Best Hiking Trails In Gatlinburg: Favorite Hikes, Drives and Easy Walks

Exploring Easy Trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

As the most visited national park in the United States, Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers over 800 miles of hiking trails that wind through rich forests, serene meadows, cascading waterfalls, and scenic ridgelines. The park is home to a remarkable diversity of flora and fauna, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

For those seeking leisurely hikes suitable for all ages, the park features a variety of easy, accessible trails. While many of these paths can be navigated in sneakers, it is advisable to wear sturdy walking shoes to handle uneven or occasionally muddy terrain.

Tips for a Comfortable Hike

  • Dress in layers:Higher elevations can be significantly cooler—often 10 to 20 degrees lower than surrounding areas.
  • Bring a light jacket:Weather can change quickly, particularly in the mountains.
  • Stay alert:Even on easier trails, the terrain may include rocks or wet areas that require careful footing.

 

Recommended Easy Hiking Trails

Laurel Falls Trail
Just outside Gatlinburg, this paved 2.6-mile trail leads to the 60-foot-high Laurel Falls. Known as one of the most accessible waterfall hikes on the Tennessee side of the park, it offers a rewarding view with minimal elevation change, making it popular among families and casual hikers.

Little River Trail
Following the course of a scenic stream adorned with boulders and gentle waterfalls, this trail ascends gradually along an old railroad bed. It is especially vibrant in spring, when wildflowers bloom along the path from mid-March to April.

Porters Creek Trail
Located in the Greenbrier area east of Gatlinburg, this 4-mile round-trip trail follows a lively stream through old-growth forest. Along the way, hikers will encounter remnants of early Appalachian settlement and reach Fern Branch Falls, a striking 50-foot cascade.

Chimneys Picnic Area
While not a trail in itself, Chimneys Picnic Area offers riverside views and is a great place to relax or enjoy a meal before or after a short walk. Located approximately 4.5 miles south of Sugarlands Visitor Center along Newfound Gap Road (US-441), it's an ideal spot for a peaceful outdoor gathering.

Big Creek Trail to Mouse Creek Falls
This gently graded trail offers an easy 4-mile round trip and climbs only 580 feet. It follows an old logging railroad through lush woodland to reach Mouse Creek Falls, a 45-foot waterfall. Originally built in the early 1900s, the trail was later improved by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s and remains in excellent condition.

Gatlinburg Trail
Starting from the town of Gatlinburg and leading into the national park, this is one of the few trails that allows leashed dogs and bicycles. It provides a pleasant riverside walk suitable for casual outings and pet-friendly adventures.

Additional Resources

For more family-friendly activities that don’t require extensive hiking, refer to our guides on Easy Outdoor Adventuresand Easy Walks in the Smoky Mountains. For those ready for more challenging treks, our comprehensive guide to Hiking in the Smokiesincludes trail maps and highlights some of the park’s top-rated hikes.

Whether you're exploring for the first time or returning to discover new trails, Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers an abundance of accessible and enjoyable outdoor experiences for every level of adventurer.

Outdoor Activities