Great Family Hiking Trails: Great Smoky Mountains
Preparing for Your Family Hiking Adventure in the Smokies
Great Smoky Mountains National Park welcomes over 12 million visitors each year. Preparing beforehand is the key to enjoy the best family hikes in the Smoky Mountains!
Cities like Atlanta, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Louisville, Indianapolis, and Nashville are all within an 8-hour drive of the Smoky Mountains making the largest National Park in the eastern United States easily accessible easily accessible. The Smoky Mountains’ size, over 520,000 acres, makes this a great place to visit and means this park is really spread out, and you will spend time driving to popular destinations. In contrast, other National Parks in the eastern US like Mammoth Cave and Acadia are less than 50,000 acres.
This guide will highlight what we learned from a recent trip to Great Smoky Mountain NP, how to create the perfect adventure, great hikes in the NP, and enjoy the best family hikes Smoky Mountains NP during 2024.
Each trail varies in skill level, offering options from friendly trails for young kids to moderate hikes for older kids and adults. Among the most popular trails is the Laurel Falls Trail, known for its accessibility and beautiful views.
TL;DR – Getting to the point quickly!
- Family Hiking in the Smokies: Discover the best trails for all ages and skill levels in the Great Smoky Mountains.
- Avoid the Crowds: Tips on the best times to visit, including seasons and specific times of day.
- Essential Gear: What to pack for changing weather conditions and trail challenges.
- Top Trails: Highlights include Laurel Falls, Cataract Falls, and Clingmans Dome with insights on accessibility and views.
- Accommodations: From luxury resorts to rustic campgrounds, find the perfect stay near the park.
- Safety First: Tips on bear safety and embracing the Leave No Trace principles.
- Fun Fact: Learn why the mountains are called the “Smokies” from the misty blue haze that envelops them.
Top Family-Friendly Hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains
The Great Smoky Mountains have over 800 miles of trails, which means the best hikes in the Smoky Mountains are available for all abilities!
Our best hikes guide below focuses on 6 can’t miss hikes whose difficulty ranges from easy to moderate and are less than 5 miles long! We love hiking as a family and have learned hiking over 5 miles makes for a long day with our adventure seekers!
1. Laurel Falls Trail – A Must-See Waterfall
Getting There – Laurel Falls Trailhead parking area
Laurel Falls Trail is a 2.4-mile out-and-back trail to a beautiful waterfall! On the outbound hike to this stunning 80 foot waterfall, hikers travel uphill…gaining nearly 400 feet of elevation before reaching Laurel Falls. The hike is scenic and well-marked because hikers travel along a paved trail.
The trail’s pavement is crumbling and does not exist in some places. We would not advise taking a wheelchair or stroller on this trail. We saw a family pushing a stroller up, which must have been a huge pain!
At the falls, hikers cross a wooden bridge which provides a stunning view of the falls.
This trail is very popular and parking spaces can be hard to find. You may need to park before the trailhead or after it and walk an extra quarter or half mile to reach the trailhead.
Since the trail gains 400 feet of elevation in 1.2 miles, we rate the Laurel Falls Trail as moderately difficult.
2. Cataract Falls – An Easy Trek for Young Hikers
Getting There – Park at the Sugarlands Visitor Center parking area
Cataract Falls is a short hike! It’s also super flat and easy making it a must do when you are at the Sugarlands Visitor Center. Take the short trail from the visitor center to the waterfall. The walk through the woods is well traveled and you can follow the crowd that is headed towards the falls.
Cataract Falls is very busy so don’t expect much peace and quiet, but the 25 foot falls are pretty and super short hike is worth your time to check it out!
If you want to hike a slightly longer route you can add on the Fighting Creek Nature Trail. This trail winds through the woods and includes some interreptive signs to identify the trees. Enjoy the walk past the historic cabin on the trail. The Fighting Creek Nature Trail is loop-trail about 1.4-miles long.
We rate Cataract Falls as a very easy hike!
3. Clingmans Dome – Breathtaking Views Await
Getting There – Clingmans Dome Trailhead parking area
Clingmans Dome Trail is a 1.3 mile out-and-back trail along a paved path. This trail gains nearly 350 feet of elevation in just over half a mile. So, it’s steep! The steep incline makes this trail a challenging yet rewarding hike with panoramic views at the top!
We think the views are the worth the hike! On our visit the skies were overcast and we hiked into a cloud! While that was a cool experience, visibility was about 50 feet or less.
