👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Favorites
Perfect for all ages—especially if you have kids in tow!
1. Laurel Falls Trail
- Distance: 2.6 miles round-trip
- Difficulty: Easy
- Why We Love It: Paved path, gentle incline, and a stunning 80-ft waterfall at the end. A hit with kids! Go early—it gets crowded.
2. Gatlinburg Trail
- Distance: 3.8 miles round-trip
- Difficulty: Easy
- Why We Love It: Flat and stroller-friendly! Beautiful river views, historic remnants, and you can walk straight from town.
💧 Waterfall Wonders
Chasing waterfalls? These trails won’t disappoint.
1. Grotto Falls
- Distance: 2.6 miles round-trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Why We Love It: The only waterfall in the park you can walk behind! Lush, shaded trail—magical after a rain.
2. Abrams Falls
- Distance: 5 miles round-trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Why We Love It: Powerful 20-ft waterfall with a strong flow. The trail winds through old forest and offers great wildlife spotting.
🌄 View Seekers' Paradise
Bring your camera—these hikes come with epic mountain views.
1. Clingmans Dome Observation Tower
- Distance: 1 mile round-trip (steep but short)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Why We Love It: The highest point in the Smokies with 360° views. You’ll feel like you’re on top of the world.
2. Alum Cave Trail to Inspiration Point
- Distance: 4.4 miles round-trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Why We Love It: Arches, caves, and sweeping vistas. A highlight is the Alum Cave Bluffs—great for photos.
3. Appalachian Trail: Newfound Gap to Boulevard Trail Junction
- Distance: ~3 miles round-trip (about 1 hour each way)
- Difficulty: Moderate (steady uphill but well-maintained)
- Why We Love It: This stretch of the legendary Appalachian Trail offers incredible ridge-line views, thick forest, and a peaceful, scenic vibe. It’s perfect for a short half-day hike with a big payoff.
- Views? Oh yes—plenty of Smoky Mountain layers, especially if the sky is clear.
- Link: AllTrails - Newfound Gap to Boulevard Trail
- Our Tip: Start early to catch the best light and avoid midday haze. Parking fills up quickly at Newfound Gap, especially in fall.
🧭 Off-the-Beaten-Path Gems
Less crowded but just as stunning.
1. Baskins Creek Falls
- Distance: 3 miles round-trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Why We Love It: Quiet, serene trail to a two-tiered waterfall. Great for avoiding crowds.
2. Porters Creek Trail
- Distance: 4 miles round-trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Why We Love It: Peaceful hike with old stone walls, spring wildflowers, and a historic cabin along the way.
🍂 Best in Fall
Trails that really pop when the leaves change.
1. Middle Prong Trail
- Distance: Up to 8.3 miles (out and back, go as far as you like)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Why We Love It: Multiple waterfalls, vibrant foliage, and less foot traffic. A fall favorite for photographers.
2. Rich Mountain Loop
- Distance: 8.5 miles loop
- Difficulty: Moderate to hard
- Why We Love It: Quiet, scenic, and full of color. Great views over Cades Cove without the crowds.