There’s a lot going on when it comes to Gatlinburg hiking. When you take into consideration it’s access to Smokey Mountain National Park, the Appalachian Trail, plenty of incredible waterfalls such as the Rainbow Falls Trail and surrounding mountains it’s pretty special.
Whilst there is so much to do in Gatlinburg itself, something we love is the fact that you can enjoy everything this place has to offer in terms of food and drink before heading out on world class hiking trails. Pretty cool huh?
Of course, some of Gatlinburg’s popularity comes from Smokey Mountain National Park being the most visited National Park in the US. When you visit, it’s really not hard to see why!
In this article, we’ve covered some of the best hiking near Gatlinburg, to give you everything you need to know to get out on the trail. We’ve included trails for all abilities and tastes as well as important information, including easy to access maps.
Best Hikes Near Gatlinburg Trail Locations Map
This section of our guide covers some of the best hikes in Gatlinburg. This includes the Alum Cave Trail, Chimney Top Mountain/Chimney Tops Trail, the Gatlinburg Trail and Clingmans Dome.
We’ve also included information on trail distance, difficulty and other information you need to know. We’ve covered as many different options as possible when it comes to different hikes for length, ability and also what you get to see.
One of the things we love about Gatlinburg hiking trails is that there’s so much variety that no two trails are exactly the same. From waterfalls and forest to big lofty mountain peaks with those far reaching, iconic views.
Our map below covers the starting locations for the trails we’ve listed to help you explore the area easier:
1. Alum Cave Trail
Difficulty: Challenging. A significant ascent and descent over varied and uneven terrain over a longer distance. Steep and exposed in places with slick surface. Can be more hazardous in winter.
Distance: 17km/11miles out and back
Elevation: 937m/3077ft. ascent and descent
When to do it: From March to November, depending on trail conditions. You can hike this trail year-round but it is more challenging when heavy snow or ice are present. Always check the trail in advance and if you’re new to winter hiking, we’d recommend reading our winter hiking tips article to get prepared.
AllTrails map link: Alum Cave Trail
Where to park: Alum Cave Bluffs Trailhead Parking
The fantastic Alum Cave and Alum Cave Trail features a lot of iconic sights when it comes to trails around Gatlinburg. What we love is that firstly you cross Alum Cave Creek on a log bridge.
The forest that follows is beautiful, dense and smells incredible! You then head uphill towards Inspiration Point and then Alum Cave and Bluffs is just slightly further on from here.
You can hike up to here alone, but we’d recommend keeping on the Alum Cave trail to Mount LeConte, where our map ends. From here you’ll have incredible views out over the Smoky Mountains before coming back the same way.
We personally think that the Alum Cave trail is one of the best examples of more full-on hikes near Gatlinburg. It will make you break a serious sweat, is steep and a challenge, but we think the reward for your effort is well worth it, and one you won’t forget in a hurry.
Good to know: There is no fee to use the trail, but you do need to display a parking tag, which you can find out more about here. Dogs are also not allowed on the trail.
2. Chimney Tops Trail
Difficulty: Challenging. Involves some scrambling over rocky terrain. Significant ascent and descent. Some exposure and loose path terrain.
Distance: 5.7km/3.6miles out and back
Elevation: 391m/1,286ft. ascent and descent
When to do it: From March to November is best for this Gatlinburg trail, but it is possible year round. Though be prepared for snow and ice on the trail. Take spikes and correct winter equipment.
AllTrails map link: Chimney Tops Trail
Where to park: Chimney Tops Trailhead
The Chimney Tops trail/Chimney Top Mountain offers some pretty iconic Gatlinburg Smoky Mountain trails. Though keep in mind, it’s a workout, and a good long section of the trail is pretty much stairs.
That said, we think the effort this trail needs is well worth it, as the views out of Great Smoky National Park are simply sublime. If you go on a clear day, you’ll get stunning, clear views, but there’s also something beautiful about this trail on lower cloud days.
When the cloud rolls over the mountains, something pretty moody and melancholic happens, and we’re all for it. It’s incredibly soothing.
You’ll get toward the waterfalls on your way up before things get really steep. At that point, it’s a pretty continuous slog up to the Chimney Tops, but you won’t be disappointed with the views.
Expect ice and snow in winter, which also looks particularly gorgeous. Though be prepared with spikes and expect melt run off making things wetter in spring.
