Best Family-Friendly Hikes in the Smoky Mountains

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is GORGEOUS! I don’t care if you visit in the spring, the fall, or a random Tuesday in February. You will leave this park amazed and refreshed. One of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of this park is to get out and go for a few walks or hikes.

Hiking is free. It gets everyone out in the fresh air and sunshine. The family gets to experience the mountains, valleys, waterfalls, rivers, nature, and wildlife. Hiking is a great activity for everyone while visiting the Smoky Mountains!

Things to Pack for Any Hike:

• Sunscreen
• Water & Snacks
• First-aid Kit
• Needed Medications
• Bug Spray and/or Bear Spray
• Ponchos and/or Hats for possible rain
• Change of clothes (optional- kids can/may/WILL get dirty)

I’ve come up with a list of hikes for every skill level so you can find the perfect fit for your family!

The Hikes in this post include:

• Easiest Hikes
• Moderate Hikes
• Difficult Hikes
• Hikes for Pet Owners

Easiest Hikes

1. Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail

Sugarland’s Valley Nature Trail is the easiest trail and is only 1/2 mile long. This hiking trail is shaded and runs beside a stream. It is the perfect trail to take smaller children. This trail is paved and is perfect for families who need to bring a stroller or wheelchair.

Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail is located near Sugarland Visitor Center which has restrooms and a museum. Sugarland’s Visitor Center is a great place to take a break. The whole family will learn a lot about The Great Smoky Mountain National Park.

There is also a museum located at the center. The family can see small displays of the animals, plants, and birds from the area. There is also a small movie theatre that shows lots of information on the history of the Smoky Mountains. Kids enjoy the museum display and the short video (about 20 minutes).

Sugarland’s Visitor Center also has a gift shop. The employees are very friendly and knowledgeable. You can feel free to ask any questions about the National Park. Admission is FREE, but donations are accepted.

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2. Cove Hardwood Nature Trail

The Cove Hardwood Nature Trail is about 9/10 miles long and runs in a loop. It is a great hike to take the kiddos on in the springtime (March & April) when the wildflowers are blooming. There are a few uphill climbs, but they are made easier with some man-made steps.

Just be careful: Bears have been spotted on this trail!

To find this trail:

• Take Highway 441 (the main Parkway) out of Gatlinburg into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
• Drive past Sugarland’s Visitor Center (on your right) and drive about 4.4 miles.
• You will find the parking lot for this trail at the Chimney’s Picnic Area on 441.

WEBSITE

3. Little River Trail

Little River Trail is considered more of a walking trail than a hiking trail. You can actually make this hike as long or as short as you like. It is popular for many hikers to turn around at Cucumber Gap Trail Junction. Turning around at this point makes this a 5-mile hike (round-trip). If you decide to continue to the end of the trail and back, you will end up walking about 12 miles.

This old logging road-turned trail is easy to walk with a very gradual incline. As you walk, you will see steel cables and railroad rails along the way. These are all that are left from the 1900s Little River Lumber Company.

Little River Trail is a beautiful walk with views of the river and the forest scenery! Little River Trail is very popular in the spring (April and May). This is because of the abundance of wildflowers in this area. It is also popular in mid-October when the leaves begin to change.

To find the trail, start behind the Little River Trail parking area near Elkmont Campground. Please be careful as bears have been spotted in this area.

WEBSITE

Moderate Hikes

4. Laurel Falls Trail

Laurel Falls Trail is 2.6 miles round trip and it is paved. At the halfway point, you can see the 80-foot-high Laurel Falls. At the waterfall, there are some natural wading pools that the kids will love. This hike is perfect for families since it is a short, easy hike. The trail is paved but bringing a stroller is not recommended.

More info:

• The elevation is about 314 feet and is gradual and pretty easy to manage.
• Bears have been seen on this trail, mostly in the early morning or later in the evening.
• The trail begins at a parking lot on Little River Road at the top of Fighting Creek Gap.
• Bring a camera and/or phone for some beautiful photos at the falls.

WEBSITE

5. Clingmans Dome Observation Tower Trail

Clingmans Dome Trail leads you to a tower at the highest point in the Smoky Mountains (at 6,643 feet). The observation deck has views of 7 states. You should be able to see for 100 miles, but the view is limited on most days because of air pollution. Even if you don’t catch a pollution-free day, it is still an amazing 22-mile view.

The trail is about 1/2 mile long but it is very steep and can feel strenuous since you are going straight up a mountain. Even though it is paved the park service recommends that families do not bring strollers.

Travel + Leisure named Clingmans Dome one of the World’s Coolest Observation Decks. The road leading to Clingmans Dome is closed from the first of December to the first of April. However,  you are allowed to hike or cross-country ski to the observation deck, since it is open year-round.

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6. Spruce Flat Falls

Spruce Flat Falls is located in the Tremont area of The Great Smoky Mountain National Park and is about 1.8 miles round-trip. With the length, steep inclines, and slippery spots, many recommend this hike for kids over the age of 5 (just a recommendation – You know what your kiddos can handle!).

