Gatlinburg is known as the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. If you’re visiting this mountain town, you’ll want to make sure you take some time to explore the natural beauty of the surrounding Smokies. You won’t have to go far to discover fantastic hiking trails that travel through scenic woods and past spectacular sights! Here are some of the best hiking trails near Gatlinburg, TN, that you won’t want to miss:
1. Gatlinburg Trail
Do you want to start your hike in downtown Gatlinburg? The Gatlinburg Trail is an easy, relatively flat trail that has two trailheads. One is right off River Road in downtown, and the other is at the Sugarlands Visitor Center. If you walk the length of the trail and back, it’s a total distance of 3.8 miles. Or, you can choose to turn around at any point to make the hike as long or as short as you’d like. This is one of only two hiking trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that allow dogs, so feel free to bring your furry friend with you!
2. Trillium Gap Trail
The Trillium Gap Trail is one of the most popular hiking trails near Gatlinburg. You can find the trailhead along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail just outside of downtown. This trail meanders through the forest and takes you up to Grotto Falls. This beautiful waterfall stands 25 feet tall and is the only one in the national park that you can walk behind! The trail continues past the falls all the way up to Mount LeConte; however, many people choose to turn around at Grotto Falls for a 3-mile round trip hike.
3. Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail
The Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail is one of the shortest hiking trails near Gatlinburg, and it can be found just a few hundred yards from the Sugarlands Visitor Center. This half-mile loop trail is considered easy, making it perfect for hikers of all ages! The entire trail is made of paved concrete and wooden bridges with rails, which means it is wheelchair and stroller accessible as well! This peaceful trail provides a great opportunity to enjoy the natural scenery and foliage all around you.
4. Laurel Falls Trail
Another one of the popular hiking trails near Gatlinburg is the Laurel Falls Trail. This is one of only a few trails in the Great Smoky Mountains that are paved. The trail has an elevation gain of about 314 feet as you make your way up a manageable climb to Laurel Falls. This waterfall is an impressive 80 feet tall and is made up of an upper and lower section with a footbridge across the middle. Laurel Falls is a breathtaking sight that offers the perfect photo opportunity to capture amazing pictures! This hike is only 2.3 miles round trip and is considered moderate in difficulty.
5. Fighting Creek Nature Trail
Fighting Creek Nature Trail is one of the best-kept secrets in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This is another one of the hiking trails near Gatlinburg that you can access from the Sugarlands Visitor Center. The trailhead is to the left of the visitor center, and it starts as a concrete path that turns into Fighting Creek Nature Trail. This hike takes you along Fighting Creek, and well-maintained footbridges with rails cross over the water several times. The trail leads to 25-foot-tall Cataract Falls, a waterfall consisting of two low-flow streams flowing into a small pool. After rainfall, the falls become quite impressive! This hike covers a total of 1.1 miles round trip.
Where to Eat After a Day of Hiking
Hiking can really work up an appetite! If you find yourself hungry after you finish your hiking adventure, make your way back to downtown Gatlinburg for a hearty meal at The Peddler Steakhouse. Find out what sets our Gatlinburg steakhouse apart to discover why you’ll love dining with us!