Still experiencing the highest peak in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park makes this one of our best hikes in Smoky Mountains!
Pro Tip: Keep a watchful eye for Applachian Trail (the “AT”) thru-hikers in the Clingmans Dome area. The AT is next to Clingmans Dome and you might just spy someone making the long trek from Georgia to Maine or Maine to Georgia depending on their direction of travel!
Fun Fact: Clingmans Dome is located in BOTH Tennessee and North Carolina!
Note: Clingmans Dome Road is CLOSED from November through the end of March because of weather. Clingmans Dome is technically open if you want to hike rough 6 miles from Newfound Gap!
We rate Clingsman Dome as moderate because of the elevation gain!
4. Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail – A Gentle Stroll
Getting There – Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail parking area
Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail is a half mile loop trail hike through a second growth forest. This short hike follows a paved path along the West Prong of the Little Piegon River and offers benches for hikers to sit in nature and enjoy the sounds of the forest. The short hike is a great hike for the whole family including small children and those visitors needed an accessible trail.
We have heard that black bears sometime visit this area, so keep a watchful eye and make sure to respect these powerful animals!
We rate Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail as easy.
5. Gatlinburg Trail – Scenic and Convenient
Getting There – Gatlinburg Trail trailhead and parking lot
Visitors staying in Gatlinburg main want to stroll along the 1.9-mile Gatlinburg Tail that leads from Gatlinburg to the Sugarlands Visitor Center. The trail offers hikers a gentle walk along the West Prong of the Piegon River.
Hikers taking in the entire out-and-back trail will cover 3.8 miles roundtrip!
Gatlinburg Trail is family friendly hike that is perfect for the whole family including dogs! If you need a relaxing break from the Gatlinburg strip and the packed tee-shirt shops, hop onto this trail and walk for 20 minutes surrounded by nature before returning to the hustle of Gatlinburg!
We rate the Gatlinburg Trail as an easy hike!
6. Alum Cave Bluffs – For the More Adventurous Family
Getting There – Alum Cave Bluffs trailhead parking area
Alum Cave Bluffs Trail is 4.5-mile out-and-back trail that can be extended to reach the peak of Mt. LeConte! We hiked the trail to Peregrine Peak and Alum Cave Bluff! This trail follows a well traveled path along stream with several cascades along the route.
The stream makes the first mile of this hike gorgeous!
Arch Rock is a cool feature on this trail. Hikers literally hike under the arch as they work towards Alum Cave and begin climbing from the valley floor.
Climbing from the valley is a steady upward trek where hikers gain over 1,100 feet of elevation in about 1.5 miles. While the whole family could do this hike, small children will struggle with the elevation gain.
Inspiration Point provides breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains and the lush valleys. Clouds rolled in and out so our views were limited!
Next hikers reach Alum Cave Bluff which is a huge overhang from the mountain above. Next hikers reach Alum Cave Bluff which is a huge overhang from the mountain above. The bluff makes a great spot to enjoy snacks and taking a break before hiking back down.
Pro Tip: Parking at the Alum Cave Bluff Trailhead is busy and often full. Arrive early, before 8 AM for the best chance to score parking! Or use a private shuttle service to drop you off at the trailhead!
We rate Alum Cave Bluff as a moderate to difficult hike because of the elevation gain and the total distance of nearly 5 miles!
Hiking Near Key Areas of the Smoky Mountains
Some of the best hikes in the Smoky Mountains are located near popular visitor centers and areas.
The popular Sugarland Visitor Center offers several family hiking trails near the visitor center. These can be perfect for a quick visit to the park and helping small children experience the Great Smoky Mountains.
While Newfound Gap area provides more hiking options and even an opportunity for adventous hikers to get in a few miles along the AT.
Cades Cove is a beautiful valley that served as the homestead for the John Oliver family. Visitors follow a Cades Cove Loop Road throughout the valley with parking lots for many of the historic buildings in the cove.
Note: Cades Cove Loop Road is CLOSED to vehicle traffic on Wednesdays.
The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is another spectacular driving tour only moments from downtown Gatlinburg! This trail not only offers beautiful hikes like the Grotto Falls but also features rich history and the opportunity to see diverse wildlife.
Trails Close to Cades Cove
Check in at the Cades Cove visitor center to get a run down on all the trails. It’s located a the halfway point of the Cades Cove Loop Road. Visitors will have chances to turn back onto the Loop Road if you want to checkout a highlight you passed by before the visitor center!
Abrams Falls Trail – A Cades Cove Highlight
Abrams Falls is a beautiful waterfall located in Caves Cove. We were unable to hike on our recent trip because the trail was closed due to trees blown down on the trail! Bummer!
If you get the chance, the trail is 5 miles round trip and offers a magnificent waterfall view. Expect crowds because Cades Cove is super busy especially during the summer and fall!
Exploring Around Sugarlands Visitor Center
We recommend the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail that is a few blocks from the popular Gatlinburg strip. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is 5.5 miles round trip and offers several popular hikes.
The parking lots along the Roar Fork are very small which makes scoring one really tough. Arrive early if you want to hike any of these amazing trails. We enjoyed hiking to Rainbow Falls!
Essential Tips for a Smooth Visit
Consider the average daily attendance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is 32,000 people, if everyone came evenly over through the year. Which they don’t. Seasons like Spring and Fall are extremely busy. Add in all the cars from the visitors and we quickly see why this park can be one of the most crowded National Parks.
As the official trip planner for your adventure, creating a smooth and easy visit is not an easy task. Here are three quick tips to craft an enjoyable adventure:
- Avoid Crowds – Visit during non-peak seasons like late fall (after peak leaf viewing season, during the winter, or early spring)
- Pack the Right Gear – Weather in this NP is unpredictable. The rainy and misty conditions that create the blue “smoke” which give the park it’s name means it’s ofter cool and wet. Bring a rain jacket!
- Park Shuttles – Taking a PRIVATE shuttle means everyone in your adventure can sit back and enjoy the beautiful views of the Smoky Mountains without focusing on driving! The NPS does not offer shuttle service.
Best Time to Visit and How to Avoid the Crowds
Leaf viewing season in October is the busiest time in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The summer months, June through August, are very busy as well.
For the smallest crowds, visit during the winter. Spring is also a great time to visit. We explored the GSMNP on spring break. Crowds were large in nearby Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, but manageable inside the National Park.
The best times to visit for fewer crowds and enjoyable weather are the “shoulder seasons” like April and May or November through mid-December.
Packing Essentials: From Maps to Snacks
Packing for a great adventure to a National Park is tricky. And packing for the Smoky Mountains is equally challenging because the weather frequently changes. For instance, the weather may start off cool in the morning, then a rain shower moves in and finally, the sun is out, warming up the air and creating oppressive humidity!
Here is our essential gear list:
- Hiking Gear – Boots, hiking pants, moisture-wicking / quick-drying tops, hat, rain jacket, and daypack. Depending on the season, toss in a fleece or jacket. Hiking poles are optional
- Maps & Compass – Cell phone signals are almost non-existent inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Stop at the visitor center to grab a FREE map from the NPS or purchase an inexpensive complete trail map at any of the 4 visitor’s centers.
- Water + Snacks – As you venture away from the 4 visitor centers water and food options are NOT available. Make sure to pack your supplies in for your hikes. The size, crowds, and twisty/windy roads make a quick “stop” in a nearby town like Gatlinburg impossible. Remember to Leave No Trace and pack out what you bring in OR toss into a black bear proof trash bin!
For our complete snack packing checklist click HERE.
Weather Preparedness and Safety Tips
“The Smokies got their name from the Cherokee people. They called it “Shaconage” (shah-con-ah-jey) which means “place of the blue smoke.” The name comes from the blue mist that floats above the peaks of the mountains,” from Tennessee State Museum.
The mist is created thanks to the lush and damp environment found in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This means it frequently rains in the NP. In other words, pack a rain jacket!
Frequent rain showers during the summer months mean following the rain it may be hot and humid (muggy). Heat can be tough to deal with and the humidity is a compounding effect. So, make sure to dress accordingly. We recommend wearing shorts and moisture-wicking hiking gear.
Elevation impacts temperature. True the Smokies don’t reach up the same heights as the 14,000+ mountains in the Rockies or Grand Teton, the Smokies reach over 6,600 feet at Clingman’s Dome. Clingman’s Dome, the highest point in the park, often has very windy conditions and the air temps may be as much as 20 to 30 degrees F cooler than in nearby Gatlinburg!
Hats, sunscreen, and bug-spray are also important to bring on your adventure.
Pro Tip: Always consider checking in with a park ranger upon arrival for the latest weather and trail updates.
