If you enjoy hiking, you will be glad to know we are just minutes away from the trailhead for the Gatlinburg Trail! This 1.9 mile scenic trail is relatively flat and is perfect for all skill levels. It leads directly to Sugarlands Visitor Center within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Here are the top 4 reasons why you should hike the Gatlinburg Trail during your vacation:
1. Unique Scenery
One of the top reasons to hike the Gatlinburg Trail during your vacation is to experience all of the unique scenery! The trail starts just off River Road in Gatlinburg and runs through the forest along the west prong of the Little Pigeon River. While hiking the trail, you will love the spectacular views of the river, so be sure to bring your camera along to capture some beautiful photos! At one point, there is an excellent photo stop where a pedestrian bridge crosses the river. You will also have the opportunity to see the foundations and chimneys of several old homesites along the trail!
2. Pets are Allowed
If you are staying in one of our pet friendly cabins in Gatlinburg, the Gatlinburg Trail is the perfect place to take your dog for a walk! This trail is one of just two walking paths in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park where you can walk dogs, making it the ideal destination for those guests staying in one of our cabins with a pet! Just keep in mind that it is a park policy that dogs must be kept on a leash at all times with a leash that does not exceed 6 feet in length.
3. Direct Hike to Sugarlands Visitor Center
The Gatlinburg Trail leads directly to Sugarlands Visitor Center, one of the 4 visitor centers within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! This visitor center is the best place to start your exploration of the park as you can pick up a trail map, browse the book store, and find out about any ranger led programs. There is also a free 20-minute film you can watch to learn more about the park, as well as extensive natural history exhibits! The Sugarlands Visitor Center is open daily at 8 am throughout the year except for Christmas. Note closing times vary depending upon the season, ranging between 4:30 pm and 7 pm.
4. Family Friendly Trail
While the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has hundreds of trails for all skill levels, the Gatlinburg Trail is one of the best trails for families! Since the trail is relatively flat, this is an excellent choice for hiking with your children when you want to enjoy the great outdoors! If you happened to bring your bike with you on vacation, the Gatlinburg Trail is also one of the only trails within the park where you can ride a bicycle. Whether you decide to hike or bike, your entire family will love this scenic trail through the forest!
Check out all of our cabins in Gatlinburg TN today to enjoy a wonderful Smoky Mountain vacation close to the Gatlinburg Trail! We look forward to seeing you soon!
