7 Totally Kid-Friendly Hikes In Tennessee That Are 1 Mile And Under
By Meghan Kraft|Published July 26, 2022
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Meghan Kraft
Author
Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. She holds a degree in English, and has worked in the digital marketing realm with companies such as Apartments.com, USA Today and HarperCollins Publishing.
Hiking through the varied backwoods of Tennessee is a joy for outdoorsy folks and vacationers alike, but there is a certain pleasure that comes with bringing the kids along. Children have a way of noticing some of the world’s quietest forms of beauty, and though snacks are required and little legs get tired quickly, there are plenty of kid-friendly hikes in Tennessee that are great for a Saturday morning out and about. We’ve found seven great trails that will take you through the wooded hills and valleys of the Volunteer State that come in just under a mile. Got little ones? No problem. They’ll love these Tennessee trails!
1. Blue Hole Falls
Blue Hole Falls, 131 Fiery Gizzard Rd, Tracy City, TN 37387, USA
Blue Hole Falls is a hike that comes in just shy of a half mile, and the easy route in Butler, Tennessee, is both kid- and dog-friendly. The Cherokee National Forest provides a lush, unencumbered backdrop, and kids are bound to fall in love with the views of the river and waterfall. The trail is popular, so expect other visitors, and you'll want to note that the beginning of the hike does have a steep elevation gain.
You can hike to Ozone Falls in the Ozone Falls State Natural Area near Crab Orchard, Tennessee. The hike is just over a quarter of a mile, and it is popular for birding, hiking, and exploring with kids. The route is fairly rocky so make sure to wear the proper shoes, and little ones are bound to love the pool that collects at the bottom of the waterfall.
Sill Branch Falls is a single-mile out-and-back trail located near Erwin, Tennessee. You can plan on the route taking about half an hour to finish, and the trail is one of the most popular in the Cherokee National Forest for birders, hikers, and trail runners. Dogs are welcome on a leash, and your little ones will love pointing out the waterfall and wildflowers. There is a slight elevation gain, but nothing too difficult, and you should be prepared to cross a small stream.
The Sugarland Valley Nature Trail is in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and at just a half mile long, the easy route takes visitors about 10 minutes to complete. The trail is popular for runners and is stroller-friendly, but keep in mind that dogs are not allowed. The entirety of the trail is paved, and its close proximity to the river means tiny toes can splash around in the water. Keep an eye out for the stone chimneys and walls along the way!
Head to Pikeville, Tennessee, for a hike along the Cane Creek Falls and Suspension Bridge Trail in Fall Creek Falls State Park. You will only gain 82 feet in total along the half-mile trail, and the out-and-back route means that kids will have the chance to revisit their favorite spots along the route. Dogs are welcome on a leash, and you are sure to get a shot of adventure when you see the waterfall cascading into the pool below. The suspension bridge is meant for crossing, so make sure you prepare your little ones ahead of time.
Falling Water Falls trail is located near Signal Mountain, Tennessee, and the easy route is just over a quarter mile in its entirety. You will gain less than 100 feet in elevation along the way, so there is plenty of time and space to keep your eyes peeled for birds and various wildlife. There is a small parking lot for your use, but you cannot park on the road for the risk of being towed. You may want to bring older kids on this hike as the trail features a few sharp drop-offs.
Look Rock Tower Trail Features a moderate elevation gain and a length that's just under a mile. Dogs are not allowed on the trail, but the paved trek makes it much more accessible than other hiking trails. It is not considered stroller or wheelchair friendly, however, because of the steep elevation gain in multiple areas. The views are stunning and the trek is quick and simple, so even your tiniest visitors should be able to make the hike.
Have you ever been on one of these kid-friendly hikes in Tennessee? Do you have any tips and tricks for traversing the terrain with little ones? There is nothing quite like experiencing the world through the eyes of a child, and it doesn’t take long to teach your children how to fall in love with the natural beauty of Tennessee.
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