If you can do only one of the harder Gatlinburg trails, we’d recommend you make it Chimney Tops. Be sure to also enjoy the stream and amazing sounds of flowing water and rhododendrons lining the trail on the way up.
Good to know: There is no fee to use the trail itself, but you will need a pass to park in the lot. You can get this in advance here. You’ll also need to leave dogs at home for this one.
3. The Gatlinburg Trail
Difficulty: Easy. Wheelchair accessible, with well graded paths and little elevation gain throughout the distance.
Distance: 6.1km/3.8miles out and back
Elevation: 49m/164ft. ascent and descent
When to do it: This is one of the great Gatlinburg walking trails to enjoy year round.
AllTrails map link: Gatlinburg Trail
Where to park: Gatlinburg Trail Trailhead
This trail is a great opportunity to enjoy the forest that follows along the Little Pigeon River. It’s a flat one, which is accessible for wheelchairs and can also be used for bike access too.
Our trail takes you along from the Sugarlands Visitor Center and the Sugarland Valley Nature Trail and is full of incredible sounds; from the rustling of trees to the sound of the river flowing over the rock beds. It’s also one of the best kid friendly hikes Gatlinburg has to offer.
We love this trail as it just feels so incredibly green, calming and the most beautiful sensory experience. The smell of the trees alongside the sounds, especially after fresh rain is stunning.
The Gatlinburg Trail trailhead can actually be picked up from either end as this is an out and back. There is parking for the Gatlinburg trailhead at both ends.
Good to know: You don’t have to pay to use the trail, but you do need a parking pass, which you can buy here.
4. Clingmans Dome (Kuwohi Observation Tower)
Difficulty: Moderate. Steep elevation gain over a shorter distance. Path is paved. Whilst some may say this trail is wheelchair friendly, it isn’t due to the incline (it is very steep). The same for strollers.
Distance: 2km/1.3 miles out and back
Elevation: 102m/337ft. ascent and descent
When to do it: This is some of the best hiking near Gatlinburg to enjoy between April and November. Seasonal road closures mean this trail may not be accessible in winter. You can find out more on this here.
AllTrails map link: Kuwohi Observation Tower
Where to park: Kuwohi Visitor Center
The Clingmans Dome Trail, which is now mostly referred to as the Kuwohi Observation Tower hike is a short, steep hike that’s well worth doing. Clingmans Dome elevation means that when you make it to the top at the observation tower, you’ve got far reaching views of the surrounding Smokey Mountains.
This short but steep hike is all about the views at the top, so make sure you check out Clingmans Dome weather before you head there to get a clear day. The trail is paved but it is an incline all the way up (which means the downhill is pretty quick).
The Clingmans Dome, Gatlinburg TN hike is a pretty busy one, so you won’t get that sense of serenity. Especially on a weekend, but we think it’s worth doing at least once for the views.
Once you’ve headed up the steep but paved trail, the Kuwohi Observation Tower leads to the highest point in Tennessee. It’s also the highest point on the Appalachian Trail too.
As it connects with the Apalachian trail, this is a great way to extend your hike too. You could always keep going on the ridge line after the trail for a while and enjoy some of the other hiking trails around Gatlinburg, TN.
Good to know: Dogs are not allowed on this trail. You can use the trail for free, but you will need a parking pass to park your car, which you can buy here.
5. Appalachian Trail from Davenport Gap to Fontana Dam
Difficulty: Hard. A longer distance trail that we’d recommend completing over the space of a week. Significant ascent and descent, challenging terrain, some exposure and a good head for heights needed. Extended camping and preparation needed.
Distance: 121km/75.6 miles through hike
Elevation: 5,241.9m/17,198ft. elevation gain
When to do it: This section of the Appalachian Trail is best hiked between April and October.
AllTrails map link: Appalachian Trail Davenport Gap to Fontana Dam
This Gatlinburg, Tennessee hiking is not one to look at lightly, but for many, the Appalachian Trail is an iconic, bucket list trail. This section over the Smoky Mountains allows you to do 75 miles of the trail, especially great if you don’t want to take on the Appalachian Trail start and end.
This section is a must do and we’d recommend completing it over the course of week. This should give you enough time to tackle a good few miles daily, still enjoy the views and take things at a pace that works for you.
