If you bring your kids hiking, you know how challenging it is to bring those who are still in strollers. In this Gatlinburg vacation guide, we’ve listed stroller-friendly hiking trails near Gatlinburg.
These trails offer families with small children a chance to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Smoky Mountains while keeping their little ones safe and comfortable.
Gatlinburg is great for family vacations, offering plenty of fun and adventure throughout its stunning mountains. For those looking for an outdoor adventure, there are a number of trails in and around the town that are perfect for spending quality time together.
Be sure to read more to know which trails are kid-friendly and whether or not you can bring a stroller with you. Here’s a list of some of the best stroller-friendly hiking trails near Gatlinburg.
Can Kids Hike In The Smoky Mountains?
Yes, kids can go hiking in the Smoky Mountains. There are hikes for different levels of hikers, so everyone can find a hike that is perfect for them.
Kids need to be well-prepared for any hike they do, so make sure that they have the proper supplies.
Here are a few tips I’ve learned over the years when hiking with kids:
- A few key items to bring are sturdy hiking shoes, a map or guidebook, sun protection, and appropriate clothing for the weather.
- Don’t forget to bring some ready-to-eat snacks like trail mix or fruits. Kids are always hungry!
- Be sure to keep hydrated at all times. list of the best hydration packs for kids!
- Be sure to check on trail conditions ahead of time, as some trails may be closed due to weather or other circumstances.
- Bring a first-aid kit in case of any accidents on the trail, and consider writing down a plan of what you will do if someone gets lost in the woods.
With proper preparation, everyone can enjoy hiking in the Smoky Mountains!
Stroller-Friendly Hiking Trails in Gatlinburg
If you're hiking with a toddler, having them in strollers is the best way to enjoy the outdoors while making sure they're safe.
Check out these stroller-friendly hiking trails near Gatlinburg that will make hiking with small children a breeze.
*For advisory on road closures due to weather, visit their website.
Little River Trail is a great spot for families and experts alike. It’s an easy-to-moderate hike with stunning views of the Rocky Mountains. Along the way, hikers will find various spots to take in the beautiful scenery or take a rest break.
- Parking: In Elkmont Campground
- Features: Stream, Wildflowers, and History
- Skill Level: Easy-Moderate
- Length: 4.9miles roundtrip
- Time to Hike: About 4 and a half hours
- Stroller Friendly? YES
*For advisory on road closures due to weather, visit their website.
Laurel Falls Trail features a beautiful waterfall which makes it a very popular kid-friendly hike in Gatlinburg. The trail is rated as easy, stroller-friendly, and suitable for families with young children. Bears are also active in this area, so it's best to prepare accordingly.
- Parking: Located on both sides of the road at the Trailhead
- Features: 80-foot Laurel Falls at the end of the trail
- Skill Level: Easy
- Length: 2.6 miles out and back
- Time to Hike: About 2 hours
- Stroller Friendly? YES (but it does have points that are narrow and bumpy)
*For advisory on road closures due to weather, visit their website.
This trail is a very popular location not only for hiking but also for running and mountain biking. The trail is open all year round and is the only trail that is pet-friendly.
- Parking: Trail access begins at Traffic light 10 in town or the Sugarlands Visitor Center
- Features: Runs along the Little Pigeon River
- Skill Level: Easy
- Elevation Gain: 235m
- Length: 2.8 miles out and back (1.4 miles to Sugarlands Visitor Center)
- Time to Hike: 2 hours if hiking out and back
- Stroller & Wheelchair Friendly? YES
- Are Dogs Allowed? Yes, but must be on a leash
Sugarland Valley Nature Trail is a haven for family fun. It's a scenic and diverse landscape of prairie grasses, wetlands, and woodlands.
- Parking: Sugarlands Visitor Center
- Features: Wildlife, Historic Site
- Skill Level: Easy
- Elevation Gain: 6m
- Length: 0.8 km
- Time to Hike: 10 minutes
- Stroller & Wheelchair Friendly? YES
- Are Dogs Allowed? No
This trail is an old railroad bed used by the Little River Lumber Company to haul logs. There are remains of the damage left by the loggers, nevertheless, it is still a beautiful trail. The trail is stroller-friendly, making it even more appealing to go on a hike and see the different wildflowers that bloom on this trail in the spring.
- Parking: From the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont, take another 3.1 miles past the institute to the parking for the Middle Prong Trailhead
- Features: 3 cascading waterfalls/historic
- Skill Level: Easy
- Elevation Gain: 285 feet
- Length: 8.3 miles
- Time to Hike: 1-2 hours if hiking out and back
- Stroller Friendly? Yes (hard-packed dirt road)
Read more about our experience on the Middle Prong Trail in the Seasonal Guide to Hiking in the Smokies.
Cataract Falls Trail is a popular family-friendly hike. It is 4 miles roundtrip and has stunning views of the Cascades, with a number of cascading waterfalls. This trail winds through an old-growth forest and features a variety of wildflowers in the springtime. Bring your camera because you'll want to take lots of pictures here.
- Parking: There is no legitimate parking area, just roadside parking.
- Features: Falls
- Skill Level: Easy
- Elevation Gain: 322 m
- Length: 4.5 miles
- Time to Hike: 2 hours
- Stroller Friendly? Yes (hard-packed dirt road)
- Are Dogs Allowed? Yes, but must be on a leash
Download Our FREE Winter Packing List for The Smokies
Related Hiking Resources
MORE RELATED RESOURCES
If you’re on a budget but are looking for more adventures, check out these free things to do in Gatlinburg for the whole family.
One way for kids to enjoy hiking more is by playing scavenger hunt games. Check out these National Park scavenger hunt printables from PhotoJeepers. You can even put a twist to it by using disposable cameras to photograph each subject.
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