Gatlinburg sits on the doorstep to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! If you’ve decided you want to come explore what this beautiful national park has to offer, but haven’t hiked much we know the best and easiest Gatlinburg hiking trails to try! Keep reading to learn about these great hikes!
1. Gatlinburg Trail
The Gatlinburg Trail is a popular, flat walking trail that is right on the edge of Gatlinburg. You will gently wind your way through the local woodlands for 1.9 miles. The trail takes you along a river that you get to cross over via a beautiful bridge. This trail is perfect for first time hikers, and one of the easiest Gatlinburg hiking trails!
2. Andrews Bald
Andrews Bald is an incredibly peaceful hike! The trail is 3.5 miles roundtrip. The trail use to be very hard to navigate, but now the trail has been cleared and is maintained often. The beginning of the trail even has stone stairs. The “bald” portion of this hike is the best part because it offers great views of the Smoky Mountains and into North Carolina. So make sure to bring some snacks to eat while enjoying the views.
3. Clingmans Dome
Clingmans Dome is the highest peak in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It raises 6,643 feet! The Dome is an observation tower that showcases awesome 360 views of the Smoky Mountains. The trail up to the tower is half of a mile. However, it is a steep hike. So take your time going up and enjoy the mountain air, and remember the spectacular view waiting for you!
4. Alum Cave Bluffs
Alum Cave Trail is a very popular destination inside the national park. It is rated as an easy to moderate hike, and is 4.4 miles round trip. This is a very unique hike that showcases the Smokies in a very beautiful way in a short amount of time. You will follow a calming river, climb stairs through a rock formation, and get to see mountain views!
5. Laurel Falls
The Laurel Falls Trail is one of the most popular and easiest Gatlinburg hiking trails you’ll find. Not to mention, it’s got an awesome waterfall to see! The trail is 2.6 miles roundtrip. While the trail is all uphill going to the waterfall, it is paved the entire way as well! Laurel Falls is 80 feet tall, and is a two layered waterfall with an upper and lower section. At the top of the trail there’s even a bridge so you can cross over the waterfall for another great angle of it.
6. Walker Sisters Place (Little Brier Gap Trail)
The Little Brier Gap Trail is a well known trail. However, it’s more often referred to as the Walker Sisters Trail. This little trail is 2.6 miles round trip. For most of the way it follows a gentle stream, and has no steep inclines. The Walker Sisters Place is famous because the five sisters owned 123 acres and refused to sell their land to the National Park Service. Now you can explore their old property and house.
Once you make it through some of the best and easiest Gatlinburg hiking trails you can come back to your cabin to relax in a warm hot tub or your comfy bed. Take a look at our Gatlinburg cabin rentals to start planning your next vacation and exploring the Smokies sooner!
