20 Best Trails in the Smoky Mountains For Families

Whether you want to soak in the soothing sights and sounds of nature, snap some stunning photos, or just make epic memories, these are the best trails in the Smoky Mountains for families.

With easy to moderate difficulty, these trails are perfect for all ages. But, don’t be fooled. Just because these hikes are kid-friendly doesn’t mean they aren’t amazing!

The spots below offer a variety of perks including sweeping mountain views, Instagram-worthy photography spots, waterfalls, wildflowers, and more! Check out the descriptions below to find the perfect Smoky Mountain hiking trail for you!

Best Trails in the Smoky Mountains For Families

These first hiking trails are the easiest ones on our list. They are all fairly level trails without many difficult terrain features. Some are even paved.

If you are looking for a little bit more of a challenge, scroll down to our list of moderate hikes below.

Each family has its own unique needs. You know your family best and are ultimately responsible for discerning the safety and appropriateness of these hikes.

Little Brier Gap

Round Trip Length: 2.65 miles
Location: Parking is located off of Wear Cove Gap Road, near Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area & Wears Valley

This is a short and easy hike, although there is a bit of a drop-off in some spots.  The trail runs along a peaceful stream and leads to the historic Walker Sisters’ Place.

This primitive homestead is where the Walker Sisters continued to live after refusing to sell their land to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are picnic areas at nearby Metcalf Bottoms.

Read more about Little Brier Gap Trail.

Metcalf Bottoms Trail

Round Trip length: 1.2 miles
Location: Parking is located at Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area, near Wears Valley

This very short trail starts at the Metcalf Bottoms picnic area and ends at the historic Greenbriar Schoolhouse. From the schoolhouse, you can either turn back or continue on to the Little Briar Gap trail (above).

This hike begins on a wide gravel trail, but the pathway changes over to dirt a short way into the hike.

Read more about Metcalf Bottoms Trail.

Look Rock Tower

Round Trip Length: .9 miles
Location: Parking is located along Foothills Parkway, near Walland

This first half of this trail features a fairly moderate incline, but because the trail is so short, it levels out before you know it. As an added bonus, this trail is completely paved, but due to the incline, I do not recommend using a stroller.

Thankfully, there are no steep drop-offs on either side of the trail, so it’s a great choice for younger walkers.

The coolest part is that it leads to a  fire tower that offers stunning 360° views. You’ll be treated to sweeping views of the Smoky Mountains on one side and the gorgeous Tennessee Valley on the other.

This trail is located along the scenic Foothills Parkway, which offers stunning mountain views and plenty of pull-offs for photographs. There are restrooms at the nearby picnic area.

Read more about Look Rock Tower Trail.

Gatlinburg Trail

Round Trip Length: 4 miles
Location: Parking is located on Park Headquarters Road behind Sugarlands Visitor Center or parking on River Rd. in Gatlinburg

This is one of the absolute best trails in the Smoky Mountains for families. Not only is it dog-friendly, but it is also one of the easiest hikes in the Smoky Mountains.

This trail runs along the Little Pigeon River and is relatively level, although not paved. There are also some historical sites along the trail.

The trail runs from downtown Gatlinburg to the Sugarlands Visitor Center. The visitor’s center offers an educational indoor museum, an informative park video, a gift shop, and restrooms.

Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail

Round Trip Length: .5 miles
Location: Parking is located along US 441, near Sugarlands Visitor Center & Gatlinburg

This is by far the easiest trail in the entire national park and is the best for hiking with toddlers who like to walk. My 2 year old walked the entire way.

The trail is paved and is 100%, without question, stroller, and handicap accessible.

Though short, it is heavily wooded and follows a neighboring stream, which makes for a very peaceful excursion.

Read more about the Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail

Schoolhouse Gap

Round Trip Length: 3.8 miles
Location: Parking is located along Laurel Creek Road, halfway between Cades Cove & Townsend

This wide kid-friendly trail follows a small stream and is great for viewing wildflowers in both spring and summer. There is a designated parking lot for this trail. If you are not in the parking lot, you are in the wrong place.

Read more about Schoolhouse Gap Trail.

Juney Whank Falls

Round Trip Length: .5 miles
Location: Parking is located in Deep Creek, near the Deep Creek Picnic Area and Bryson City

Although short, this fun trail features a gorgeous waterfall and scenic footbridge. You can extend your visit, by packing a picnic lunch and getting your feet wet in the creek. You can also explore one of the other great trails in the area, like the Deep Creek Loop trail, on our moderate list below!

Read more about Juney Whank Falls.

Tom Branch Falls

Round Trip Length: .6 miles
Location: Parking is located in Deep Creek, near the Deep Creek Picnic Area and Bryson City

Just a stone’s throw away from Juney Whank Falls (above), this pleasant trail is short enough that you could hike both trails back-to-back. There are benches near the falls for a relaxed viewing experience.

Elkmont Nature Trail

Round Trip Length: .8
Location: Parking is available along Elkmont Road

This short but scenic loop trail features a variety of spring wildflowers and is convenient to the infamous and popular Elkmont Ghost Town.

Read more about the Elkmont Nature Trail.

Oconaluftee River Trail

Round Trip Length: 3 miles
Location: Parking is located at the Oconaluftee Visitors Center near Cherokee

This is one of only 2 trails to allow dogs in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and one of only 3 to allow bicycling.

