Best Family Hikes in the Smoky Mountains With Kids

Exploring the Great Smoky Mountains with your family is an unforgettable experience. With its breathtaking scenery and diverse wildlife, this national park offers an abundance of family-friendly hiking trails. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out, there are trails to suit every skill level. In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the best family-friendly hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains, complete with driving distances from downtown Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, parking information, difficulty levels, points of interest, and more.

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Ideally, you will have around five days to spend in the Great Smoky Mountains. This will give you time to explore a few trails, partake in activities in both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, eat at a few great restaurants, and relax with a stunning view from your cabin. I have another blog post with the perfect 5-day family-friendly Great Smoky Mountains vacation itinerary if you are in the middle of planning your trip! 

If you are looking for the perfect place to stay with amazing views and fun for the whole family, I highly recommend this cabin!

About The Great Smoky Mountains

If visiting National Parks is on your bucket list, a visit to the most visited National Park is surely high on the list. 

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a place of rich history and natural beauty. Established in 1934, it straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee and encompasses over 500,000 acres of land, thats a lot of miles of trails. The park is renowned for its diverse plant and animal life, ancient mountains, and remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture.

Prior to the park’s establishment, the region was home to various Native American tribes, including the Cherokee people. European settlers began arriving in the late 18th century, and their presence significantly shaped the area’s culture and history. The park’s landscape is a testament to the resilience of nature. It is home to old-growth forests, diverse wildlife, and a multitude of streams and waterfalls, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

In addition to its natural wonders, the park also preserves historic structures that offer a glimpse into the past, including farmsteads, churches, and schools. These remnants showcase the traditional lifestyle of the early Appalachian settlers and provide insight into the region’s cultural heritage.

Today, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park stands as a living museum, offering visitors a chance to connect with nature and explore the history of the Southern Appalachian region. Whether it’s through hiking its trails, viewing its waterfalls, or simply taking in the breathtaking scenery, the park continues to captivate the hearts of millions of visitors, young and old, each year.

Family Hikes in the Smoky Mountains 

In my opinion, family friendly trails don’t always mean an easy hike, but it will be a great option for the best family hikes without needing a ton of gear. When we prioritized our list of hikes from the list below, we thought through the trails with easy access, views, and waterfalls. Please keep in mind that everyone has different goals when hiking; I recommend reading through each before determining what will work for your family! 

1. Laurel Falls Trail is a great hike that will lead you to a 80-foot waterfall, with both an upper falls and lower falls section. It is a very popular trail in the park, and parking is limited, so keep this in mind as you plan your arrival. If the parking lot is full, there are no other areas for parking and Rangers are around to issue warnings and citations. 

•    Driving distance from Gatlinburg: Approximately 11 miles
•    Driving distance from Pigeon Forge: Approximately 18 miles
•    Parking: The trailhead has a parking area that fills up quickly during peak times.
•    Difficulty: Easy
•    Distance: 2.6 miles round trip
•    Trail type: Out and back
•    Time to complete: 1.5 to 2 hours
•    Points of interest: 80-foot Laurel Falls 

2. Alum Cave Trail to Alum Cave Bluffs. The whole family LOVED this hike! It was perfect for our 5-year old and an easy enough hike to carry a 1-year old in a carrier. During the hike you will cross Walker Camp Prong and Alum Cave Creek by trekking over log bridges. They are around 12 inches wide, so don’t let the notes of small crossings scare you- it was easy enough for all of us! You also get to adventure through Arch Rock with a narrow “cave” along the trail. You will start to see incredible views after about 1.6 miles and continue on another .4 miles when you reach the main attraction- Alum Cave. 

Alum Cave is the perfect picnic area for a snack and a rest while taking in the sights. It’s cooler up here too- we needed light jackets in early June! 

•    Driving distance from Gatlinburg: Approximately 8 miles
•    Driving distance from Pigeon Forge: Approximately 15 miles
•    Parking: Alum Cave Trailhead parking area has limited parking and can fill up quickly, there are limited spots along the road as well. 
•    Difficulty: Moderate hike
•    Distance: 4.4 miles roundtrip to Alum Cave Bluffs
•    Trail type: Out and back
•    Time to complete: 3 to 4 hours
•    Points of interest: Alum Cave is amazing, but the entire trail is worth the hike! Keep an eye out for the unique Arch Rock along the trail. You can continue on the trail to Mount Leconte via the Appalachian Trail. 

3. Clingman’s Dome Observation Tower is a paved walkway that leads you to the highest point in the mountains! It’s a steep incline at points but easy enough with some breaks. 

