Are you looking for trails to hike during your Smoky Mountain family vacation? There are a number of great options if you want to enjoy a short, leisurely hike in the woods surrounded by natural beauty! To help you plan your hiking trip, we’ve put together this list of some of the best easy hikes in the Smoky Mountains to experience with your family.
1. Gatlinburg Trail
One of the best easy hikes in the Smoky Mountains is the Gatlinburg Trail. This trail is excellent for beginners because it’s mostly flat and close to town. It’s one of only two hiking trails in the national park where you can walk your dog, making it a great option if you want to bring your four-legged friend along! The trail runs 1.9 miles from the Sugarlands Visitor Center to the edge of downtown Gatlinburg. You can hike the entire trail or turn around at any point to make the hike as short as you’d like. Along the way, you’ll see beautiful views of the river, cross a foot bridge, and discover chimneys and foundations of several homesteads.
2. Grotto Falls
Grotto Falls is one of the most popular easy hikes in the Smoky Mountains. This hike travels through scenic landscapes to a breathtaking 25-foot waterfall. Grotto Falls is unique because you can actually walk behind the cascading water! The round-trip distance to the falls and back is 2.6 miles with a gentle but steady ascent. To access this hike, take the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail to the parking area for Grotto Falls. The hike starts at the Trillium Gap Trailhead, and from there you’ll walk along a well-worn and wide path through an old growth forest. There are some rocky and wet sections of the trail, so make sure you wear sturdy shoes and watch your step!
3. Elkmont Nature Trail
If you’re looking for easy hikes in the Smoky Mountains for beginners or young children, check out the Elkmont Nature Trail! This self-guided nature trail is a short loop that’s less than a mile long, making it a great option for families with kids. During your hike, you’ll encounter markers that provide information about the history and ecology of the area, including remnants of an old railroad. You’ll walk over a footbridge and through “tree tunnels,” surrounding you with all sorts of natural beauty! If you hike this trail in the spring, you can also see a variety of colorful wildflowers!
4. Cataract Falls
Another one of the simple, easy hikes in the Smoky Mountains is Cataract Falls. Park at Sugarlands Visitor Center just outside of Gatlinburg and take the paved path onto the Fighting Creek Nature Trail. After you cross a footbridge, turn right at the junction to continue toward Cataract Falls. This is a narrow, 40-foot waterfall that becomes dramatic after a heavy rain. The hike to and from the waterfall is 0.7 miles round trip. This is the perfect hike for families with small children or older adults who want to experience the beauty of nature without going far!
5. Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail
Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail is a short, easy hike in the Smoky Mountains. It’s only half a mile round trip and can be accessed near the Sugarlands Visitor Center. This trail is paved, and its wooden bridges have railings, making it accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. This means every member of the family can enjoy hiking together, no matter age or ability! The trail is relatively flat with only a 23-foot elevation gain as it follows alongside the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River, providing gorgeous views of the flowing water. Benches line the trail so you can stop and rest while enjoying the sights and sounds of nature all around.
Your family will love exploring these easy hikes in the Smoky Mountains during your vacation! Before you embark on your adventure, you need to fuel up with a tasty meal. Stop by Buddy’s bar-b-q in Sevierville to enjoy a delicious BBQ meal or to pick up a Family Pack for a picnic in the Smokies!