Many families report that jogging strollers do well on this peaceful scenic trail.

In the spring the trail features a nice variety of wildflowers. You can also visit the adjacent (and FREE) Mountain Farm Museum, any time of year.

Read more about the Oconaluftee River Trail.

More of the Best Smoky Mountain Hikes For Families

Though far from strenuous, these trails are for families who want a little more of a challenge. They are classified as moderate hikes and may feature more changes in elevation and/or rockier terrain.

Clingman’s Dome Trail

Round Trip Length: .5 miles
Location: Parking is located at Clingman’s Dome Visitor Center, near Newfound Gap

Though short this trail is extremely steep. Thankfully, there are many rest benches along the way.

At the top, the observation tower offers spectacular 360-degree mountain views and wonderful photography opportunities.

Although the trail is paved, due to the incline, it is NOT stroller accessible.

Read more about Clingman’s Dome Trail.

Andrews Bald

Round trip length: 3.5 miles
Location: Parking is located at Clingman’s Dome Visitor Center, near Newfound Gap

Andrews Bald, which is located at the end of this trail, offers spectacular mountain views year-round and is a popular photography spot.

This is also an especially excellent hike for viewing wildflowers in late spring and early summer. The trail is accessible from the Clingman’s Dome parking lot, which has restrooms, a picnic area, and a small gift shop.

Read more about Andrew’s Bald Trail.

Cove Hardwood Nature Trail

Round Trip Length: .7 miles
Location: Parking is located at Chimney Tops Picnic Area

This short and sweet hike provides excellent views of wildflowers in March and April. It’s also is a looped hiking trail, which means there is no need for backtracking.  

There are restrooms at the nearby Chimney Tops picnic area.

Fighting Creek Nature Trail

Round Trip Length: 1.25 miles
Location: Parking is located at Sugarlands Valley Visitor Center, near Gatlinburg

This fun and educational trail features informational plaques that teach about the native flora and fauna.

There is also a historical cabin located on the trail, which makes a great opportunity for family photos.  

Though not strenuous, there are a few spots with moderate inclines and/or a steep drop-off to one side. This trail also connects to Cataract Falls.

Read more about Fighting Creek Nature Trail.

Grotto Falls 

Round Trip Length: 2.6 miles
Location: Parking is located along Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Gatlinburg

Although mostly uphill, the incline of this family-friendly smoky mountain hike is gradual and manageable.

One of the best features of this trail is that once you reach the waterfall, you can actually walk behind it. Talk about great photos!

Read more about Grotto Falls Hiking Trail.

Kephart Prong

Round Trip Length: 4.2 miles
Location: Parking is located along US 441, near Oconaluftee Visitors Center

This trail follows a picturesque stream and features historical landmarks including the remnants of old barracks, an old log cabin, and the remnants of an old fish hatchery.

Read more about Kephart Prong Trail.

Laurel Falls

Round Trip Length: 2.3 miles
Location: Parking is located at Fighting Creek Gap Road, near Elkmont & Sugarlands Visitor Center

Laurel Falls is the MOST popular hiking trail in all of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and boasts an 80-foot tall, multi-tiered waterfall. 

Once you reach the waterfall, there are small natural pools for wading, which makes this an excellent summer choice.

Due to the popularity of this trail, it tends to be very busy, but there is plenty of parking available along the road. Although paved, this trail is NOT stroller accessible.

Read more about Laurel Falls Trail.

Rainbow Falls

Round Trip Length: 5.4 miles
Location: Parking is located along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, near Gatlinburg

While still classified as moderate, Rainbow Falls is the most difficult hike on our list and does at times have a strenuous incline. While not the best trail for families with small children, it is fine for older kids.

The trail gets its name from an impressive 80-foot waterfall that casts a radiant canvas of colors onto the surrounding rocks.

Read more about Rainbow Falls Trail.

Little River Trail

Round Trip Length: 4.9 miles
Location: Parking is located on Elkmont Road, just past the campground

This trail is wide and spacious and follows the path of the Little River. It’s an excellent spot for wildflower viewing in March and April. There are historic landmarks along this trail, and picnic areas are located in nearby Elkmont.

Porters Creek Trail

Round Trip Length: 4 miles
Location: Parking is located along Greenbriar Road, near Greenbriar Picnic Area and Cosby

Follow the creek as you enjoy spectacular views of the forest. In March and April, the first 1.5 miles of this hike offer stunning views of wildflowers. There are also a few historical buildings located along the trail. Picnic areas are available at nearby Greenbrier.

Wildlife Safety Tips for Family Hikes in the Smoky Mountains

While hiking, please keep a safe distance from bears, elk, and other wildlife.  This ensures not only your safety but the animals’ safety as well.

Many people don’t realize that when these wild animals become accustomed to humans, they are euthanized by the park service, in an attempt to protect park visitors.

For your safety, it’s also a good idea to carry bear spray (affiliate link). Although attacks are rare, hikers frequently encounter bears in the Smokies, even on the more well-traveled trails.

If you do see a bear on your hike, never fear! The park service made this great video to explain the steps you should take to avoid a catastrophe!

Did we miss one of the best trails in the Smoky Mountains for Families? Please send us the details so we can add it to the list.

More East TN Family Fun

• 100 + Free Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains (That Are Actually Worth Doing)
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Happy hiking, y’all!