That said, hiking in the Smoky Mountains near Gatlinburg doesn’t get much fuller on than this. Over the course of the trail there are significant ascents and descents. They’re challenging, you’re fending for yourself, and you need to be very confident in your fitness and ability levels to take it on.
Whilst this is a full-on trail, the sense of accomplishment and reward you’ll get from doing it are immense. It’s one you won’t forget in a hurry – that length of time out in nature, in amongst it all is pretty incredible.
It will involve significant planning. You’ll need to know how many hours a day you think you can possibly do, do lots of training hikes and a lot of thought into packing your backpacking pack. You’ll also need to think about your backpacking food and where you’ll camp.
Good to know: In terms of camping, there are plenty of shelters on the trail, you can also backcountry camp when the conditions are right. For more information on all of this, we’d recommend reading more on the NPS website. You can also find out about permits you need there too. You also can’t bring dogs on this trail.
6. Charlies Bunion
Difficulty: Moderate. Significant length with steep elevation gain. Some exposed sections of trail. Rocky and uneven. In winter, snow and ice spikes will be needed, trail can become very icy and slippery.
Distance: 12.8km/8 miles out and back
Elevation: 574m/1,886ft. ascent and descent
When to do it: This is one of the best hikes Gatlinburg offers between April and October. Though you can complete it year round too, just be mindful of needing snow spikes when the trail is icy.
AllTrails map link: Charlies Bunion
Where to park: Newfound Gap parking area
The Charlies Bunion trail is a great hike that gets you up on the mountain ridge and takes you along a section of the Appalachian Trail. If you were looking at our hike above, this is a great, shorter section.
We think this trail offers some of the most iconic hiking in the Smokies near Gatlinburg. The views out over the peaks are pretty sublime and on a good weather day you will be able to see out for miles over endless, densely forested mountain terrain.
This is absolutely possible in winter too but be mindful that the trail gets icy and some areas don’t melt quickly due to constant shade. So bring spikes and hiking poles.
This is one of the best Gatlinburg TN hikes to train up for bigger pushes on the Appalachian Trail too. The Charlies Bunion trail gives you nothing but beautiful dense forest and Smoky Mountain views.
Good to know: There is no fee to use the trail but you will need a parking pass which you can get in advance here. Dogs are unfortunately not allowed to come out on this trail.
7. Cucumber Gap and Little River Loop
Difficulty: Moderate. Some elevation gain over uneven terrain over a decent distance. Easier for the first half and becomes more moderate on the second. You will need to cross various streams, which can be deeper depending on recent weather conditions.
Distance: 8.6km/5.4 mile loop
Elevation: 240m/790ft. ascent and descent
When to do it: This is one of the best trails near Gatlinburg you can do year round.
AllTrails map link: Cucumber Gap and Little River
Where to park: Jakes Creek and Elkmont area
This is one of the fantastic trails in Gatlinburg that gets you up close next to the beautiful sounds of raging water (depending on recent weather). From the parking lot, the first half of the hike follows along the Little River Trail.
This is absolutely stunning, and we love how deep and clear some of the rocky pools are along the way. At some points you’ll be able to get your fix of waterfalls near Gatlinburg too. After rain, these can be raging and absolutely incredible!
After you’ve completed the section along the river, this Gatlinburg TN hiking trail takes you uphill. About a third the way along this ‘return’ loop section, you’ll reach Cucumber Gap.
There isn’t really anything significant about Cucumber Gap itself, but the forest is absolutely stunning and on hot days provides some much needed shelter and cool. Be mindful though, there are likely to be nears on trail (depending on when you hike it). So be bear aware.
There’s no specific ‘payoff’ or reward at the end of this trail as such, but because of this, it’s a little less popular. That said, we still think it’s incredibly beautiful and if you’re looking for Gatlinburg TN hiking trails that are quieter, then this is one we’d recommend you try.
Good to know: You can use the trail for free, but you will need a pass to park your car which you can buy in advance here. Dogs will need to stay home too.
8. Walkers Sisters Home and Little Brier Gap
Difficulty: Easy to easy moderate. An out and back trail on good paths. Water crossings have bridges. A couple of slightly steeper sections, but these are minimal. Some tree stumps in places and can be muddy after rain.
