If you’re looking for a family-friendly, short hiking adventure in the Smokies, you’re in luck. In this Gatlinburg vacation guide, we’ve listed a variety of short hiking trails in Gatlinburg, TN, that offer incredible vistas and stunning nature views.
One of the most popular short hikes in Gatlinburg is the Laurel Falls Trail. This 4-mile round-trip trail takes you through lush forests and several creek crossings before arriving at a breathtaking 80-foot waterfall surrounded by lush greenery.
Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just looking to get out and explore the great outdoors, these short hiking trails in Gatlinburg, TN, offer stunning views of the Smoky Mountains, pristine nature preserves, and charming riverside landscapes.
Also, safety should always be your priority when hiking. Be sure you wear the best hiking shoes for a comfortable and safe hiking experience.
Here are a few of the best short hikes near Gatlinburg that you won’t want to miss!
What is the easiest hike in the Smoky Mountains?
The Little River Trail in Gatlinburg, TN, is one of the easiest hikes in the Smoky Mountains. It’s a 1 hour round trip with an easy path and light elevation that follows along Little River gorge.
It offers beautiful views of the waterfall and stunning wildflowers during the spring and summer months. It’s a perfect trail for families or beginners exploring the great outdoors!
Here are some of the easiest hikes in the Smoky Mountains:
- Laurel Falls
- Cataract Falls
- Gatlinburg Trail
- Andrews Bald Trail
If you’re looking for a quick hike this weekend, check out these short hiking trails in Gatlinburg, TN, that you should visit on your trip!
Short Hiking Trails in Gatlinburg, TN
This trail is popular for hiking and outdoor lovers in general so expect to see a lot of people during your trip You have to leave your fur babies at home because pets are prohibited on this trail.
- Parking: Left side of Cherokee Orchard Loop. (16 parking spaces)
- Features: Scenic view, wildflowers, waterfall
- Skill Level: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 166 m
- Length: 4.2 km out-and-back trail
- Time to Hike: average of 1hr and 19mins.
- Stroller & Wheelchair Friendly? no
- Are Dogs Allowed? No
For more information and a trail map, visit AllTrails
The Laurel Falls Trail is famous for hiking and outdoor lovers in general so expect to see a lot of people during your trip This trail is kid-friendly and ideal for strollers.
- Parking: Clingmans Dome Visitor Center
- Features: Scenic view, wildflowers
- Skill Level: Easy
- Elevation Gain: 121 m
- Length: 3.9 km out-and-back trail
- Time to Hike: average of 1hr and 6min
- Stroller & Wheelchair Friendly? Yes
- Are Dogs Allowed? No
For more information and a trail map, visit AllTrails.
This easy route is best visited from May through November. It's a very popular trail, so plan accordingly to get a good parking space.
- Parking: Fighting Creek Gap Road
- Features: Scenic view, wildflowers, waterfalls
- Skill Level: Easy
- Elevation Gain: 9 m
- Length: 1.8 km out-and-back trail
- Time to Hike: 21 mins.
- Stroller & Wheelchair Friendly? Some parts
- Are Dogs Allowed? No
For more information and a trail map, visit AllTrails.
This trail is relatively flat, so it's a perfect hiking trail for families with small children. There's a high black bear activity in the area, and can be inaccessible when black bears are present.
- Parking: Sugarlands Visitor Center Parking
- Features: Scenic view, historical sites
- Skill Level: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 38 m
- Length: 2.3 km loop trail
- Time to Hike: 32 mins.
- Stroller & Wheelchair Friendly? Yes
- Are Dogs Allowed? No
For more information and a trail map, visit AllTrails.
There are some uphills and downhills at the beginning of the hike, but this trail is very much kid-friendly. You may want to leave strollers at the cabin or in the car because it is muddy, and there are some large tree roots along the way.
- Parking: Picnic area of the trailhead
- Features: Scenic view, wildlife, wildflowers, Little Greenbrier School House
- Skill Level: Easy
- Elevation Gain: 57 m
- Length: 2.4 km out-and-back trail
- Time to Hike: 38 mins.
- Stroller & Wheelchair Friendly? No
- Are Dogs Allowed? No
For more information and a trail map, visit AllTrails.
This trail is not officially designated in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, so hike at your own risk.
- Parking: Across from the trailhead
- Features: Scenic view, wildlife, wildflowers
- Skill Level: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 225 m
- Length: 3.7 km out-and-back trail
- Time to Hike: 1 hr. 26 mins.
- Stroller & Wheelchair Friendly? No
- Are Dogs Allowed? No
For more information and a trail map, visit AllTrails.
This self-guiding trail is open year-round and can be crowded because of its popularity, so plan your trips accordingly.
- Parking: Turn onto Airport Road and drive 2.7 miles to the parking area.
- Features: Historical Places, Wildflowers, Stream, Cascades, Footbridge
- Skill Level: Easy
- Elevation Gain: 22 m
- Length: 1.1 km loop trail
- Time to Hike: 16 mins.
- Stroller & Wheelchair Friendly? No
- Are Dogs Allowed? No
For more information and a trail map, visit AllTrails.
Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail is paved and accessible to all. You still have to leave your pets at home, though, as they aren't allowed on this trail.
- Parking: Just a few hundred yards from the Sugarlands Visitor Center on U.S. 441
- Features: Historical Places, Wildflowers, River, Wildlife
- Skill Level: Easy
- Elevation Gain: 6 m
- Length: 0.8 km loop trail
- Time to Hike: approximately 10 mins.
- Stroller & Wheelchair Friendly? Yes
- Are Dogs Allowed? No
For more information and a trail map, visit AllTrails.
This hidden little gem is popular because it's appropriate for all ages. It's also popular among hikers, so you might encounter many people on your visit. Plan accordingly.
- Parking: The parking lot is at the Jakes Creek Trailhead.
- Features: Scenic view
- Skill Level: Easy
- Elevation Gain: 147 m
- Length: 4.3 km out-and-back trail
- Time to Hike: approximately 1 hour and 16 mins.
- Stroller & Wheelchair Friendly? No
- Are Dogs Allowed? No
For more information and a trail map, visit AllTrails.
Smoky Mountains 7-Day Itinerary
I understand how difficult it can be to plan a trip, especially if it’s your first time going. That’s why I created this 7-day itinerary for the Smoky Mountains. It outlines all of the best places to go in the area and comes with insider tips that will save you a lot of stress–trust me, they saved me when I was planning my own trip!
- Our 7-day itinerary takes you to the best places in the Smoky Mountains.
- You’ll get to see all the best sights and attractions with driving directions
- The itinerary is designed to show you the most scenic routes.
- Packing Checklist for every season.
- You’ll have everything you need to make the most of your trip.
- Insider Tips!
Here’s a quick overview of our Smoky Mountains 7-Day Itinerary.
- Day 1: Cades Cove Loop
- Day 2: Rich Mountain Road
- Day 3: Cataloochee Valley
- Day 4: Newfound Gap Road
- Day 5: Roaring Fork Motor Trail
- Day 6: Little River Road
- Day6: Foothills Parkway
Download Our FREE Winter Packing List for the Smokies
Related Smoky Mountain Resources
- Pigeon Forge Vacation Guide
- Gatlinburg Vacation Guide
- 125+ Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains
- Great Smoky Mountains Family Vacations Facebook Group
MORE RELATED RESOURCES
Looking for more National Parks to visit? We’ve got you covered. Check out PhotoJeepers’ list of National Parks by state so you can choose which ones to visit– or maybe visit them all!
If you’re bringing the kids, you might want to check out these easy National Park hikes they will love!