The 3.9-Mile Gatlinburg Trail In Tennessee Takes You Along The Enchanting Little Pigeon River
By Chris Dodge|Updated on May 08, 2024(Originally published August 16, 2022)
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Chris Dodge
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My name is Chris Dodge and I live right here in the great state of Tennessee. My family and I are full adventurers filled with passion to see the amazing things our state has to offer. We are avid hikers and have explored many different places in Tennessee and beyond but we are always thankful to be living in such a glorious state.
Today I would like to introduce you to one of the best trails in Gatlinburg Tennessee. We will start by taking you on a journey to one of my favorite places in Tennessee, our very own national park. The Great Smoky Mountain range is a truly magical place. Standing at an overlook and witnessing the incredible mountains all around you does a soul good. These natural wonders of our world fill us with life as we strive to explore. Take a deep breath and let the nice fresh air fill your lungs, hike away, and leave all of the busyness behind. The Smokies are meant to be a place of peace and this easy trail in the Smoky Mountains gives you just that.
The Gatlinburg Trail is a simple and easy hike through the wonderful forest found in the Great Smoky Mountains. The trail is a simple out-and-back 3.9-mile hike with 164 feet of elevation gain and is rated as easy.
Listen as the water gurgles over the rocks or simply flows by you as it naturally does. The sound is relaxing and great company for a simple hike. There are a few really good spots along the trail where you can find a nice rock to sit on and watch the flowing water. If you are looking for a peaceful place this is a great trail for you.
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The gravel path is wide most of the way through, with a few exceptions. There are some rocks and roots to be found, but you will mostly be walking a pretty flat gravel path.
With only a few places along the hike where you will see any elevation change, this makes the trail a great accessible option for many people.
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If you want to rest then take a seat on one of the benches as you travel along. Sometimes we like to just stop and take in the tranquility of the forest. The Smokies are one of the most peaceful places on earth and it is great to surround yourself in nature and appreciate the beauty.
The Great Smoky Mountains are known for lots and lots of black bears. Being cautious and aware of what is around you is always a good rule of thumb whenever these fuzzy beasts are around. Another thing to be aware of are landslides. Gatlinburg Tennessee rockslides are not very common but they do happen so be cautious of loose rocks.
Old remains of early settlements can be found along the trail as well as a bridge and a small waterfall. This was something that kind of surprised us on our hike. I love finding things like this as they are fun to explore and see. One of the chimneys isn't completely structurally sound so the park service has roped off the area.
The trail can either start at the Sugarland Visitors Center or you can walk right off the city streets of downtown Gatlinburg and be on the trail. Either way, you choose to get there, you will be greeted with a lush forest and the trickle of flowing water along the Little Pigeon River.
We have started the trail from both ends before and they each have their benefits. If you start at the visitors center there usually is a good chance you will find a parking spot, but if you are already staying in Gatlinburg then you can quite literally walk right into the park.
This is only one of two trails where the national park allows dogs on a hike. This is one of the reasons we love this trail so much. My doggie is very happy to be included and has a place to adventure in too.
There are lots of longer and more strenuous hikes all throughout the Great Smoky Mountains, but sometimes it is nice to find a simple trail. The Gatlinburg Trail is an easy trail in the Smoky Mountains and a great way to spend the afternoon. We think that this is one of the best trails in Gatlinburg Tennessee, so make sure you lace up your hiking shoes and hit the trail. But, before you do make sure you have the map for the Gatlinburg Trail ready to go on your AllTrails app. If you want to see more of this trail then check out our journey when we went with this Adventuring in the Moment video:
If you like the idea of a nice stroll through the Smokies then we have plenty more Tennessee hikes for you to enjoy.
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Trails In The Smoky Mountains In Tennessee
Chris Dodge|May 08, 2024
What are some easy trails in the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee?
Here are my suggestions for easy trails in the Great Smoky Mountains:
