Top 5 Smoky Mountain Short Hikes That Are Great for Kids
With over 850 miles of hiking trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, there is something for every skill level! The area is not only rich in history but also offers some of the most beautiful views for miles around. You’ll have plenty of easy trails to choose from that are sure to keep the younger ones intrigued. To help you decide where to go first, here are 5 Smoky Mountain short hikes that are great for kids:
1. Porters Creek
The Porters Creek Trail is a 4-mile trip if you go all the way to Fern Branch Falls and back, and is great for older kids who love to explore. It’s also one of the easy trails in the Smokies you can enjoy year-round. About a half-mile in, you’ll find a series of rock walls and building foundations from an old settlement. When you reach the 1-mile mark, there will be a short trail branching off the main path that will lead you to a historic farm site. Your kids will get a chance to see John Messer’s cantilevered barn and an old cabin just beyond it. From here, you can either choose to turn back or continue on for another mile to the waterfall!
2. The Gatlinburg Trail
The Gatlinburg Trail travels 1.9 miles one-way to the outskirts of Gatlinburg from the Sugarlands Visitor Center. The path is relatively flat, making it a popular choice for families with kids and bicyclists, and one of the best Smoky Mountain short hikes that offer beautiful wooded views. You’ll also love the views along the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River. You can even cross the river at one point on the pedestrian footbridge.
3. Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail
The Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail is a 0.5-mile loop that’s considered easy in difficulty. Along the way, you and your kids can enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding forest and the river. It’s great for birdwatching and wildlife viewing, learning more about the area’s biodiversity, and simply taking in the peaceful scenery. This trail is even partially paved, making it wheelchair and stroller-accessible.
4. Cataract Falls
Another of our favorite Gatlinburg hiking trails for kids is the short hike to Cataract Falls. It begins as a paved trail before transitioning to gravel and is just over 1 mile roundtrip! The waterfall itself is 25 feet high and most impressive after rainfall. You can easily combine the Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail and the Cataract Falls Trail since both are located right outside the Visitor Center! Read more about other Great Smoky Mountain waterfalls you should visit!
5. Kephart Prong
The Kephart Prong Trail is just under 4 miles roundtrip and is an ideal Smoky Mountain hike for kids. Along the way, learn about some Smoky Mountain history as you discover remnants of the logging era and the Civilian Conservation Corps camp that was located here many years ago. Around 0.7 miles, you may spot evidence of the fish hatchery that was built in 1936. You might also spot some native wildlife, like the salamanders that can sometimes be found along the stream.
These are just a few Smoky Mountain short hikes for kids! Want more ideas of things to do near Gatlinburg? Check out these additional family activities in the Smoky Mountains!
