In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park you’ll find over 800 miles worth of hiking trails! Some are for novice hikers and others for more experienced hikers that have rougher terrain. Some of those easier trails are perfect to bring kids along on! Below we’ve put together a list of kid friendly hikes in the Smoky Mountains to try:
1. Porters Creek Trail
The Porters Creek Trail is one of the best kid friendly hikes in the Smoky Mountains! The trail is relatively flat, and 2 miles roundtrip. You will find a lot of structures to explore while on this trail like a cantilever barn, a cabin, and a springhouse. Spring is a great time to hike this trail when there a lot of wildflowers present.
2. Clingmans Dome
Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Smoky Mountains. On clear days it’s a perfect place to see panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains. The walk to Clingmans Dome is 1 mile round trip, and is partially paved! It can be easily navigated by smaller children, and everyone who hikes it will love the view from the top!
3. Laurel Falls Trail
The Laurel Falls Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The hike is 2.3 miles round trip, and it’s even paved! Laurel Falls is a two-tiered waterfall that falls over 80 feet! Once you reach the falls there is a foot bridge that crosses over the waterfall and makes a great spot for a picture!
4. Cataract Falls Trail
The Cataract Falls Trail is located directed behind Sugarlands Visitor Center. The hike is flat and easy to navigate. The trail is even educational! Along it you will find trees marked with their names. Round trip the trial is only 3/4 of a mile. Once you reach Cataract Falls the base of the waterfall is a great place to take a family picture! This is one of the best kid friendly hikes in the Smoky Mountains, especially if you have smaller, younger children.
5. Elijah Oliver Place Trail
You can find the Elijah Oliver Place is located in Cades Cove. There’s a lot to explore in Cades Cove, and this is one stop around the loop you’ll love to explore with the kids! Elijah Oliver was John Oliver’s son, one of the first settlers in Cades Cove. There’s a pull off on the side of the road about 4.6 miles from the loop’s start. The hike is one mile round trip and flat. Once there you can explore the cabin.
Hiking in the Smokies can be fun for the entire family even when you bring the little ones along. After you explore some of the great kid friendly hikes in the Smoky Mountains you can check out some other easy hikes in the national park that are waiting for you to explore!
