Best Smoky Mountain Trails for Beginners in Gatlinburg

Does your heart have a burning desire to reach the peak of the Great Smoky Mountains on foot, but your stamina and legs say otherwise? Don’t worry, we have a great plan laid out for you! Gatlinburg is home to some of the easiest hikes in the country, with gorgeous scenery and beginner-friendly trails that require less energy. From dense forest, waterfalls, to a live scene of Gatlinburg wildlife, these easy trails do not require expensive hiking boots, a support stick, or GPS. Just grab your comfortable shoes, water, and cameras, and you're all good to embark on your quest to experience the best hikes in Gatlinburg.

Visitors can access this Gatlinburg trail from downtown Gatlinburg, and it is one of the most scenic trails in the Great Smoky Mountains. The trail starts with a river and runs across the lush forest, finally ending at Sugarland Visitor Center. The hike is 4 miles long and is open for bikers as well. Moreover, visitors can tag along with their pets as it's among the few pet-friendly trails in Gatlinburg.

With a moderate difficulty level and an elevation of 585 ft, Trillium Gap Trail stretches for 2.6 miles out and back. It's among the most popular hiking trails in Gatlinburg as visitors get to see an ancient forest with wildflowers and hemlock while walking towards Grotto Falls, which marks the end of the trail. After completing the trail, the adventurers may walk around the waterfall and see beautiful rock formations, scenery, and small natural pools perfect for taking a quick dip, especially in summer.

The Kuwohi hiking trail in Gatlinburg is among the Great Smoky Mountains' top hiking routes. Reason? It's simply too easy for the beginners that even kids can join, and the beautiful views from the observation tower at the end of the trail make this hike extremely rewarding.

Fun fact: The national park's highest mountain peak is Kuwohi, which is located only a half-mile walk away! 

The actual trail is a bit bumpy and a bit steep, but you'll be just fine as long as you pace yourself and take your good time. In our opinion, it's worth it for the view from the top!

If good aesthetics are your thing, then our only recommendation would be Laurel Falls Trails, which are considered the most photogenic spot in all of the Smoky Mountains. Not only is it super easy, but it's only 2.5 miles long. As the hiker moves forward, they come across breathtaking 80-foot waterfalls and lush forests. Moreover, the famous Cove Mountain fire tower, which is located at the top of Cove Mountain, can be accessed after completing the trail beyond the falls.

With some interesting history of a lingering ghost in the nearby town, this Elkmont Smoky Mountain trail in Gatlinburg offers nothing but fun. It is less than a mile long, and at the end, hikers can enjoy the famous Troll Bridge and ghost town. This hike is especially popular among solo hikers because it provides great spots to enjoy solitude without the hassle of a long, tiring, and steep hike.

Porters Creek Trails is a seven-mile-long trail at an elevation of 1512 ft and can be found in the Greenbrier area of the Smoky Mountains, which is known to be the less crowded part of the park. The hike starts with a straight gravel path and proceeds into dense forest, while passing through farm sites and the John Messer Cantilever barn, which was built in the 18th century. At the end of the trail, there is Fern Branch Falls, which is a 60-foot beautiful waterfall and is a decent spot to relax and swim after ending the long hike.

Abrams Falls, located close to Cades Cove, is another waterfall hike in the Smoky Mountains that we would like to put on this list. It is five miles round-trip and falls between easy and moderate in difficulty level. This hike is especially for those individuals who are up for a new challenge among these easy hike options. Abrams Falls is only 20 feet high, but the heavy water flow compensates for its small elevation. So don’t forget to include this one in your list if you're already planning to visit Cades Cove!

We saved the best for last! This all-in-one bumpy package offers steep paths full of dirt, asphalt, and cement. But if that’s too much for you, there is also a smaller and smoother path which is suitable for kids and disabled individuals, having comfortable benches and tables for a picnic. It is one of the most popular hikes in the area, with shallow creeks, old forest, and finally the Cataract Falls being the highlight.

Whether you're looking for difficult hikes to challenge yourself or just want beginner-friendly trails with scenic views, Gatlinburg has it all and more! From the beauty of Laurel Falls to the gentle paths of Porter Creek Trails, these simple hiking trails invite visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains to slow down and appreciate nature without breaking a sweat. So, without fearing of breaking an ankle, pack your bags, grab some snacks, and start your trip to the hike of your choice today!