Want to go hiking but don’t want to go very far from Gatlinburg? There are a ton of hiking trails in Gatlinburg you can explore! See waterfalls, wooded views, and so much more on these trails. Here are the top 6 hiking trails in Gatlinburg you should go on:
1. Gatlinburg Trail
One of the most popular trails in the area is the Gatlinburg Trail. This trail is considered easy with a roundtrip length of 3.8 miles. You’ll walk alongside the creek and cross it on a footbridge. There are beautiful wooded views along this trail. It is one of the only trails in the entire Great Smoky Mountains National Park you can take your dog on. Closer to the end of the trail, you’ll see older buildings you can explore.
2. Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail
If you’re looking for a short, easy hiking trail in Gatlinburg, you should go on Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail. This is a great hike for small children and older adults who can’t handle harder hikes. You’ll walk alongside a creek, cross bridges, and you might see some small wildlife along the trail. Your whole family will love this trail!
3. Rainbow Falls
Want to see a waterfall while you’re in the Smokies? You should hike to Rainbow Falls. This trail is considered moderate with a 5.4-mile roundtrip length. You’ll hike through incredible wooded views, and then when you see the waterfall for the first time, you’ll be amazed. It is the tallest single-drop waterfall in the Smokies at 80 feet tall. The name of this waterfall comes from the rainbow you see in the mist of the falls in the early afternoon.
4. Cataract Falls
Another great hiking trail in Gatlinburg that’s perfect for small kids and older adults is Cataract Falls. This trail is also 1 mile roundtrip. You’ll hike alongside the creek, past cool trees, and over bridges. Near the end of the hike, you’ll see Cataract Falls. This is a fairly small waterfall, but it’s really impressive after it rains.
5. Grotto Falls
Grotto Falls is a really popular waterfall hike in the national park. It is considered moderate with a roundtrip length of 3 miles. You’ll hike alongside the creek and through the woods. You might see wildlife along the trail as you hike, and you might just see llamas taking supplies to the top of Mount LeConte. When you get to the falls, you’ll see the 25-foot waterfall. It is the only one you can actually walk behind in the national park.
6. Twin Creeks Trail
Twin Creeks Trail is another hiking trail in Gatlinburg you’ll enjoy going on. It is 4.5 miles roundtrip, and this trail is considered easy. It has a ton of wooded views, and it is beautiful all year round. There is a river along the trail, so you’ll get great views of that too.
These hiking trails in Gatlinburg are great if you want to explore the national park. Want to know what else you should do when you stay with us? Check out these restaurants and attractions in Gatlinburg!