If you love hiking, there is no better place to stay than at the Sidney James Mountain Lodge! Our hotel is within minutes of some of the best trails in the Smokies, including some of the most popular trails at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Here are 3 scenic hiking trails that you can enjoy within minutes of our hotel in Gatlinburg TN:
1. Twin Creeks Trail
Enjoy a leisurely hike along the river on the Twin Creeks Trail, which is just a 5-minute walk down the street from the Sidney James Mountain Lodge! Turn right out of our hotel, and you can’t miss the marked trailhead on the right side of the road. Although there is a small pull-off at the trailhead, this can only accommodate one or two cars so keep that in mind if you decide to drive. The Twin Creeks Trail is a 4.6 mile out-and-back trail that is perfect for families who want a fun trail with a low level of difficulty. The hike features a gradual incline as well as a nice loop at the end with some old cabins. Bears are seen frequently along this trail, so keep your eyes open for any wildlife sightings!
2. Rainbow Falls Trail
For another awesome hike near our hotel in Gatlinburg TN, check out the Rainbow Falls Trail within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! To access the trail, turn right out of the Sidney James Mountain Lodge and follow Historic Nature Trail Road to the Cherokee Orchard entrance into the park. From the entrance, drive forward past the Noah “Bud” Ogle homesite to the clearly signed Rainbow Falls parking area. The Rainbow Falls Trail is named after the rainbow that appears on sunny afternoons as a result of the mist from an 80-foot-high waterfall! During the winter months, an impressive ice formation often builds around the falls. Allow anywhere between 3 to 5 hours to hike the 5.4-mile round-trip trail to the waterfall and back.
3. Gatlinburg Trail
If you are staying in one of the pet-friendly rooms at our hotel in Gatlinburg TN and want to enjoy a hike with your beloved pet, check out the Gatlinburg Trail! This trail is one of the more unique hiking trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park as it is one of only two trails within the entire park that allows dogs. The Gatlinburg Trail travels for 1.9 miles one way between the Sugarlands Visitor Center and the outskirts of Gatlinburg, with the northern trailhead just 1 mile from the Sidney James Mountain Lodge! To access this trailhead, turn left out of the hotel and left again on the Gatlinburg Parkway. Then, turn right on River Road where you will find the trail and a small pull-off area for several cars. In addition to beautiful views of the river, hikers will enjoy the foundations and chimneys of old homesites along the trail.
Check out all of the rooms at our hotel in Gatlinburg TN today to plan your vacation near these scenic hiking trails! We look forward to seeing you soon at the Sidney James Mountain Lodge!
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