Kid Friendly Hikes

First, check out our great book collection on the Smokies that includes some hiking books!

10 Kid-Friendly Smoky Mountains Hikes Ranked

  1. Laurel Falls Trail — 2.6 mi round‑trip
  • Directions: From Gatlinburg take Newfound Gap Rd (US‑441) ~2.6 mi south of Sugarlands Visitor Center; park at Laurel Falls trailhead pullout (large parking area).
  • Difficulty: Easy–Moderate (paved but steep in sections).
  • Length / Time: 2.6 miles RT / 1.5–2 hours at a family pace.
  • Sights: 80‑ft tiered waterfall, stream crossings, mountain laurel in season.
  • Why good for kids: Short paved path, dependable payoff (big waterfall), plenty of photo/snack spots and shallow water edges for supervised play.
  1. Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail — 0.5 mi loop
  • Directions: Park at Sugarlands Visitor Center (near Gatlinburg) and use the paved trail directly behind the visitor center.
  • Difficulty: Very easy (paved, stroller/wheelchair friendly).
  • Length / Time: 0.5 mile loop / 15–30 minutes.
  • Sights: Interpretive signs, creek, forest plants and sometimes wildlife.
  • Why good for kids: Short, educational, accessible for strollers and small children; great first nature walk.
  1. Cataract Falls Trail — 1.0–1.1 mi round‑trip
  • Directions: From US‑441 in Gatlinburg take Cherokee Orchard Rd to the Cataract Falls trailhead (follow signs off Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail or local directions from Gatlinburg).
  • Difficulty: Easy.
  • Length / Time: ~1.1 miles RT / 30–60 minutes.
  • Sights: Small waterfall, creekside walk, forest scenery.
  • Why good for kids: Short, easy footing, waterfall visible without a long hike — ideal for toddlers and short attention spans.
  1. Gatlinburg Trail — 3.8 mi round‑trip (one‑way to Gatlinburg ~1.9 mi)
  • Directions: Trail begins at Sugarlands Visitor Center and runs to Gatlinburg (trailheads at Sugarlands VC and near the city park in Gatlinburg).
  • Difficulty: Easy, mostly flat.
  • Length / Time: 3.8 miles RT / 1.5–2.5 hours round trip; can do shorter out‑and‑back segments.
  • Sights: Little Pigeon River, historic homestead remains, footbridge crossings.
  • Why good for kids: Gentle riverside walking, possibility to turn around any time, dog‑friendly, good for nature observation and skimming rocks.
  1. Metcalf Bottoms Loop / Metcalf Bottoms to Walker Sisters Schoolhouse (combined options) — 1–4 mi options
  • Directions: Enter the park via Townsend; Metcalf Bottoms picnic area is on Little River Rd (follow park signage). Trails begin at the picnic area.
  • Difficulty: Easy.
  • Length / Time: Picnic loop ~1–1.5 miles; to Walker Sisters Schoolhouse & cabins ~4 mi RT (choose shorter).
  • Sights: Rivers, picnic area/swimming holes, historic schoolhouse and homestead (Walker Sisters cabins).
  • Why good for kids: Water play at the river (supervised), picnic facilities, history stops that feel like exploration; flexible distances.
  1. Porters Creek Trail — 2.0–4.0 mi (to Smokemont/Creek areas; common family option 2–4 mi RT)
  • Directions: From Wears Valley or Townsend area drive to Porters Creek trailhead (look for signs on Little River Road/near the Greenbrier area).
  • Difficulty: Easy–Moderate (gentle elevation).
  • Length / Time: 2–4 miles RT depending on turn‑around / 1–2.5 hours.
  • Sights: Wildflowers (spring), old homestead ruins, seasonal waterfall.
  • Why good for kids: Relatively flat, historic buildings to explore, colorful plants/bugs in spring — engaging for curious kids.
  1. Grotto Falls (Trillium Gap Trail) — ~2.6 mi round‑trip
  • Directions: From Gatlinburg use Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail to reach the Trillium Gap/Grotto Falls trailhead (follow Roaring Fork signs).
  • Difficulty: Moderate (some steady grade).
  • Length / Time: ~2.6 miles RT / 1.5–2 hours.
  • Sights: Walk‑behind waterfall (Grotto Falls), forest stream.
  • Why good for kids: Unique chance to walk behind a waterfall — very exciting and memorable; manageable distance for elementary‑age children.
  1. Baskins Creek Falls Trail — ~3.0 mi round‑trip
  • Directions: From Gatlinburg drive the Spur to Ober Gatlinburg area; trailhead parking is along Baskins Creek Rd (follow park/trail signs).
  • Difficulty: Moderate (some climbs, rocky sections).
  • Length / Time: ~3 miles RT / 1.5–2.5 hours.
  • Sights: Secluded waterfall (~40 ft), forested creek corridor.
  • Why good for kids: Waterfall destination, less crowded so kids can explore safely near the falls with supervision.
  1. Spruce Flats Falls Trail — ~1.6 mi round‑trip (Deep Creek area alternative)
  • Directions: Drive to Deep Creek area (near Bryson City / NC/TN border); for a Tennessee-side family day, use Deep Creek trailhead off US‑441/near the Deep Creek picnic area (note: Deep Creek access points straddle NC/TN).
  • Difficulty: Easy.
  • Length / Time: ~1.6 miles RT / 45–90 minutes.
  • Sights: 30‑40 ft waterfall, creekside boulders, tubing area nearby.
  • Why good for kids: Short trail with a waterfall and shallow pools where supervised kids can play; often combined with tubing or picnic.
  1. Abrams Falls Trail (Cades Cove) — ~5.0 mi round‑trip
  • Directions: From Townsend or Gatlinburg drive to Cades Cove Loop; park at Abrams Falls trailhead (Cades Cove area).
  • Difficulty: Moderate (longer distance, some rocky/muddy sections).
  • Length / Time: ~5 miles RT / 2.5–4 hours.
  • Sights: Powerful waterfall, wide creek, possible wildlife viewing in Cades Cove.
  • Why good for kids: Big, impressive waterfall as reward; Cades Cove nearby offers historic buildings and easy wildlife watching — turn this into a full family day.