Top 6 Smoky Mountain Hikes to Go On With Your Family

Exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a great way to spend time together as a family. You can get out in nature, teach your kids about plants and animals, and add in some exercise when you go on Smoky Mountain hikes! There are several hiking trails you can choose from, but we want to share some of the best ones for families. Check out these top 6 Smoky Mountain hikes to go on with your family:

1. Little Brier Gap Trail

A great family trail to go on is Little Brier Gap Trail. It’s about 3 miles roundtrip and is considered easy. The trailhead is in the Metcalf Bottoms picnic area, which is a great place for a family picnic before you go on this hike! Most of the trail follows alongside Little Brier Branch creek. You’ll come up on an old schoolhouse you can explore, and if you hike about another mile, you can reach the Walker Sisters’ place.

2. Gatlinburg Trail

The Gatlinburg Trail is probably the closest Smoky Mountain hike to our hotel. This trail is considered easy with a roundtrip length of 3.8 miles. Dogs and horses are allowed on this trail. It follows along a river, and then you use a footbridge to cross it. You’ll get to explore the woods, and there are old remains of homes along the last portions of the trail.

3. Cataract Falls

Another simple Smoky Mountain hike that’s perfect for families is Cataract Falls Trail. The path is clearly laid out. This easy trail has a roundtrip length of 1.1 miles. You will walk alongside a creek, see all kinds of neat trees, and might even see wildlife. Near the end of the trail, you will see Cataract Falls, which is really impressive after it rains.

4. Sugarland Valley Nature Trail

If you want to take your kids bird watching or just show them a small area of the Smokies, you should go on the Sugarland Valley Nature Trail. This is a very easy trail, making it perfect for grandparents and small children. The roundtrip length is 0.5 a mile. The path is paved, and your kids will love playing in the creek and seeing an old fireplace.

5. Abrams Falls

If you plan on going to Cades Cove while you’re in town, you should hike to Abrams Falls. This trail is considered moderate, but it is a great trail for families with older kids who want to explore. There are several wildflowers along the trail in the spring and summer, and you might even see wildlife along your hike.

6. Fighting Creek Nature Trail

Fighting Creek Nature Trail is located near Gatlinburg. It’s a great Smoky Mountain hike for families with small kids and older adults who want to join in on a hike. You’ll see all kinds of wildflowers as you walk the trail, which is 1.4 miles roundtrip. Kids will want to splash in the creek, and there are homestead remains you can explore.

There are several Smoky Mountain hikes that are great for your family to go on when you stay with us! Want to know what else you can do while you’re in Gatlinburg? Check out these things to do in Gatlinburg for some more ideas!