If you’re new to hiking, the idea of hitting the trail can seem intimidating. Never fear! These four trails, all in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, make ideal hikes for beginners. Try these trails and you’ll be an avid hiker in no time!
Before you head out the door:
- Check the National Park Service website for detailed directions.
- Check the NPS site for updates about the day’s weather and trail conditions.
- Put on appropriate hiking boots, pack water and snacks, and dress in layers. Even the easiest hikes require the right preparations.
1. Gatlinburg Trail
This family-friendly trail begins at Sugarlands Visitor Center and takes you to downtown Gatlinburg. The trail follows the Little Pigeon River. Hikers with strollers or mobility aids can navigate this trail. This is one of only two trails in the national park where dogs and bicycles are allowed. Gatlinburg Trail is a 3.8-mile round trip.
2. Elkmont Nature Trail
Explore a genuine “ghost town,” the abandoned resort community of Elkmont, where eerie houses still stand as if the owners simply vanished. A loop trail less than a mile long is a lovely way to reach this historic spot nestled deep in the woods. The clearly marked path features a wooden footbridge, plenty of forest views, and a great chance to spot wildlife. Kids will love exploring Elkmont and feeling as if the outside world has disappeared.
3. Cove Hardwood Trail
Cove Hardwood Trail is one of the park’s less-used trails–making it ideal for a peaceful stroll. The loop trail is less than a mile long, with a few streams to cross and some up-and-down terrain. The payoff? You’ll walk in a forest of mature hardwood trees, and in spring, thousands of colorful wildflowers carpet the ground.
4. Trillium Gap Trail to Grotto Falls
This 2.6 mile round trip trail is wide, though you should be ready to cross several small streams without bridges. Hike through old-growth forests to Grotto Falls, the only waterfall in the Smoky Mountains where you can walk behind the roaring cascade. To avoid crowds, hike here early in the morning or in the late afternoon.
After your hike, return to a Smoky Mountain cabin rental. Kick off your boots and relax in comfort and privacy. Take a look at our cabin listings to find your hiking home base today.
