek. One of the most breathtakingly beautiful hiking trails in the area, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail features two waterfalls: Rainbow Falls and Grotto Falls. Walk behind Grotto Falls for a rare perspective of a natural wonder. It’s 5.4 miles round trip, and provides a glimpse into the past thanks to the restored cabins, barns, and working tub mills of early settlers to the Smokys.
14. Ramsey Cascades
Accessible by trail, Ramsey Cascades is the highest waterfall in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Totaling eight miles, this hike includes a 2,000-foot elevation gain, and should take between five and seven hours to traverse. Here, flora and fauna abound; check out the salamanders that reside in the fall’s pools, and behold the beauty of the old-growth hardwood forest replete with tulip trees, basswoods, and silverbells.
15. Middle Prong Trail
If chasing waterfalls is your thing, Middle Prong will lead you to some of the most wondrous falls in the area. The path is moderately difficult and, at 8.3 miles, should take about four hours round trip (we suggest budgeting time for picture taking, of course). The path is equine-friendly, so expect to see some hikers on horseback. About a mile into the trail, you’ll see why Lynn Camp Prong is one of the most photographed spots and the largest cascades in the area.
Continue on to Indian Flats Falls, where four separate waterfalls await. The path and falls are beautiful any time of year, but if you’re hiking in the fall, keep an eye our for potential bear sightings which are common during the cooler months.
16. Cataract Falls Trail
Shhh…you didn’t hear this from us, but Cataract Falls is one of the best-kept secrets in Gatlinburg. If you’re staying in town, it is close by (just 10 miles from downtown), but feels completely removed from the bustle of it all.
Great for a family outing, the Cataract Falls Trail is a short ¾ mile, allowing for a few laps to make sure you don’t miss a thing. Kids can run across the well-maintained bridges that all lead to the waterfall. Two low-fall streams make a 25-foot drop into the pool below. Even during the dry season, the hike is just as delightful.
17. Laurel Falls Trail
Consider this a low effort, high reward outing. You’ll catch the photogenic Laurel Falls via this easy, 2.3 mile hike. You will quickly understand why it’s considered as one of the top waterfall hikes in Gatlinburg. This trail is fit for families and photos — why not take advantage of the scenery and pose for your annual Christmas card against the backdrop of the magnificent 80-foot fall? Plan for early morning or early evening to do so, when the area is less crowded.
Consider our final three trails a package deal. They all lie within Mount LeConte, so it’s possible to hit them all in a day or two. Book a stay at LeConte Lodge for easy access to them all.
18. Alum Cave Bluffs Trail
Moderately difficult yet exceptionally beautiful, Alum Cave Bluffs Trail is Mount LeConte’s most popular trail. At 4.6 miles, it takes about three hours to traverse. The firmly packed path makes it a comfortable hike, but a few steep inclines will ramp your effort up a gear.
19. Boulevard Trail
Alum Trails feeds into the Boulevard Trail, so if you’re up for a heavy day of hiking, this link up delivers. Boulevard is an eight mile stretch, the longest of the Mount LeConte trails. This trail is all about elevation, with ascents and descents along the way. After all, the peak of Mount LeConte sits a mile above Gatlinburg. Plan for plenty of scenic stops, even a view of North Carolina’s Smoky Mountains.
20. Rainbow Falls Trail
We saved the most dramatic trail for last, and it’s worth it. Rainbow Falls is located near the top of LeConte, and has an elevation gain of about 1,500 feet. The trail is 5.4 miles round trip, and you’ll be rewarded for your moderately challenging, rocky climb by the jaw-dropping sight of the Rainbow Falls waterfall. It’s the tallest single-drop waterfall in the Smoky Mountains, and the landmark draws plenty of tourists to the path to witness it.
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