Distance: 6.4km/4 miles out and back
Elevation: 141m/465ft. ascent and descent
When to do it: A great Gatlinburg hike to enjoy year round.
AllTrails map link: Walkers Sisters Home and Litter Briar Gap
Where to park: Metcalf Bottoms
If you’re looking for one of the easy hikes in Gatlinburg that fits in a lot, then the Walkers Sisters Home and Little Brier Gap is a great option. This trail is also filled with history.
Along the trail, you will get to head to the Walker Sisters Home. This is fairly significant as the Walker Sisters were almost stuck in time living pretty much off grid in the 1800’s whilst America developed around them.
For the majority of the trail, you hike past woodland and it’s one of the best places to hike in Gatlinburg to get a break from intense heat days. The shade of the trees really helps here!
There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the sounds of water from the stream you’ll pass at points too. Toward the end of the outbound trip, you’ll reach a short uphill section which will take you to Walker Sisters Home to take a look.
If you do want to keep this on the easier side, this is one of the best trails Gatlinburg offers for this. As you can stick to the forest and woodland and avoid the uphill section at the end.
Once ready, you can take the same route back along the well graded trail. This is also one of the most ideal Gatlinburg TN trails to enjoy with kids, and there are plenty of wildflowers at certain times of year to keep them interested.
Good to know: There is no fee to use the trail, but you do need a parking pass, which you can buy here. Dogs are also not allowed on the trail.
9. Chestnut Top Trail
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging. This trail in long with a good amount of ascent and descent. Though it is a workout, it isn’t technical and there is no real scrambling involved.
Distance: 13.6km/8.5 miles out and back
Elevation: 507m/1666ft. ascent and descent
When to do it: This trail is best enjoyed between March and May.
AllTrails map link: Chestnut Top Trail
Where to park: Middle Prong Little River Parking
This is a great mountain trail that allows you to see some pretty far reaching views on a clear day over the surrounding peaks. Hikes in Gatlinburg TN don’t get much better than this if you want something that also isn’t technical or doesn’t require scrambling to get said views.
We love how well maintained this trail is, and it’s easy enough to follow, which means you can concentrate on enjoying the views. At the start, you get going pretty quickly with a good chunk of ascent. This can feel like a bit of a slog.
This then eases into a gentler up and down as you get onto the ridge and head toward Chestnut Top. All along, you’ll be peaking out at the mountains; easily some of the best hiking Gatlinburg has to offer.
Like a lot of Gatlinburg TN hiking, it’s an out and back, so you do need to tackle the up and down again on the way back, but each way has its own views and is well worth it! We think you’ll love this one if you’re up for a workout but easy going in terms of navigation.
Good to know: You do need a parking pass for this trail, which can be bought here. Dogs will need to stay home.
10. Mount Buckley via Kuwohi Bypass Trail
Difficulty: Moderate. A shorter length trail with some elevation trail. Steep edge trail to Mt. Buckley. Trail is well maintained, but can be slippery when icy.
Distance: 2.7km/1.7 miles out and back
Elevation: 128m/423ft. ascent and descent
When to do it: This is one of the best hikes near Gatlinburg TN to enjoy between April and November.
AllTrails map link: Mount Buckley
Where to park: Kuwohi Trailhead Parking
If you’ve already done or are planning the Clingman’s Dome trail we covered earlier from the Kuwohi Observation Tower, then this is a great add on hike to get in the views from the incredible Mount Buckley. We think that this is without a doubt some of the best hiking Gatlinburg has to offer.
The trail is short and sweet and gets you to one of the higher points in the area, which meets the Appalachian Trail at one of its most important points. It’s actually just off its highest point at the Kuwohi Tower.
The trail is very easy to follow and there really aren’t a lot of things you need to pay attention to other than the trail. Due to its location, it will be busy, but then it is one of the more popular areas and hiking trails near Gatlinburg TN.
That said, things do become quieter once you’re off the main trail and heading to Mount Buckley from the Observation Tower. If you’re in the area already, we think it’s well worth it, and perfect if you want a shorter trail with sublime views.
Good to know: You will need a parking pass to park at the trailhead, you can get this in advance here. Dogs will need to stay home for this one.
Best Waterfall Hikes Near Gatlinburg Trail Locations Map
One of the great things about hiking in Gatlinburg is that the landscape has lots of waterfalls to see. In fact, these are so plentiful that we could add endless trails to this section, and we wouldn’t cover them all.
So, if waterfalls in Tennessee near Gatlinburg appeal, this section has you covered. There is plenty to keep everyone interested in the hikes we’ve detailed below.
Use our Gatlinburg trail map below to find the approximate starting locations of each trail. You can also use this to find each trail based on your location.
If waterfalls are your thing and depending on where exactly you are in relation to Gatlinburg, we’d recommend checking out our article on day hikes near Nashville. Which covers a load more waterfall trails within about 2 hours drive from Gatlinburg.
1. Rainbow Falls Trail
Difficulty: Moderate. A decent distance with a hefty level of elevation gain. Can feel steeper at times. The trail is uneven and can be wet and slippery, even icy in places depending on weather.
Distance: 8.7km/5.4 miles out and back
Elevation: 493m/1627ft. ascent and descent
When to do it: The Rainbow Falls trail can be completed year round, but it’s best between March and November.
AllTrails map link: Rainbow Falls Trail
Where to park: Rainbow Falls Bullhead Parking
The Rainbow Falls Trail, Gatlinburg is pretty much a straight up incline all the way to the falls themselves. However, when you get to the top, the falls make the effort well worth it.
If you head there after rain, then the Gatlinburg Rainbow Falls will look even more magnificent, with raging white water. At other times, the falls may be less, but the trail is still beautiful.
On your way, you’ll hike along or very close to LeConte Creek at times, but always through woodland. This can feel like a welcome respite from the heat in summer, especially as you’re heading uphill.
There is one last steep section before reaching Rainbow Falls in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, before returning on the same trail. As this is one of the most popular hiking trails Gatlinburg has to offer, parking can be busy, so we’d advise arriving early or later in the day.
Good to know: As with most trails in the area, you don’t need to pay to use the trail but do need a parking pass which you can get here. Dogs are sadly not allowed on trail.
2. Laurel Falls Trail
Difficulty: Moderate. Some elevation gain over a decent distance. The trail is uneven and steeper in places. Can require some walking over tree roots and over water depending on weather.
Distance: 7.4km/4.6 miles out and back
Elevation: 188m/620ft. ascent and descent
When to do it: The Laurel Falls trail is a good one year round but can be icy in winter. So this hiking trail Gatlinburg has to offer is best between March and October.
AllTrails map link: Laurel Falls Trail
Where to park: Laurel Falls Trailhead
The Laurel Falls are stunning, and we love the fact that there’s swimming holes along the trail at points to take a dip and cool off. It feels like a great way to explore and have such a fun day.
As soon as you get on the Laurel Falls trail near Gatlinburg, you’ll be straight into an incline through the forest. This isn’t too steep to get up on the Appalachian Trail.
At about two thirds into the outbound, things feel a little steeper as you hike at the foothill of Black Mountain before taking the last incline up to Laurel Falls. As you reach the final section, there are some rocks to scramble, but nothing too intense.
Laurel Falls parking can get busy, so we’d advise getting there earlier in the day, or a little later when the first wave of people will have left. We’d also recommend thinking about this more so before a weekend trip out.
Good to know: You can get a parking pass, which you’ll need to use this trailhead here. Dogs will need to stay home.
3. Baskins Creek Falls Trail
Difficulty: Moderate. Steep in places with a decent amount of incline considering the distance. The trail is uneven and rocky in places. Can be muddy or icy weather dependent.
Distance: 4.9km/3.1 miles out and back
Elevation: 239m/787ft. ascent and descent
When to do it: Baskins can be done year-round but is best between April and November.
AllTrails map link: Baskins Creek Falls via Grapeyard Ridge
Where to park: Grapeyard Ridge Trailhead
Baskins Creek Falls is another of the great Gatlinburg hiking trails with waterfalls. There are a number of options for the Baskins Creek Falls trail, but our version takes you up from the Grapeyard Ridge trailhead, which we think is the best option.
For the first third of the outbound along the Baskins Creek trail, the incline is steady but as you hit a turn, you start to head uphill more steeply. This continues pretty much most of the way to Baskin Creek Falls, with a final push at the end.
The incline and steepness along the way is well worth it, and you’ll have the trees around to keep you shaded on hotter days. You also follow the creek for the last section, which we think is really stunning.
