5 Best Family Hikes in the Smoky Mountains
A day spent with your family in the Great Smoky Mountains is sure to be a day you remember! From scenic drives, mountain views, and fun hiking trails there’s a lot to see and do! We want to help you plan for you trip, so we are sharing 5 of the best family hikes in the Smoky Mountains that are great for everyone!
1. Cataract Falls
Cataract Falls is one of the best family hikes in the Smoky Mountains if you have smaller children. The trail is roughly 1 mile round trip and flat. This trail is not only easy, but educational as well! Along the trail you will notice that trees have plaques in front of them. These plaques have both the scientific name and the regular name. At the end of the trail is Cataract Falls a picture perfect waterfall that offers the perfect chance to get pictures right in front of!
2. Baskins Creek Falls
If you want to bring your family up an easy trail to see a waterfall this is it! Baskins Creek Trail is located along the Roaring Fork Nature Trail. This trail offers some decent views along the way too. You may even catch glimpses of Gatlinburg! This trail is 3 miles round trip and considered easy. However, there are plenty of rocks along the trail so appropriate shoes are necessary! Once you reach the waterfall it’s a great place to relax and enjoy a picnic!
3. Gatlinburg Trail
The Gatlinburg Trail is another one of the best family hikes in the Smoky Mountains! Moreover, this trail even allows you to bring your furry, four-legged family members! It travels one-way from Sugarlands Visitor Center to the edge of Gatlinburg. This makes the trail 1.9 miles one-way. The Gatlinburg Trail is relatively flat and offers great views of the river and natural forestry.
4. Elkmont Nature Trail
The Elkmont Nature Trail is an easy to manage trail. It’s a short but scenic loop trail. In the spring it’s a great place to see wildflowers! After you finish the short trail, you and your family will conveniently be able to explore other parts of the Elkmont Ghost Town. There are rustic cabins to see, and even what’s left of the Wonderland Hotel!
5. Kephart Prong Trail
If you are looking for a longer trail but easily managed the Kephart Prong Trail is a great option! This trail is 4.2 miles round trip. Moreover, it leads to the Kephart Shelter at the end of the trail. Along the trail you will see remnants of the old Civilian Conservation Corps camp. So, this a great historic hike to explore. You’ll also enjoy some beautiful and peaceful riverviews.
There are plenty of great trails in the Smokies! But not all are easy to manage, that’s why the trails above are great for families to do together! Each one of these 5 best family hikes in the Smoky Mountains is a great choice to try! If you have small children coming along we recommend trying some other kid friendly hikes in the Smokies!