Accommodation Options for Families
Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s creation centered around the protection and conservation of this amazing land. At the time there was a great debate if the wildlands should be a National Park or National Forest. The main difference being if hunting was permitted. Both were expected to bring droves of visitors and boom the local economies.
The gateway towns of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge rose to the occasion and offer every accommodation option possible. From luxury resorts like Blackberry Farm and campgrounds like The Ridge Outdoor Resort & Anchor Down, to chalets nestled high in the mountains, and 1950s era hotels/motels along the popular strip, or backcountry camping you can find the perfect accommodations in the Smoky Mountains.
Choosing Between LeConte Lodge, Campgrounds, and Nearby Towns
The famous Mt. LeConte Lodge may be the best known lodging in the park. This rustic lodge sits high atop Mt. LeConte. Visitors must hike to the top of the mountain to reach the lodge. Supplies for Mt. LeConte Lodge are carried up the mountain via a llama train up the Trillium Gap Trail which is 14 miles of trail!
Sounds remote and awesome! If you want to stay at the famous Mt. LeConte lodge make your reservations early! In some cases, up to a year in advance.
Pro Tip: If you want to see the llama train, wake up early. The llamas set off on their 14 mile trek at 6 AM on Monday mornings!
Safety First: Ensuring a Secure Hiking Experience
Wildlife Awareness and The Importance of Staying on Trail
Bear Safety – Protecting Your Family and Wildlife
Do I need bear spray?
We have only seen a few black bears in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Yes, black bears can be dangerous. If you leave them alone, make some noise when hiking, and generally don’t bother them, you should be okay.
If you feel better carrying bear spray, by all means bring some along, but most hikers we see on the trails do not carry bear spray in the Smoky Mountains.
Exploring Beyond the Smokies: Day Trips and Nearby Adventures
While the Great Smoky Mountains offer an abundance of natural beauty and hiking opportunities, the adventure doesn’t have to stop there. If you’re looking to expand your exploration, consider these fantastic day trips that are just a short drive away:
- Mammoth Cave National Park: Just a few hours away, explore the world’s longest cave system. Our visit there offered a unique underground adventure, contrasting the mountainous hikes of the Smokies. Check out our full guide on Mammoth Cave for tips on the best tours and what to expect underground.
- Cumberland Falls: Known as the “Niagara of the South,” Cumberland Falls is a must-visit for its majestic waterfalls and the chance to witness a moonbow, a rare natural phenomenon. It’s an ideal side trip to combine with your Smoky Mountains journey.
- The Ark Encounter: A life-sized Noah’s Ark replica makes for a fascinating visit, especially for families. Located in Williamstown, Kentucky, this attraction combines historical intrigue with family-friendly activities. Do you need a great place to stay near the Ark Encounter?
- Red River Gorge: Renowned for its stunning rock formations and expansive hiking trails, Red River Gorge is a paradise for adventurers and nature lovers alike. Whether it’s rock climbing, hiking, or simply enjoying the scenery, this area provides a thrilling experience not far from the Smokies.
Each of these destinations adds a unique layer to your travel itinerary, making your trip through the eastern U.S. a comprehensive adventure. For more detailed information on these spots, visit our dedicated posts linked above.
Embracing the Leave No Trace Principles
We share the responsibility of preserving this natural wonder! During your visit do your part to respect this natural and wild environment. Remember to take only pictures and leave only footprints! #LeaveNoTrace
Your Ultimate Adventure Awaits in the Smoky Mountains
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking to soak in nature’s wonders, the Smoky Mountains provide the perfect setting for an unforgettable family vacation.
With trails of all skill levels and some of the most popular hiking routes in the country, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy. From the breathtaking views at Clingman’s Dome to the easy strolls along the Gatlinburg Trail, your adventure awaits in the heart of the Smokies. Grab your hiking boots, pack your sense of adventure, and come see why millions make this park a part of their family traditions!
About Us
Mike & Sara began RV camping in 2020 and instantly loved the lifestyle. RV Camping gets us closer the our favorite hikes. Like our old favorites in Red River Gorge, Mammoth Cave, Cumberland Falls, and new ones like in Yellowstone and Glacier.
RV Camping let’s us explore new places, create amazing family memories and crossing off all those “one-day” trips from our list.
At Our Campfire Unplugged, we enjoy sharing our experiences to help fellow travelers live their best lives.
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