Gatlinburg’s Convenient Hiking Trails
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Literally at the doorstep of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg greets hikers with all the charm of a vacation destination and unrivaled access to legendary trails. Eliminating the need to venture far to embark on hikes, Gatlinburg offers peak convenience for avid hikers and plenty to enjoy for those seeking seasonal fun.
PRO TIP: Snag a parking pass before you set out on hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and do your part to keep bears at bay! Be sure to also lock your vehicle, keep your windows rolled up fully and don’t leave/store smelly items or food inside your car.
Easy Hikes:
At under a mile roundtrip, Cataract Falls is accessible by parking at Sugarlands Visitor Center in Gatlinburg hiking to a narrow waterfall descending from Fighting Creek. Snap your photos from the bottom, as guests have been severely injured climbing on the falls. For a longer hike still ranked “easy” for its flat terrain, Gatlinburg Trail permits guests to walk dogs and ride bikes, both prohibited on most other area trails. The trail also begins at Sugarlands Visitor Center, winding 1.9 miles each way through the forest side of West Prong of the Little Pigeon River.
You can also hike down on three pristine hiking trails totaling 1.5 miles from the top of Gatlinburg SkyPark. Ride the chair lift to the top, take in the views, have lunch at Smoky Mountain Smash then taking the hiking trails back down to your car with several places to stop and take in the scenery.
Moderately Difficult Hikes:
Looking to up the ante? These hikes deliver! Baskins Creek Trail, a 2.7-mile uphill forest hike, includes a tricky creek crossing. It is less traveled than other trails and located off Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, across from the Trillium Gap Trail. Even longer, but mostly gentle terrain, is Twin Creeks Trail, a good option for hikers of all ages. The roughly 4.5-mile roundtrip loop links with the Noah “Bud” Ogle Nature Trail, for those wishing to extend their journeys.
Challenging Terrain:
The tougher the Gatlinburg trail, the bigger the payoff. The strenuous Trillium Gap Trail, 13.9 miles roundtrip with an elevation gain of more than 3,400 feet, is among the Gatlinburg area’s most difficult hikes. It’s well worth the effort, boasting views of Grotto Falls and finishing at the summit of Mount LeConte.
Where Hikers Dine in Gatlinburg
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Keep up your stamina on the trails by enjoying foods packed with sustainable energy. For breakfast, you can’t go wrong with the cozy comfort foods at Crockett’s Breakfast Camp or Log Cabin Pancake House. Grab lunch at a fun, flavorful spot like Mountain Trail Grill & Pizza or Taco Taqueria – with Appalachian Trail hiking-inspired taco names. Relax after a long day outdoors with dinner at The Park Grill, The Peddler Steakhouse, Cherokee Grill or Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que. For dining and stellar views of autumn foliage, al fresco seating at Myron Mixon BBQ, Loco Burro, Cliff Top at Anakeesta or Howard’s Restaurant won’t disappoint.
Scenic Drives & Nearby Waterfalls
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No trip to Gatlinburg and Great Smoky Mountains National Park is complete without a winding scenic drive. Follow your bliss and chase waterfalls to your heart’s delight, with breathtaking sights just steps from the roadway. Cades Cove is one of our favorite scenic loops steeped in history, known for colorful fall foliage and wildlife sightings. The short drive there passes some of Gatlinburg’s sweetest spots, including one of the largest picnic areas in the Smokies, Metcalf Bottoms. Hike around the Little River and by the Walker Sisters Cabin – or take a paved trail to Laurel Falls.
As for waterfalls, Meigs Falls and The Sinks are close to town and viewable from parking areas along Little River Road. Off Roaring Fork Nature Trail, Place of a Thousand Drips is made up of multiple little cascades and easily viewable from your vehicle.
Shopping for Gear & Souvenirs
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Gear up for your hikes at one of Gatlinburg’s well stocked retailers. Nantahalaha Outdoor Center Gatlinburg, Great Outdoors Trading Company and The Day Hiker both carry technical gear and mountain-themed gifts you’ll love. Ely’s Mill Crafts & Antiques is a favorite shopping spot among hikers, in an old historic mill close to town on Roaring Fork Creek.
