Gatlinburg Trail
1.9 miles each way · Dogs and bikes allowed
One of only two trails in the park where you can bring a dog or a bicycle — the other 800-plus miles are closed to both. It runs flat along the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River, past the chimneys and stone foundations of houses that stood here before the park took the land. You can walk it from Sugarlands Visitor Center or from the small lot just past Gatlinburg's last traffic light, which lets you start from town and skip the visitor center parking entirely.
The Gatlinburg Trail is the easiest way to step from town straight into the Great Smoky Mountains. This riverside path runs about two miles between Sugarlands Visitor Center and the edge of downtown Gatlinburg, through shady forest along the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River.
It's also one of only two trails in the national park where dogs are allowed, and one of the few where bikes are welcome. That makes it a favorite for families, dog owners, and anyone looking for a relaxed walk by the water.
The Gatlinburg Trail at a glance
Difficulty: easy, with a couple of short steeper sections
Trailheads: Sugarlands Visitor Center or River Road in Gatlinburg
Dogs: allowed on a leash
Bikes: allowed
Restrooms: Sugarlands Visitor Center
Finding the Gatlinburg Trail trailhead
From Sugarlands Visitor Center
Park at Sugarlands Visitor Center, just outside Gatlinburg. Walk behind the building, past the restrooms and the brick park headquarters, to the Gatlinburg trailhead. Restrooms at the visitor center make this the easiest place to start.
From Gatlinburg
The other end of the trail is on River Road at the edge of town, so you can also start the walk right from Gatlinburg and head into the park.
Bring a parking tag — a national park parking tag is required for any vehicle parked longer than fifteen minutes at Sugarlands. See our guide to where to buy a Smokies parking pass.
What the walk is like
Near the visitor center, the trail follows sidewalk and roadside for a short stretch. After it passes the park's maintenance area, it becomes a wide, well-graded dirt path through cove hardwood forest along the river. There are a couple of short, steeper sections, along with a few roots and rocks, but most of the trail is wide and easy.
The river is your companion most of the way, with spots to stop and listen to the water. Along the trail, look for old stone chimneys and foundations from the homes of families who lived here before the national park was created.
Bringing your dog
The Gatlinburg Trail is one of only two trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park where dogs are allowed. The other is the Oconaluftee River Trail on the North Carolina side. Keep your dog on a leash at all times, bring water for both of you, and pack out any waste. Planning a trip with your pup? See our pet-friendly cabins.
Biking the Gatlinburg Trail
Bikes are welcome on the Gatlinburg Trail too, which makes it one of the few places in the park to ride on a trail. Ride slowly, share the path with walkers and dogs, and give everyone plenty of room.
Accessibility
The trail isn't ADA accessible, but it's one of the more approachable trails in the park. It's wide and mostly gentle, with stretches of pavement, crushed stone, and dirt, plus a few roots and steeper spots. The park offers GRIT Freedom Chairs, all-terrain wheelchairs, for free checkout on a first-come, first-served basis for this trail.
Best time to walk the Gatlinburg Trail
Spring — wildflowers bloom along the river and the forest turns green.
Summer — the shady riverside makes this a pleasant walk even on warm days.
Fall — colorful leaves line the river. Plan a leaf-season trip with our fall cabin rentals.
Winter — the trail is open all year and makes an easy walk on mild days.
More easy hikes near Gatlinburg
Looking for more easy walks? Laurel Falls is a popular waterfall hike just down Little River Road, and The Sinks is a roadside waterfall with no hike at all. The Elkmont Nature Trail is an easy loop for families, and Grotto Falls lets you walk behind the water. Browse all our Smoky Mountain hiking trails for more ideas.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Gatlinburg Trail?
About four miles round trip between Sugarlands Visitor Center and River Road in Gatlinburg.
Are dogs allowed on the Gatlinburg Trail?
Yes. It's one of only two trails in the national park that allow dogs. Keep them on a leash.
Can you bike the Gatlinburg Trail?
Yes. Bikes are allowed. Ride slowly and share the trail with walkers.
Where does the Gatlinburg Trail start?
Behind Sugarlands Visitor Center, or from River Road at the edge of downtown Gatlinburg.
Is the Gatlinburg Trail easy?
Yes. It's wide and mostly gentle, with a couple of short steeper sections.
Do I need a parking pass?
Yes, if you park at Sugarlands Visitor Center for longer than fifteen minutes.
The Gatlinburg Trail starts right at the edge of town, so our Gatlinburg cabins put it just minutes away. Our pet-friendly cabins make it easy to bring the whole family, our family cabins have room for everyone, and our riverfront cabins keep the sound of running water close. After your walk, relax in one of our hot tub cabins.