The Baskin Creek Falls, Gatlinburg are well worth a visit, and the trees look particularly beautiful at fall time. You can also expect more raging, dramatic falls after rain.
Good to know: There is no entry fee but a parking pass is needed, which you can get in advance here. Dogs are not allowed on the trail.
4. Grotto Falls Hike
Difficulty: Moderate. Some elevation gain over a short distance. There are some steep sections, and the trail can be uneven and slippery at times. In winter, you can expect snow and ice.
Distance: 4.2km/2.6 miles out and back
Elevation: 165m/544ft. ascent and descent
When to do it: Grotto Falls is open year round, but we’d recommend doing this trail between April and November when there’s less chance of ice. Depending on weather, in early year winter, the road to the parking can be closed.
AllTrails map link: Grotto Falls via Trillium Gap Trail
Where to park: Grotto Falls Parking
Not only does this Grotto Falls trail take you up to the falls themselves, but you also get some stunning views out over the Smoky Mountains surrounding. Making this, we think, one of the best waterfall hikes near Gatlinburg.
It’s also a shorter length trail. Whilst it’s moderate, it does mean you can get some truly stunning views for less effort than some of the other trails we’ve listed.
We love that as you’re hiking along, you’ve got variety between trees, woodland paths, sublime views and waterfall and pool sections. The trail starts off with a gentler incline, but is soon into the heavier uphill.
This carries on until about two thirds the way through the outbound, before the incline becomes more gradual again until you hit Grotto Falls. At this point you can take the same trail back.
This is one of the great short and sweet Smoky Mountain hikes near Gatlinburg that’s great for kids too. So we’d recommend taking some time to explore all of the things you’ll hike past. It’s such a gorgeous trail!
Good to know: You will need a pass to park at the trailhead, which you can buy here. Dogs sadly do need to stay at home.
5. Abrams Falls Trail
Difficulty: Moderate. A decent distance with some elevation gain. Some sections are steep and uneven. There may be ice on the trail or mud depending on weather. Can be slippery near falls.
Distance: 8km/5 miles out and back
Elevation: 187m/616ft. ascent and descent
When to do it: The Abrams Falls trail is good to hike year round.
AllTrails map link: Abrams Falls Trail
Where to park: Abrams Falls Parking
Abrams Falls is arguably the best waterfall near Gatlinburg. The giant pool at the falls and gushing creek makes for some pretty amazing photos!
The trail starts out relatively flat from the parking lot and continues this way for a while along Abrams Creek. There are then a few short uphill sections to contend with, which is what marks this trail moderate.
These are never too intense and are over really quickly. When you finally reach Abrams Falls, the deep pool is stunning. Even more so depending on if there has been heavy rain recently, and we think this beautiful spot is one of the best places to hike near Gatlinburg TN for time by the water.
Due to there being a few steep sections, but relatively flat throughout, this is some of the best hiking in Gatlinburg TN for kids too. It can be a little muddy in places, so we’d recommend wearing waterproof hiking shoes just in case!
Good to know: A parking pass is required for the trailhead, which you can get here. Dogs are not allowed on the trail.
6. Ramsey Cascades Trail
Difficulty: Challenging. Significant elevation gain over a longer distance. This trail has steep sections, uneven ground and can be very slippery.
Distance: 7.9km/12.7 miles out and back
Elevation: 665m/2185ft. ascent and descent
When to do it: The Ramsey Cascades trail is one of the best hikes in Gatlinburg to do year round.
AllTrails map link: Ramsey Cascades Trail
Where to park: Ramsey Cascades Trailhead Parking
The Ramsey Cascades trail offers a fuller on, intense hike covering a good amount of distance with some serious ascent and descent. This is steep and rugged, but well worth the effort.
As you head up the trail, you will be following the Middle Prong Little Pigeon River. At the start of this hiking in Gatlinburg Tennessee, the trail is less intense in terms of gradients. However, this increases as you get further into the trail.
The river then forks off under the trail to form the Ramsey Branch as you keep following along the side of the Middle Prong. As you keep following uphill through the trees, this turns into the Ramsey Prong before you make your final ascent up to Ramsey Cascades.
Whilst this trail is intense and pretty beautifully characterized by the steep falls, wooden staircases and dense woodland with rolling, rushing water, it’s also incredible. Making it one of the best hiking trails in Gatlinburg TN.