•    Driving distance from Gatlinburg: Approximately 23 miles
•    Driving distance from Pigeon Forge: Approximately 31 miles
•    Parking: Large parking area at the trailhead
•    Difficulty: Easy, but steep
•    Distance: 1 mile round trip
•    Trail type: Out and back
•    Time to complete: 1 hour
•    Points of interest: At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains. The paved trail to the observation tower provides panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.

4. Porters Creek Trail to Fern Branch Falls. This trail features historic structures like the John Messer farmstead and the Smoky Mountain Hiking Club cabin from the 1930’s. The highlight of the hike is the 60-foot Fern Branch Falls, though you are sure to enjoy wildflowers and old growth-forest along the way! 

•    Driving distance from Gatlinburg: Approximately 7 miles
•    Driving distance from Pigeon Forge: Approximately 15 miles
•    Parking: The trailhead has a small parking area that can fill up during peak times.
•    Difficulty: Easy
•    Distance: 4 miles round trip to Fern Branch Falls
•    Trail type: Out and back
•    Time to complete: 2 to 3 hours
•    Points of interest: Beautiful falls, historic structures and beautiful, natural wildflowers. 

5. The Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail is a short hike for getting your “feet wet” with hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains. 

•    Driving distance from Gatlinburg: Located in the Sugarlands Visitor Center, approximately 3 miles
•    Driving distance from Pigeon Forge: Approximately 11 miles
•    Parking: Ample parking available at the Sugarlands Visitor Center
•    Difficulty: Easy
•    Distance: 0.5-mile loop
•    Trail type: Loop
•    Time to complete: 30 minutes to 1 hour
•    Points of interest: This easy loop trail is perfect for families with small children or those with limited mobility. Interpretive signs along the trail provide information about the area’s natural and cultural history.

6. The Gatlinburg Trail is a relatively flat trail within the park, where biking and pets are allowed. You will see beautiful views of the river and deep forest and walk along the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River. 

•    Driving distance from Gatlinburg: within Gatlinburg
•    Driving distance from Pigeon Forge: Approximately 11 miles
•    Parking: Parking is available at the Sugarlands Visitor Center (don’t forget to purchase a parking pass!)
•    Difficulty: Easy
•    Distance: 1.9-miles one way
•    Trail type: Loop
•    Time to complete: 1.5-2 hours 
•    Points of interest: Views of the river, forest, and nature around the visitors center. 

7. Abrams Falls Trail is a picturesque and popular hike leading to waterfalls and a large area for wading in the water on a summer day. 

• Driving distance from Gatlinburg: 17 miles
• Driving distance from Pigeon Forge: Approximately 24 miles
• Parking: available in a parking lot but limited. 
• Difficulty: Moderate 
• Distance: 5.2 miles
• Trail type: out and back 
• Time to complete: 3 to 4 hours
• Points of interest: The highlight of the trail is the stunning 20-foot Abrams Falls, where hikers can enjoy the mesmerizing sight and the surrounding natural beauty.

8. Grotto Falls trail leads you to a waterfall where you can walk behind it! There are large rock formations around the falls to stop for a snack while admiring the view. 

• Driving distance from Gatlinburg: Approximately 3.8 miles
• Driving distance from Pigeon Forge: Approximately 11 miles
• Parking: The trailhead has a parking area, but it can fill up quickly during peak times. There is some room for parking in a few areas along the road but that fills up quickly as well. 
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Distance: 2.6 miles round trip
• Trail type: Out and back
• Time to complete: 2 to 3 hours
• Points of interest: The only water fall in the Great Smoky Mountains where you can walk behind the water fall! 

9. The Cataract Falls trail will lead you to a more calm and quaint. 

• Driving distance from Gatlinburg: Approximately 5.4 miles
• Driving distance from Pigeon Forge: Approximately 12 miles
• Parking: The trailhead has a parking area with limited space.
• Difficulty: Easy
• Distance: 0.5 miles round trip
• Trail type: Out and back
• Time to complete: 30 minutes
• Points of interest: Cataract Falls, a beautiful and tranquil waterfall nestled in the woods

10. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is an easier walk where you will see historic buildings, smaller waterfalls, and old-growth forest. 

• Driving distance from Gatlinburg: Approximately 3 miles
• Driving distance from Pigeon Forge: Approximately 10 miles
• Parking: Limited parking is available at various points along the trail.
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Distance: 5.5-mile, one-way loop road
• Trail type: One way
• Time to complete: Approximately 2 hours for the driving tour
• Points of interest: the historic buildings and log cabins are very cool and unique to this trail. 