The highlight of the hike is the beautiful Spruce Flat Waterfall. It is flowing in the summer and frozen in the winter. There is a pretty good incline at the beginning of this hike, but it’s all worth it. At the top, you are rewarded with some spectacular views. Next, you will walk downhill and end up at the Spruce Flat Waterfall. This final descent to the falls has some steep, rocky sections. Some parents need to help their younger kiddos in some spots that are rocky or slippery.

The start of the trail is found at the Tremont Institute. You can park by the office or in one of the other parking areas along the road. From the parking lot, walk along the gravel service road that heads to the dorms. You can then follow the signs to the left.

WEBSITE

7. Grotto Falls Trail

Grotto Falls Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the Smokies and it is very family-friendly. This trail is 2.6 miles round-trip. Most of this hike is uphill, but the incline is gradual. The hike usually takes about 2-3 hours. It all depends on how much time you decide to spend at the waterfalls and checking out the scenery.

Grotto Falls Trail is beautiful. You are completely surrounded by nature – lush greenery and mountain streams. It is a well-shaded area and you tend to stay cool while on this hike.

The highlight of the hike is reaching Grotto Falls. It is a beautiful waterfall that you can even walk behind. Be sure to bring your camera and/or phone because this is a great place to take some pictures!

In order to reach this trail:

First, take the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Then Then, follow the Trillium Gap trailhead to reach Grotto Falls.

WEBSITE

Difficult

8. Chimney Tops Trail

Feel like your kids are constantly climbing the walls? Well, this might be a great hike for your family! You literally climb this trail, mostly at the end.

Chimney Tops Trail is about 4 miles round-trip and is located at Newfound Gap Road. The trail is short, but it can be challenging with its steep, rock steps.

From the top, you will see the most beautiful, panoramic views. Oh…the views! The views are phenomenal! Your calves will hate you, but your eyeballs and heart will thank you!

This is a great day hike for active families. It might be too strenuous for smaller children, but some active older kids could handle it.

Just keep in mind that the last 1,000 feet are a climb. Many seasoned hikers can’t complete the last 1,000 steps. But, don’t worry, the trip back down is much easier!

WEBSITE

9. Ramsey Cascades Trail

Ramsey Cascades Trail is an 8-mile (round-trip) trail. This hike leads to the Ramsey Cascades waterfall. Ramsey Cascades is the tallest waterfall in The Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The hike is mostly shaded with lots of lush greenery and HUGE trees. As you walk, you will cross bridges and see some beautiful views of the Little Pigeon River.

The first 2 miles are relatively easy, but it continues to get more difficult from there. The last mile leading up to the waterfall is a series of natural rock steps. It is not for the faint of heart. Hang in there – the views of the waterfall are worth it!

WEBSITE

10. Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte

Alum Cave Trail is a tough 11-mile hike, but it is full of beauty and history. The Cave was actually mined for salt starting in the 1830s. During the Civil War, the Confederate Army made gunpowder here. The gunpowder was made from the saltpeter (potassium nitrate) found on the bluff.

This trail is well-marked and easy to find. There is a small parking lot and many hikers park their car on the side of the road. The good thing about this trail is that there is a restroom in the parking lot. This is nice for families with little ones.

As you hike, you will find several places to stop along the way. There are waterfalls, swimming holes, and even a cave (Alum Cave) with steps to climb. Some of the hiking trails have steep inclines, but there are also many flat spots. Most of the trails are shaded.

The ascent on the Alum Cave Trail is strenuous, but the descent is relatively easy. It’s probably best to start this adventure early and bring plenty of water and snacks.

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Trails for Pet Lovers:

11. Gatlinburg Trail

The Gatlinburg Trail allows dogs as long as they are on a leash. This 4-mile (round-trip) trail is paved and is a pretty easy walk since the trail is level. It is a one-way trail and doesn’t loop.

Gatlinburg Trail has very little elevation and isn’t as exhausting as other hikes. Families love the gorgeous scenery as they walk along the Little Pigeon River.

A very popular aspect of this trail is the footbridge over the Little Pigeon River. This bridge lets you see upstream and downstream on the river. Many bring their camera and/or phone since this bridge is a great spot to take some photos.

After you get your pictures, you can jump in the river to cool off and play. There is a path that takes you under the bridge to the water.

This trail begins near Sugarland’s Visitor Center (River Road in Gatlinburg at Traffic Light 10).

WEBSITE

 

12. Oconaluftee Trail

Oconaluftee River Trail is located near Cherokee, North Carolina. It is a little over 3 miles long (round-trip). This trail starts at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center and ends at the park boundary.

The trail is mostly flat with a few small hills and follows the Oconaluftee River. It is nice and shady for the most part. You feel like you are on more of a riverside stroll than a hike and it is perfect for families and pets.

This trail is great for families to walk their dog (or dogs). Pets must be on a 6′ leash (maximum). It is also one of the few trails in the Smoky Mountains where you can ride your bike.

Since the hiking trail runs along the Oconaluftee River, there are places to stop and cool off. The kids (and pets) will love swimming in the river!

As you walk along the trail, you will notice that there is a lot of information on the Cherokee culture. Hikers enjoy seeing the artwork and reading information on Cherokee traditions. It’s like an outdoor museum that showcases regional history and culture.

WEBSITE

You may also like: Best Places to Eat in The Great Smoky Mountains

Have you been to The Great Smoky Mountains National Park? What are your favorite hiking trails? Any recommendations?

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