I’m often asked what keeps drawing me back to The Smokies. It’s a fair question. Outrageously sweet and fun memories top the list, but close behind is allowing more time for things that are subtle and simple.
A recent twist on simple involves The Gatlinburg Trail. Most visitors unknowingly see it while entering the park from Gatlinburg, Tennessee. As one of only two trails allowing pets and bicycles, it’s as popular with locals as it is with tourists. (The other one is Oconaluftee Trail on the North Carolina side.)
This pretty path sat waiting on my list for quite some time. Mountain top hikes and iconic waterfalls vied for precious vacation days. As Planner-In-Chief to various family travel tribes, (and occasionally, just me) my suggestions were usually followed, and the car headed off in those directions.
Things have changed. I now count this mostly level, two-mile pathway as a favorite. Why? For starters, access is easy. Park at Sugarland’s Visitor Center, walk behind the building and watch for a small sign. If your schedule allows, follow this tip. Jump on the trail around 8:00 and you’ll be sipping coffee in a Gatlinburg pancake house by 8:45. Let the return trip burn off a few of those breakfast calories.
What if a four-mile round trip hike doesn’t fit the bill? Park at a public lot in Gatlinburg and walk south. The trailhead sits across from the NOC Outdoor Store and a medium size pay lot is available. Pick your mileage, turn around when you want, and enjoy the rest of the day.
My last tip? Try and make it far enough along the way where a sit-here-as-long-as-you-want bench provides a peaceful scene. The river keeps you company and The Gatlinburg Trail becomes a pleasant memory to take home from your national park visit.
Dean and I absolutely agree with you on this!! Having a small dog who camps with us, this was an ideal hike for us to take Mr. Gibbs! The path winds along the river the whole way and we got some beautiful photos. Recently, we attended a rally on the NC side in Cherokee. We purposely sought out the visitor center on that side of the GSMNP and walked the mile into town, dined al fresco, then checked out the local shops. We saw a small herd of elk in our way back to the visitor center!
Agree, Laura! Both trails are so nice, especially for those with dogs.
Love that elk herd!
I remember meeting cute Mr. Gibbs at the Townsend KOA about a year ago. And—the rallies you attend sound so fun! I appreciate your comment!
Love the article Marilou. Can’t wait to get to the Smokies. Putting it on my calendar for next year.
Thank you, Jill! Appreciated!
So much more history happened here, but wanted to keep it short. Love Daisy Town! I hope you’ll be in the Smokies, too!
Thanks, Jill! Your thoughts are so appreciated!
It’s such a pretty place and there’s always something new. Hope to see you in the Smokies sometime!
Marilou, Our family still hits this trail first every time we go to the mountains. Of course the kids always end up hanging from trees, throwing rocks, falling or wading in the stream, and having a blast. We love it! Will continue to watch for your writings on the Smokies…thanks for your tips on this trail and on Elkmont!
I think it must’ve been made for all those purposes! Just perfect for all ages—and easy!😊
Glad to hear that your family likes it, too! Thanks for the nice comment!
I think it must’ve been made for all those purposes! Just perfect for all ages—and easy!😊
Glad to hear that your family likes it, too! Thanks for the nice comment, and of course, you’re so welcome!!
I think it must’ve been made for all those purposes! Just perfect for all ages—and easy!😊
Glad to hear that your family likes it, too! Thanks for the nice comment, and of course, you’re so welcome!!
Love the tips for the Smokies! I have been to the Smokies, ummm about 100 times, but have never taken a trail. Always just stayed in the car and drove through, seeing what I could from a window! This has made me want to go back and do a few things differently. My husband is always wanting to take trails, and I’m always telling him it’s because he knows the bear will get me before him 😏. So maybe I’ll chance it and try hiking!! I really would like to be able to say “I hiked…..”. Thank you so much for a wonderfully written article, and the pictures are great too!!
You’d love this trail! Turn around when you want and head to the coffee shop.☕️ I’ll be curious to know which trail won the toss on your next visit and remember, there are no rules on distance. It all works.😊
Thanks for the kind comment—much appreciated!
(My better half thinks about the bears, too.)
Janie—Please know the above comment was for you! I apparently hit the wrong button. Let’s hope that 2020 can find you on a pretty trail.
A very close relative feels as you do on hikes—she wants “two people in front of her & two people behind her.”😉 Thx for the sweet comment. Appreciated!