One of the most popular walking paths in the Smoky Mountains is the Gatlinburg Trail, which travels for 1.9 miles one-way from the outskirts of Gatlinburg to the Sugarlands Visitor Center. You’ll be thrilled to know that the trailhead is located within an easy 5 minute walk from our hotel, so don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy some exercise among the gorgeous backdrop of the Little Pigeon River! Here are the top 5 reasons why you’ll love exploring the Gatlinburg Trail:
1. Easy Hiking Conditions
The Gatlinburg Trail is a relatively flat gravel trail, creating easy hiking conditions that are ideal for families with children! Since the walking path is less than 4 miles roundtrip, you don’t have to allocate more than a couple of hours to explore the trail. Consider starting your morning with a hike to stretch your legs, then head back to our hotel for a refreshing swim in our outdoor pool! To access the trailhead, simply walk right out of our lobby and stroll down River Road until you see the well marked trail on the right!
2. Beautiful Smoky Mountain Scenery
Another one of the top reasons why you’ll love exploring the Gatlinburg Trail is to enjoy all of the beautiful Smoky Mountain scenery! The trail travels through the forest along the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River and even crosses the river at one point with a pedestrian footbridge. Be sure to bring your camera or cell phone along to capture all the gorgeous views of the river! You’ll also want to keep your eyes open for bears and other wildlife in the forest!
3. Unique Historical Structures
Along with the breathtaking natural scenery, the Gatlinburg Trail also features the foundations and chimneys of several old homesites! There are actually more than 90 historical structures throughout Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including one of the best collections of log buildings in the eastern USA!. After visiting the Gatlinburg Trail, drive to Cades Cove or the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail to see houses, barns, churches, schools, gristmills and more!
4. Access to the Sugarlands Visitor Center
The Gatlinburg Trail leads directly to the Sugarlands Visitor Center within Great Smoky Mountains National Park! This facility is an excellent starting point for guests visiting the park and features natural history exhibits, a bookstore, gift shop, public restrooms and drink vending machines. You can also speak to a Park Ranger to discuss some of the other hiking options in the park, including a lovely nature trail that starts right outside of the Visitor Center!
5. Bike Riding Opportunity
If you happened to bring a bike along for your Smoky Mountain vacation, you’ll be happy to know that the Gatlinburg Trail is one of just two trails in the National Park that permits bicycles! You can ride bikes on most roads within the park, but the only other trail that allows bikes is the Oconaluftee River Trail near the city of Cherokee, NC.
Check out all of the rooms at our hotel in Gatlinburg TN today to stay within easy walking distance of the Gatlinburg Trail! We look forward to welcoming you to the Smoky Mountains!