Good to know: You’ll need a parking pass which you can buy here. Dogs will need to stay at home.
7. Cataract Falls Trail
Difficulty: Easy. A shorter trail with little elevation gain. This path is suited for wheelchair users and is marked as accessible. There is never a grade over 5%.
Distance: 1.7km/1.1 miles out and back
Elevation: 8m/29ft. ascent and descent
When to do it: For the most accessible trail, it’s best to visit Cataract Falls Gatlinburg between March and November.
AllTrails map link: Cataract Falls
Where to park: Sugarlands Visitor Center Parking. There are 6 accessible spaces in the parking lot.
If you’re looking for more accessible hiking trails Gatlinburg TN has to offer, or simply want something shorter with less effort needed, Cataract Falls is always beautiful.
This shorter trail takes you along a well graded path, which firstly is the Fighting Creek Nature Trail before then meeting the Cove Mountain Trail. This takes you all the way to Cataract Falls before returning the same way.
The trail itself to the falls is stunning, through woodland the path allows you to enjoy what’s going on around you without having to focus on your footing. Making it one of the best hiking trails in Gatlinburg if you’re also short on time.
Hiking in smoky mountains near Gatlinburg doesn’t always need to be difficult, and it’s great to have a whole range of options. This is also a great trail for kids too.
Good to know: Parking passes are required which you can get here. Dogs aren’t allowed on the trail.
Essentials for Gatlinburg Walking Trails
Hiking near Gatlinburg TN comes with its own range of specialties when considering the kind of terrain you’ll be covering. Our list below takes you through some of the essentials you’ll want to consider for the trails in Gatlinburg TN.
You may also want to read our what to bring on a hike and what to wear hiking articles to give you a better idea what to bring based on the season. If you’re enjoying the best hiking in Gatlinburg in winter, be sure to read our winter hiking tips article too.
- Good hiking shoes. Many of the best hikes Gatlinburg has to offer can get slippery and wet in places. With this in mind, you’ll want either a boot or shoe that’s waterproof. Our guides to the best waterproof hiking shoes and the best hiking boots cover a whole range of affordable options.
- Trekking or hiking poles. Trekking poles can be really handy as some of the hiking trails near Gatlinburg are uneven and involve a lot of steep ascent and descent. These really take the load off and help avoid painful muscles the next day. Our guide to the best trekking poles covers everything you need to look for to find your perfect pair.
- Bug spray. Bugs can be a problem in summer, especially with the places to hike in Gatlinburg near water. We recommend Sawyer’s bug sprays, which you can buy here.
- Waterproof layers. It can rain a lot in the Smoky Mountains and on the Appalachian Trail, where you’ll spend some of your time. Our guides to the best waterproof rain pants for hiking and waterproof rain jackets for hiking have you covered with numerous options here.
- Daypack. A daypack is pretty essential to keep everything you need for your hikes and to enjoy the best trails near Gatlinburg. We’d recommend something between 15-25l depending on what you carry. Our guide to the best daypacks for hiking covers options for every budget.
- Cold water swimming gear. If you plan on enjoying any of the swimming holes along some of the waterfall trails, then you’ll want to bring the right stuff. Our guide to essential gear for cold water swimming covers how to do it safely and what you need.
- It’s essential to bring plenty of water for the best trails in Gatlinburg. We’d always recommend at least one 32oz per person, but this will depend on the trail itself. We like Hydro Flask bottles as they keep your water cool. We also sometimes use a water reservoir like this Osprey one, depending on the length of hike.
- Winter hiking traction. If you’re out in winter, the trail could be icy. We’d recommend either snow spikes or ice grips for your shoes like these ones.
- Sun cream. Some of the nature trails Gatlinburg has to offer can be very exposed, especially in summer. We like this Neutrogena sun lotion as it’s waterproof and non greasy.
- Download your map. As there can be limited reception on the hiking around Gatlinburg, you should always download your trail map in advance.
FAQs About Hiking in Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Our guide below goes over some of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to the best hikes near Gatlinburg. This will hopefully cover any remaining questions you have. If you have trail specific questions, it’s worth checking to see if we’ve covered it first above in our trail section.
What are the best hiking trails near Gatlinburg?