11. Cades Cove Loop Road isn’t a spot for full hike but has many trails for walking. Cade’s Cove is one of the most popular driving tours in the park. An 11-mile scenic loop offers access to hiking trails plus the chance to see wildlife and historic structures. About halfway through the scenic drive is a large parking area. This parking area offers access to a visitor center, restrooms, and several historic buildings to explore. You will also find Cades Cove Nature Trail, which is a good option to break up the 11-mile drive. 

• Driving distance from Gatlinburg: Approximately 27 miles
• Driving distance from Pigeon Forge: Approximately 33 miles
• Parking: There are multiple parking areas along the loop road.
• Difficulty: Easy
• Distance: 11-mile, one-way loop road
• Trail type: One way
• Time to complete: Approximately 2 to 4 hours, depending on stops and traffic
• Points of interest: Scenic valley, historic buildings, wildlife viewing (deer, turkey, and sometimes bears), and picturesque views of the surrounding mountains

Hiking Must-Have’s 

We started hiking as a family when my daughter was four years old. Our gear has changed over the years and after this trip we really feel like we have a handle on what we need! 

1. Comfortable and sturdy hiking shoes for everyone. My husband and I love boots; my daughter likes tennis shoe style hiking shoes. 

2. Weather-appropriate clothing (layers, hats, gloves, etc.). We hiked in late spring and needed all the layers for our early morning. We usually started our hikes with long sleeves and pants with shorts and tanks underneath, but about halfway, we were wearing our bottom layer. We were extremely thankful for the top layer for at least the first 45 minutes to an hour, though- it was quite chilly! 

3. Ample water and snacks for energy. All the snacks and hydration! We love these hydration packs, these bars for protein and these sticks. 

4. First aid kit and any necessary medications. We like to keep the first aid kit simple, but it’s definitely a must-have! 

5. Navigation tools such as a map, compass, or GPS device. Download your trail map when you are on wifi in your cabin! We didn’t have service in many places throughout the National Park. 

6. Sunscreen and insect repellent. A must!! You may be under trees throughout your hike, but you aren’t safe from UV rays. 

7. Whistle and flashlight for safety. Especially important for the early morning hikes. 

8. Fully charged mobile phones for emergencies. Even though we didn’t have service, it’s important to always have a charged phone! We also pack an external charger and cord in case we need it. Our batteries die quick when constantly searching for service. 

9. Backpack to carry essentials. We finally figured out our backpack situation. We try to keep our backpacks light, which means starting with a light backpack in general! My daughter has a small hydration pack with water and a few snacks, my husband and I both have a small hiking backpack with water, snacks, first aid kit, etc. 

10. Tall socks, even with pants! We found this really important as the critters are all around. 

11. A hat! I’m a hat person when hiking to keep as much of my body under cover as possible. Again, insects. I’m not a fan but I love being outdoors, so I do what I can to avoid giving them access to various parts of my body. Extra points for a hat with a pony tail hole if you are like my daughter. 

Remember to tailor the list to the specific needs of your family and the length and difficulty of the hike. My daughter also likes to have hiking sticks, so we bought small ones that will fit in her backpack when she isn’t using them! Happy hiking!

You can view all of my hiking essentials here.

Tips for Hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains

• Don’t forget to buy a parking tag if you plan to stop in the park for longer than 15 minutes. Since 2023, it has been a requirement to purchase a parking tag. The price ranges from $5 to $40, depending on the length of your stay. 
• Keep in mind that you do not need to pay the standard National Park entrance fee in the Great Smoky Mountains. Two of the roads within the park cannot legally have a toll, so it’s free to drive through! 
• Please note that pets are not allowed in 95% of the park. There are very few dog-friendly hikes, so be sure to check for more information if you plan to bring your pet. Pets are allowed only on the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail)
• It’s likely you will see a few black bears, keep your distance and they will keep theirs! It’s imperative that you do not feed them or approach them, and talk to your young kids about it before heading to the park. We found that talking to our daughter often about the possibility of seeing bears on our hikes helped ease her mind once we saw them. 

When planning a family hike in the Great Smoky Mountains, it’s important to consider the varying skill levels and interests of your group. It’s also essential to be prepared with proper gear, including water, snacks, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Additionally, always check for trail and road closures or other advisories on the official Great Smoky Mountains National Park website before heading out. By following these tips and exploring the best family-friendly hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains, you’re sure to create lasting memories for your family. 

We prioritized waterfall hikes, trails where we could either loop back or turn around to end at a total length of a maximum 8 miles, opportunities for younger children to handle the hike but also have a bit of a challenge to grow their hiking skills, and trails with a great place to sit for a snack before heading back. Our favorite trails were Alum Cave Trail, Grotto Falls, and Roaring Fork.