When you visit the Smoky Mountains, you may want to one of the most popular activities in the park: hiking! With over 800 miles of hiking trails throughout the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you definitely have plenty of trails to choose from! Staying in one of our cabins puts you close to trails where you can go hiking near Gatlinburg. Look at these 4 trails where you should go hiking near Gatlinburg:
1. Gatlinburg Trail
Did you bring your furry friend with you to stay in one of our pet friendly cabins? Take them with you on one of the only dog friendly trails, the Gatlinburg Trail. This hiking trail in the Smokies is 3.8 miles roundtrip. You go out and back, and it is considered easy. You’ll walk across foot bridges over streams. There are plenty of places where you can walk down to the river to feel the cool mountain water. You also might spot some old remains of homesteads along your walk.
2. Bullhead Trail
Even if you don’t want to hike all the way to Mount LeConte, the Bullhead Trail is a great trail for hiking near Gatlinburg. It starts right outside downtown Gatlinburg. The trail is 5.9 miles roundtrip and is considered hard due to the quick ascension of elevation. As you walk along the trail, you’ll find beautiful views of the mountains. You’ll be able to look down into the valley. It’s an incredible sight you’ll want to stare at all day.
3. Cataract Falls Trail
Anyone of any age or physical fitness will find Cataract Falls Trail the perfect place to go hiking near Gatlinburg. This trail is 1.1 miles roundtrip and is considered easy. It is perfect for a nature walk, bird watching, and seeing the natural beauty of the Smokies. As you walk past the streams, you’ll be able to see fish swimming and possibly even salamanders. Wildflowers line the trail in the spring and summer. Close to the end of the trail, you’ll see the namesake of the trail: Cataract Falls. It is impressive, especially after it rains due to the amount of water gushing over the rocks. This natural feature is one anyone walking along the trail will enjoy. Go out as a family and enjoy being together on this trail!
4. Twin Creeks Trail
Another easy trail for hiking near Gatlinburg is Twin Creeks Trail. This Smoky Mountain hiking trail is considered easy with a roundtrip length of 4.5 miles. It is great for any skill level, so kids to grandparents can enjoy it together. As you walk past the creek, you’ll see water rushing over the rocks. You might even be able to spot some of the wildlife in the water, from fish to salamanders. There are a ton of wildflowers in the spring and summer along this trail. Everyone in your group will have fun hiking this trail together.
These trails are just some of the places you can go hiking near Gatlinburg. You’ll find plenty of other trails you might want to hike when you stay with us. Check out this map of the Smoky Mountains to see where else you might want to visit while you’re in town!