There are so many incredible trails, but the best hikes near Gatlinburg TN in our opinion are the Appalachian Trail section we’ve covered in our hike five, Cucumber Gap and Abram Falls Trail.
It’s hard to say which is the best hike in Gatlinburg though, as this depends on your personal interests. We’ve listed a good range of options above to keep everyone interested.
What is the most beautiful waterfall in the Smoky Mountains?
We think that arguably Abrams Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls and we also think it’s one of the best places to hike near Gatlinburg TN. It has such a stunning pool, and the raging creek and river sections are a sensory experience! Ramsey Cascades is stunning too.
What are the best hiking trails for beginners?
Whilst there are some pretty intense trails in Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg also offers some easier trails too. Cataract Falls offers an easier option, as does the Grotto Falls hike, the Walkers Sisters Home trail is also a good one for this. The great thing is that the walking trails Gatlinburg has to offer give a lot of variety.
What is the easiest hike to a waterfall close to Gatlinburg?
The easiest hike to a waterfall, and one of the best hiking trails Gatlinburg has to offer in this regard is Cataract Falls. We’ve listed this trail above, and it’s also wheelchair accessible.
Are there any family-friendly hiking trails?
There are plenty of family friendly hiking trails. In fact, some of the best Smoky Mountain hikes near Gatlinburg are kid friendly. However, this will depend on you as a family and your experience and ages.
We’d recommend looking at our trail guides above to get a clearer idea of trail distance to decide which trails are right for you.
What are the top trails for birdwatching?
Many of the trails we’ve listed above are suited for bird watching. But the best hiking trails in Gatlinburg for this are from Sugarlands Visitor Center, which you can access for the Cataract Falls trail listed above.
Are dogs allowed on hiking trails?
Unfortunately, dogs aren’t allowed on the best hiking trails in Gatlinburg as they’re within the National Park. This means dogs need to be left at home and will not be allowed out on the trail with you.
What is the best time of year to hike around Gatlinburg?
There is no specific time of year to enjoy the best trails Gatlinburg, though depending on the weather, March through to November offers the most stable conditions. That said, if you have the right gear, then hiking in winter is no problem, our winter hiking tips article covers more on this.
Are there any trails that are wheelchair accessible?
There are a number of trails that are wheelchair accessible. The Gatlinburg Trail is accessible as is Cataract falls. We’ve covered both of these above with full trail details.
Can I hike to Clingmans Dome?
Yes, you can hike to Clingmans Dome, which is now known as Kuwohi and the Observation tower. It’s well known as the highest point in Gatlinburg and on the Appalachian Trail too. We’ve covered this trail in more detail, including downloadable maps above.
How long does it take to hike the Gatlinburg Trail?
Depending on the speed you hike, we think this is one of the best trails in Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg if you want something shorter. It will take you roughly 1 and a half hours at a leisurely pace. Faster if you’re on a mission.
What are the best sunrise or sunset hikes?
One of the best hikes in the Smoky Mountains bear Gatlinburg to see sunrise is Charlies Bunion. This gives a great vantage point. Mount LeConte is a great place to see sunset, as is Chimney Tops and Kuwohi. These are all trails listed above.
How close is Gatlinburg, TN to the Smoky Mountains?
This depends on where you want to visit, as trailheads can dictate this. But roughly 20 minutes journey from Gatlinburg will get you to the start of Chimney Tops Trail trailhead. So close! It makes an ideal base.
Are there any hikes near Gatlinburg with historical landmarks?
There are a number of places to hike near Gatlinburg with historical landmarks. One of the most important or well known is the Walkers Sisters Home trail, which we’ve listed above and is well worth a visit.
Enjoy Exploring the Hiking Trails Around Gatlinburg, Tennessee
We hope our guide to the best trails to hike in Gatlinburg has given you some good inspiration for what’s in the area. Being ideally situated for Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Appalachian Trail makes it an ideal base to explore from.
Our guide to hiking only scratches the surface, but we’ll sure you’ll see that there are some great options for all experiences levels in our hiking guide. We love the variety that Gatlinburg hiking has to offer and those iconic views you’ll get to see.
If you’re also visiting on a wider trip, or depending on your location from Gatlinburg, you may also want to check out our guide on day hikes near Nashville. Some of which can be reached within 2 hours of Gatlinburg and are well worth it. Further afield, you may also want to check out our day hikes near Atlanta article too.
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