Hiking Trails

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a huge park in Tennessee and North Carolina full of hiking trails! The national park includes accessible trails for people in wheelchairs or for people with mobility concerns. Some of these accessible hiking trails are paved while the other trails are hard packed gravel. Most of the accessible trails are relatively smooth without much elevation. Enjoy your time on the trails without concerns! Here are the top 4 accessible Great Smoky Mountains hiking trails:

If you’re looking to spend more time on the North Carolina side of the mountains, consider hiking Big Creek Trail in the Smoky Mountains! This is the perfect hike for the spring or summer months because it’s in a heavily wooded area, meaning more shady spots. This hike offers plenty of rewards, too, making it one of our favorites in the North Carolina part of the Smokies.

If you love nature and flowers, you do not want to miss the hike to Gregory Bald. While this is one of the more difficult trails in the Smokies, you will quickly learn why it is also one of the most popular hikes for visitors. The amazing mountain view and scenic highlights make this a trail you need to experience. Here is everything you need to know about hiking to Gregory Bald:

One of the most family friendly hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains is the Kephart Prong Trail, a well-maintained trail that runs for about 2 miles to the Kephart Shelter. The trail crosses over a creek several times via sturdy log bridges and offers several fascinating historic sites along the journey! In addition to the shelter at the trail’s end, you’ll also find the remnants of the Civilian Conservation Corps camp! Here are the top 4 reasons why families love hiking along the Kephart Prong Trail:

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to hundreds of miles of trails, many of which are shorter hikes or great hikes for beginners. If you are new to hiking, Middle Prong Trail is one you should try. Learn about the hiking Middle Prong Trail in the Smoky Mountains here: 

The Smoky Mountains are full of opportunities for outdoor exploration, especially when it comes to hiking. If you're looking for an easier hike or one that everyone can enjoy, Little River Trail might be the trail for you. Hiking this path comes with a mixture of water features, old structures, scenic views, and access to other trails! Keep reading to learn more about the Little River Trail: 

If you love hikes with waterfalls or other water features, you'll have to take some time to explore Meigs Creek Trail, a moderate trail located near Townsend and Gatlinburg TN. Learn more about hiking Meigs Creek Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains.

One of the most popular places in the Smoky Mountains is Cades Cove. Cades Cove is a great place to get beautiful views of the mountains, see historic buildings, and observe wildlife like black bears, salamanders, and wild turkeys. While Cades Cove has its own trails for you to try, there are even more trails close to the area that are worth checking out too! Here are 3 Smoky Mountain hiking trails that you may want to explore near Cades Cove:

Gatlinburg Trail is a great hiking trail to explore when you visit the Smokies! Since the trail is considered easy, anyone can enjoy walking through the woods on this path! It’s a great way to get outside on your trip and spend time in the national park. Keep reading to find out more about hiking the Gatlinburg Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains:

Baskins Creek Trail is a great hike to go on when you visit the Smokies. It’s considered easy to moderate, and you’ll get to see an amazing waterfall at the end of the hike. Find out more about hiking to Baskins Creek Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains:

Many people want to bring their pooch with them on vacation, and we don’t blame them! You can have a ton of fun with your dog in the area, including some dog friendly trails in the Smoky Mountains. There are only two trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that allow dogs. The other trails in the backcountry are off limits for dogs because they could bring disease into the habitat for wildlife, leave scents and scare off wildlife, or be prey to other animals. But, you can have a ton of fun on the trails that are pet friendly! Here’s everything you need to know about dog friendly trails in the Smoky Mountains.

Most of the trails in the national park are filled with tree roots, rocks, or gravel. However, there are a handful that are accessible for everyone. If you have a wheelchair or need a stroller for your children, you’re probably looking for a paved Smoky Mountain hiking trail. These trails are just as great as any others, and you’ll have a great time being outside! Here are the top 5 paved Smoky Mountain hiking trails: